nGAP congregates at Mont Fleur

It was the end of March 2021 and the country was in lockdown Level 1. Conferences and outdoor meetings were permitted, so the New Generation of Academics Programme (nGAP) enjoyed a writing retreat at the beautiful Mont Fleur in Stellenbosch.

It has been customary for members of nGAP to attend a writing retreat every quarter. Timetable clashes mean that not everybody can attend every time, but there is generally a good turnout, with mentors, supervisors and writing collaborators also invited.

This writing retreat welcomed three of the new nGAP (Phase 6) lecturers – Simon Chili, Tendani Chimboza and Pumelela Nqelenga – who were able to meet their nGAP colleagues for the first time.

The routine

The writing retreats follow a tried and tested format, which includes formal lunches and suppers, teas and lots of writing time in between. With particularly care around COVID-19, one can choose to work in alone in one’s room or in the communal area, where each work station has a divider and cleaning materials to reduce any risk of infection.

The routine also includes an early morning run for those so inclined. There is only one route at Mont Fleur – a steady downhill towards the Dornier wine estate and then a long tough uphill return. The routine also includes an afternoon walk. This is normally led by Michael Gallant, but on this occasion he was recovering from COVID-19. Ricardo Adams, another sterling member of the Mont Fleur staff who knows UCT academics very well, led the walk to Lourensford saddle.

Appreciation

The writing retreats have been part of the winning nGAP formula, and it is heartening to read the responses of those who attended and confirmed the value of the recipe:

• “It was my first time connecting face-to-face with ‘nGAPpers’. I felt a strong sense of community. Very much looking forward to the next retreat.”
• “It’s always such a nice refreshing experience to go to Mont Fleur; the space certainly motivates one to get a lot [more] done than in our normal spaces. I also appreciate the support we receive from Rob and Snazo – its beyond what words can explain. I find the peer support and chats over coffee/lunch to be super useful and very insightful. Thank you to nGAP for affording us such a space and the sense of belonging. A huge thank you, nGAP family.”
• “Excellent quiet space for clear thought and video recording. Got some research ideas and writing tricks from conversation with colleagues.”
• “I got time to focus on my research work and had fruitful conversations with Rob and learnt a lot from everyone.”
• “The writing retreats always help me to focus and buckle down. I can have a full day dedicated to work, without distractions. The writing retreats make me feel rejuvenated and motivated, so I am even able to achieve more when I return to the office. Furthermore, seeing all the other nGAP members is lovely – you really feel part of a larger group.”
• “I will always appreciate this time afforded to us to come together as a cohort and work in this serene environment and reconnect. Mont Fleur team always welcoming and providing best care to us in all ways possible, from great meals to warm rooms at night. Great time to meet the new members of the cohort and get to know each other.”