Animating the Post-Pandemic Academic Experience
“You cannot come back to the same thing. You can’t step into the same river twice.”                                                                                         Dr. Carla Tsampiras

After a 4 year break, the Academic Citizen podcast, has staged a comeback. In doing so, the team as led by Professors Mehita Iqani and Nosipho Mngomezulu are reanimating the commitment to growing space for the higher education community in South Africa and beyond to explore what we do and why it matters.

This 6th season is being curated into inter-disciplinary themed conversations in each episode. In Comebacks we share conversations with a number of academics about their experience and lessons from the return to campus after the period of loss.

Season 6

55. Comebacks

This episode explores the complexities that arise when considering the financial status of our universities and the higher education sector in general.

Like any institution in a capitalist economy, universities revolve around money, income, and expenditure. We explore some aspects of the bigger picture of how money makes the university go round.

The Academic Citizen

56. Money

As universities grapple with what it means to take seriously the imperative to green our campuses and research practice, this episode explodes the colour green: to consider the importance of indigenous knowledge, the relationship between ecological and social diversity and how envy and competition shape our relationship to academic work. In this episode, we think out loud with the colour green with three academic citizens. Our journey takes us from a conversation with a philosopher turned organiser (Dr Alex Lenferna), to reflecting on biodiversity with applied conservationist (Dr Zoe Nhleko) and settle back into our bodies with narrative psychologist (Dr Jill Bradbury). Come with us.

57. Green

The deep colour blue: often associated with vastness, the fear of the unknown yet calming, enduring and complete. Continuing from the last episode where we explored the colour Green, our three academic citizens help us explore and expand our understanding behind the symbolism of the colour blue. Our journey takes us from exploring the journey and unpredictability of the ocean with artist and oceanic researcher Meghan Judge, to understanding the noise pollution affecting our seas with zoologist and behavourial ecologist Professor Aliza le Roux and understanding how ocean can play a meaningful role in our food processes and health with artist and PhD candidate Zayaan Khaan.

58. Blue

Breath is life. In this episode, our academic citizens explore how breathing helps our mental and physical well-being with Dr. Ela Manga and the advocacy for improved air quality in our cities and health with A/Prof Tolullah Oni. A special thank you to Dr Nosipho Mngomezulu for permission to use excerpts from her ethnographic audio Hold For Sixty, None, Two and Seven, which focuses on the use of breath in our personal and academic life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Breathe with us.

60. Breathing

Being delayed is not being denied. In this episode, we explore the choppy waters of what it means to be success? with Adv Thato Toeba, who or what determines failure with Dr Sthabile Kolwa and unpacking the enabling conditions that aid us in taking risks and learning from our failure with Dr Dee Marco. Come with us.

61. Failure

In this episode, we explore three ways of understanding journeys from movement as knowledge with A/Professor Harmony Signaporia, to the ethics of flying and climate change with Dr Henri-Count Evans and to the elusiveness of nature and the wild by Dr Gabriella Leighton. Journeys is the final episode of Season 6. Come with us.

62. Journeys

Are you an academic, researcher or institution or department of higher education? Do you want to make a podcast to share your research with the world? Speak to us, we can help! We are open to being commissioned from 2023.

Intro and Outro Music by The Academic Citizen
Backing Music by Music Unlimited from Pixabay

Commission & Collaborate With Us!

Listening is dynamic, especially in recreating historical places. In this episode, we explore Willow Road in Fairview, Gqeberha with musician and sound artist Andrei Van Wyk. It focuses on using sound to evoke the lost homes and communities of Willow Road, destroyed by the Group Areas Act of 1950. By reconstructing the past through sound, this episode highlights how audio can revive aspects of lost spaces. Come with us.

65. Historical Soundscapes

When we think of museums, we often envision a traditional building with objects and artefacts. In this episode, we challenge this notion with Dr. John Kannenberg from The Museum of Portable Sound. This episode delves into the concept of collecting and showcasing sound as cultural and museological heritage, offering a new perspective on traditional museum and music practices. By examining the portability of sound, this episode emphasizes that sound is an integral part of our cultural heritage and is not confined to a single space. Come with us.

66. The Museum Of Portable Sound

The sounds of nature can offer a unique listening experience and make us aware of our spaces and the species that exist. In this episode, we head deep into the green urban belts and wild spaces of Aoteroa with wildlife filmmaker, storyteller and host of Tune into Nature Podcast, Karthic SS. This episode guides our attention and appreciation to nature's soundscapes where listening can offer whole different modality to learning about the presence of species and growing conservation efforts. Come with us.

67. Nature Soundscapes

Similar to spoken and written language, clothing conveys important symbolic meaning and serves as a creative space for preserving daily traditions. In this episode, we highlight indigenous language and knowledge systems with independent fashion practitioner, researcher, and archivist Siviwe James. Through the use of sound, we emphasize the significance of traditional clothing as primary cultural materials, allowing for a deeper exploration of history and culture, particularly in relation to isintu and intlonipho. Listen to the episode on our website or on all streaming platforms. Come with us.

68. Imiphindo kwaXhosa

Humans need to re-establish our connection with the Earth. In this episode, we explore the role of sound in helping us understand how waste has impacted the spaces and experiences of our planet with sociologist, filmmaker, and performer Dr. Julie Patarin-Jossen. Through feminist and queer perspectives, this episode helps us develop a new emotional relationship with the natural world, especially as we are called to protect our home, Earth. Come with us.

