Pretoria – Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande says PhD studies are difficult with doctoral students being frustrated and exhausted at times, but it is the most rewarding things they will ever do.
Addressing the first ever National Doctoral Workshop of the National Institute of the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS), in Johannesburg, on Thursday, Minister Nzimande said PhD studies are the highest level of education.
“The reward is not just the physical dissertation that you will produce, but also the changes in you as a person, as you demonstrate to the world and yourself that you are an independent researcher by answering an important question in a novel way.
“Improving our insight into the social and economic complexities of our past, our present and our possible futures is essential. This is your job, as doctoral students in the Humanities and Social Sciences,” he said.
He encouraged students to assist the country and continent on how to build better lives for people and better societies. “This task falls on your shoulders, as emerging researchers in various aspects of the Social Sciences and Humanities,” Minister Nzimande said.
He said the Humanities and Social Sciences are crucial to ensure that people understand their world and understand where they come from in order to shape their future.
The NIHSS has already renewed funding for 118 South African doctoral students who enrolled in 2014, awarded another 118 fellowships this year, as well as awarding fellowships to 74 students from other African countries. – SAnews.gov.za
