UCT welcomes new USHEPiA Fellows

A new cohort of six USHEPiA (University Science, Engineering, Law and Humanities Partnerships in Africa) Fellows received their awards in late 2009, and will spend time at UCT on their way to completing their PhDs.

• Ruby Magosvongwe of the University of Zimbabwe: PhD in African languages, supervised by Dr Abner Nyamende;

• Juliana Masabo of the University of Dar es Salaam in Ethiopia: PhD in labour law, supervised by Professor Evance Kalula;

• Peggoty Mutai of the University of Nairobi in Kenya: PhD in Chemistry, supervised by Professor Kelly Chibale;

• Maurice Mutowo of the University of Zimbabwe: PhD in business management, supervised by Professor Kurt April;

• Vincent Nyau of the University of Zambia: PhD in molecular and cell biology, supervised by Professor Wolf Brandt; and

• Amani Lusekelo of the University of Dar es Salaam: PhD in African Languages, supervised by Professor Herman Batibo of the University of Botswana. Lusekelo is the first Fellow to be registered at a partner university other than UCT.

Through offering full-degree, split-site postgraduate fellowships, USHEPiA promotes collaboration between African researchers, and builds institutional and human capacity in cash-strapped African universities. Its ultimate goal is to develop a network of African researchers capable of addressing the developmental requirements of Sub-Saharan Africa.

Since USHEPiA's inception in 1996, 47 degrees (40 PhDs and seven master's) have been awarded. Not one graduate has left the continent to work at other universities abroad, and most have returned to their home universities.