In the realm of academia, where milestones are achieved through years of dedicated research and scholarly pursuits, Prof. Musawenkosi Donia Saurombe stands out as a trailblazer. Breaking barriers and setting records, she has become a symbol of academic excellence, particularly for women and youth across Africa. This article delves into the remarkable journey of Prof. Saurombe, tracing her achievements, accolades, and significant contributions to the fields of Industrial Psychology and Human Resource Management.
Academic Journey and Achievements: Prof. Saurombe’s academic journey commenced at the age of 16 when she enrolled at the University of the North West. By the age of 21, she had already earned her master’s in Industrial Psychology, showcasing her exceptional dedication and intellect. The pinnacle of her academic journey came in 2017 when she earned her Ph.D. in Industrial Psychology, setting an astonishing record as the youngest female Ph.D. graduate in Africa at the age of 23.
Her commitment to academic pursuits was further demonstrated by the speed at which she completed her doctoral studies, accomplishing this feat in just two years. This remarkable achievement not only reflects her intellectual prowess but also underscores her determination to excel in the face of societal pressures and challenges.
Professional Roles and Academic Contributions: Prof. Saurombe’s professional journey includes roles as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the North-West University and later as a Senior Lecturer at the University of the Free State Bloemfontein. In 2021, she joined the University of Johannesburg, where she currently serves as an Associate Professor. Her responsibilities include lecturing courses in Human Resource Management and Industrial Psychology, as well as supervising postgraduate research.
Beyond her academic roles, Prof. Saurombe is recognized as a civic innovator, particularly for her advocacy work concerning women and youth. Her impact in academia extends beyond the classroom, contributing to the development and empowerment of future generations.
Research Interests and Publications: Prof. Saurombe’s research interests encompass talent and performance management, talent management of academic staff, women’s talent, the psychological contract, and employee value proposition. Her recent publications, spanning from 2020 to 2022, showcase the depth of her contributions to these fields, addressing critical issues in South African workplaces and beyond.
Awards and Recognitions: Prof. Saurombe’s exemplary contributions to academia have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by the numerous awards and recognitions she has received. From being named the Emerging Psychologist of the Year by SIOPSA to receiving the CEO’s Award for Youth Leader of the Year in 2018, her achievements underscore her impact on the industrial and organizational psychology landscape.
Conclusion: In the academic arena, Prof. Musawenkosi Donia Saurombe’s journey stands as an inspiration, challenging preconceived notions and setting new standards for excellence. Her commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering positive change in society, particularly for women and youth, exemplifies the transformative power of education. As an Associate Professor, researcher, and advocate, Prof. Saurombe continues to shape the future of academia in South Africa and beyond, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of industrial psychology and human resource management.
In other news, Oluwaseun Bamigboye a Nigerian economist who has made history by becoming the first female PhD holder of the Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) in Nigeria. She obtained her Doctor of Philosophy degree from the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension in December 2021, after successfully defending her thesis on the quality requirements of internet of things streaming data for agricultural extension services.
Dr. Bamigboye is not only a scholar, but also a lecturer at the Edinburgh Napier University in Scotland, where she teaches courses on software engineering, data science, and artificial intelligence. She is also a researcher who has published several papers on semantic model-driven frameworks, agricultural extension, and rural livelihoods .
Dr. Bamigboye’s academic journey is an inspiring one, as she overcame many challenges and obstacles to achieve her goals. She was born and raised in a rural area of Ondo State, where she attended primary and secondary schools. She then proceeded to the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, where she obtained her Bachelor of Agriculture degree in Agricultural Extension and Rural Development in 2010.
She later enrolled for a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Extension at the same university, graduating in 2014. During her master’s program, she developed an interest in data analysis and software development, which led her to pursue a PhD in Agricultural Extension at FUOYE, with a focus on applying internet of things technologies to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Dr. Bamigboye’s PhD research was supervised by Prof. Adeniji, Prof. Fakayode, and Dr. Ogunjimi, who provided her with guidance and support throughout her studies. She also received mentorship and collaboration from Prof. Xiaodong Liu and Dr. Peter Cruickshank from the Edinburgh Napier University, who helped her to refine her research methodology and improve her technical skills. Click here to read more about Oluwaseun academic exploits.
