Presidential PhD Programme Roadshow Kickstarts at NRF-iThemba LABS in the Western Cape

The first Presidential PhD Programme (PPhD) Roadshow officially kicked off on 22 September 2025, at NRF-iThemba Labs in the Western Cape. Hosted by the National Research Foundation (NRF), the Roadshow provided a dynamic platform for universities, researchers, policymakers, and industry partners to engage on the future of Doctoral training in South Africa. Discussions centred on the programme’s implementation, opportunities, and partnership strategies to better equip PhD graduates for societal and industry impact.

In his welcome remarks, Prof Victor Tshivhase (Managing Director, iThemba LABS) said, “The Programme has potential influence to stimulate partnerships for accelerated PhD production in the country.”

Said Dr Thandi Mgwebi, NRF Group Executive: Business Advancement, “The Roadshows are an important strategic platform to promote inclusivity and engage universities and strategic stakeholders in the implementation of the Presidential PhD Programme.”

“A PhD is a passport to shaping society and to reimagine solutions where none exist”, said Dr Mao Amis, co-founder and Executive Director of the African Centre for a Green Economy. “Doctoral training is important as a breeding ground for innovation”.

The event featured an interactive dialogue on the future, significance and impact of Doctoral training in South Africa, exploring innovative approaches to the programme design, regional interventions, and strategies to equip PhD graduates for greater societal and industry absorption. Highlights from the day included:

• A panel discussion entitled Equipping the Next Generation of PhDs for Real-World Impact, facilitated by Mamoeletsi Mosia, Managing Director of NRF-SAASTA, which featured leading voices from academia, research and industry;
• Discussions on synergies, planned approaches, and upcoming opportunities within the programme; and
• An interactive exhibition from the South African Institute of Aquatic Biodiversity (NRF-SAIAB); South African Astronomical Observatory (NRF-SAAO); and South African Environmental Observation Network (NRF-SAEON), coupled with a networking session to foster new collaboration and strengthen existing partnerships.

Speaking on the resource mobilisation of the Presidential PhD Programme, Bheki Hadebe, Director: High-End Skills at the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, said, “The DSTI and the Department of Higher Education and Training are working closely to ensure the Programme responds to the country’s skills development needs.”

The roadshow marks the beginning of a series of national engagements designed to build a coordinated, high-impact doctoral training ecosystem through the PPhD. The programme aims to accelerate the rate of PhD production in the country, while aligning with South Africa’s development priorities and strengthening partnerships to advance the knowledge ecosystem. Future roadshows are planned for other provinces, which will be announced on the programme’s website.