Four researchers at the University of Fort Hare’s (UFH) Faculty of Health Sciences have been selected to join the Early Health Researcher Support Network, an initiative led by Neil Butcher and Associates (NBA) in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The UFH scholars include Dr Unati Stemela, a Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) lecturer and head of the Rehabilitative Sciences department; Xonné Muller, a Kinderkineticist and lecturer in the Human Movement Science (HMS) Department; Dr Siphesihle Nqweniso, a Biokineticist and Senior HMS lecturer; and Dr Nare Sekoba, a Physiology lecturer in the Department of Natural and Rehabilitative Sciences.
Personal and Professional Growth
The programme is designed to foster personal and professional growth for early-career health sciences researchers through peer collaboration and mentorship. It provides a platform for the scholars to engage in meaningful discussions, share knowledge and gain valuable insights.
The programme consists of about thirty participants, nominated by their respective higher learning institutions in South Africa and selected based on reviews according to the criteria set for individual inclusion.
Career Impact
Muller said her selection for this research community validates the dedication and effort she has invested in her career. “It also reinforces the value of my contributions to the university, allowing me to grow both personally and professionally while reflecting on the social impact of my work.”
Her research interests lie in gross motor development, physical activity, and intervention programs supporting the health and well-being of children, with a focus on neurodevelopmental factors.
Muller believes that being part of this network as an emerging early-career researcher, currently pursuing her PhD, will allow her to become a more efficient researcher. “It will impact my future career by equipping me with leadership abilities and a broader professional network. It will enhance my ability to conduct impactful, interdisciplinary research. I envision using these insights to contribute meaningfully to the health sciences community by advancing research and, in the future, mentoring other early-career researchers.”
Strengthening National and International Research Networks
In addition to their personal and academic growth, Dr Nqweniso also highlighted that being part of the network strengthens the University’s presence in national and international research networks. “It enhances interdisciplinary collaboration and aligns with broader institutional goals of advancing impactful research that addresses public health challenges.”
Dr Nqweniso’s research focuses on preventing obesity and cardiovascular disease risk in children and adolescents from low-income communities through school-based physical activity and health interventions.
“This initiative will heighten my leadership and research capabilities, positioning me as a stronger advocate for child and adolescent health interventions. Additionally, it will also present opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations with academics from other South African universities, access to funding opportunities, and broader policy influence.”
Recently, the participants gathered for the network’s introductory meeting in Johannesburg. Speakers included Education Specialist Neil Butcher, who discussed the importance of personal development for professional success; Dr Vuyane Mhlomi, Co-founder & CEO of Quro Medical, who spoke about purpose-driven health research and social impact; and Monge Tlaka, an education systems expert, who shared insights on resilience, agency, and navigating complex academic and health systems.
According to Dr Sekoba, one of the most overlooked aspects of academic and professional growth is the personal struggles and mental exhaustion that often accompany it. “As early-career researchers, we navigate an intellectually demanding landscape, yet the emotional and psychological toll of this journey is rarely acknowledged in traditional academic spaces. This network serves as more than just a professional platform—it is a safe and supportive space where we can openly reflect on the challenges we face and recognize that mental well-being is not a secondary concern, but a fundamental driver of career success.”