69. Reclaim The Ground

What happens when you combine science with electrifying and nostalgic sonic experimentation? In this episode, we explore the ideal fusion of music and science as we share stories of scientific research with researcher, science communicator, and producer, Prof Alice Motion. Focusing on the psychological aspects of public understanding of science, this episode illustrates that, much like facts, emotions and social relationships play a significant role in how we create, share, and absorb knowledge. Music, much like science, holds epistemic authority, making the partnership between science and music immensely valuable for improving access to and understanding of scientific research in society. Come with us with the last episode of season.

70. Music As Science

With only five days’ notice, Mehita was thrown into a whirlwind of preparation: rushing between medical clearances, work arrangements, and the essential question: what does one even pack for a month on the ice-cold Southern Ocean? In this unexpected turn of events, she found herself standing on East Pier beneath the warm autumn sun, flanked by two kit bags and staring in awe at her home for the next 33 days - the SA Agulhas II. Her destination: Marion Island. Hear her story of sudden departures, scientific voyages, and the quiet awe of life changing somewhere in the middle of learning about the science of the subantarctic ocean. 

The South African National Antarctic Programs Artist and Writers Project was devised and is run by Prof Charne Lavery at the University of Pretoria and Prof Jean Brundrit from the University of Cape Town.  It is a pilot program designed to improve public engagement with South Africa's Antarctic involvement through the arts and humanities. The Project is funded and supported by the South African National Research Foundation (NRF) and the South African Government. This episode introduces the SA Agulhas II, South Africa’s national scientific research vessel, and Marion Island, South Africa’s subantarctic territory. 

We want to thank the following guests on this episode: 
- Mr Marcel van der Berg and Dr Azwianewu Makhado from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment
- Mr Yinhla Shihlomule, Ms Eleanor Weideman, Mr Chandler Patel, and Mr Peter Cunningham from the South African Polar Research Infrastructure.
- Prof. Guillaume Delpech from the Universite’ Paris Saclay
- Prof. David Hedding from the University of South Africa
- Ms Nicola Marneweck from the University of Pretoria 
- Ms Kanyisa Makubalo from the South African Weather Service. 

For more information on the work discussed in this episode, visit:

- Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment: https://www.dffe.gov.za/antarctica-and-southern-oceans-islands
-Marine Information Management System: https://ocims.environment.gov.za/DataResources.html
- South African National Antarctic Programme: https://www.sanap.ac.za/
- South African Polar Research Infrastructure: https://www.sapri.ac.za/
- South African Weather Service: https://www.weathersa.co.za/

This season is funded by the NRF-South African Research Chair in Science Communication, located within the Centre for Science Communication at Stellenbosch University. Prof Mehita Iqani is the Chairholder. | www.imidibaniso.co.za

71. A Ship, An Island

Marion Island may be thousands of kilometres from the South African mainland, but it buzzes with activity: tiny, and large fluttering, crawling, nesting, scurrying movements. In this episode, we dig deeper into the island’s living world to explore the extraordinary creatures that inhabit this subantarctic terrain. From insects smaller than a fingernail to birds that undertake vast journeys across the Southern Ocean, and even the mice whose presence has altered the ecosystem, we examine some of the animals that live in this harsh environment.

Why are these species important? What makes their survival so exceptional? And what insights are scientists gaining about biodiversity, adaptation, and ecological vulnerability at one of the planet’s most remote research locations? Using vivid descriptions, expert knowledge, and field observations, this episode explores the diverse life forms coexisting on this windswept island and the vital research aimed at protecting them. We start with the tiniest inhabitants and gradually broaden our focus to include some of the feathered and furry creatures that define life here.

We thank the following guests on this episode:
-Ms Camilla Smyth, Mr Chandler Patel, Mr Andile Khuzwayo, Ms Janu Rau, Ms Rhiannon Gill and Ms Eleanor Weideman from the South African Polar Research Institute.  
-Dr Daniela Monsanto from the University of Johannesburg
-Ms Naomi Monk from the University of Pretoria
-Dr Keith Springer from Mouse Free Marion 

For more information on the work discussed in this episode, visit:
-BirdLife South Africa: www.birdlife.org.za/ and Peter Ryan’s book: https://shop.birdlife.org.za/product/guide-to-seabirds-of-southern-africa-new-edition/
-Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment: www.dffe.gov.za/antarctica-and-so…rn-oceans-islands
-Mouse Free Marion: mousefreemarion.org
-South African National Antarctic Programme: www.sanap.ac.za/
-South African Polar Research Infrastructure: www.sapri.ac.za/

This season is funded by the NRF-South African Research Chair in Science Communication, located within the Centre for Science Communication at Stellenbosch University. Prof Mehita Iqani is the Chairholder. | www.imidibaniso.co.za

72. Antenna, Fur, Feathers

The ocean surrounding Marion Island is a breathing wilderness - a vast and mysterious realm where familiar giants coexist with tiny creatures that emit an almost magical light. These diverse beings move through the water in intricate ways that we are only beginning to understand. On the surface, it may seem simple and ordinary, but beneath the steel-blue waves lies a vibrant, lively world teeming with life and secrets waiting to be uncovered.

We follow the creatures we recognise as they slice, glide, and hunt through the sub-Antarctic waters, and we uncover the vital role of microscopic organisms that quietly sustain the entire ecosystem and keep the heartbeat of the ocean alive. This episode encourages curiosity to witness an ocean in transition, from iconic species navigating these waters to the importance of microscopic life, and how its chemistry and rhythms are shifting with profound consequences for the creatures that call it home.

We thank the following guests on this episode:

-Dr Zimkhita Gebe, Dr Azwianewu Makhado, Mr Marcel van der Berg from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment. 
-Mr Chandler Patel, Ms Megan Clarkson, Mr Dylan Manyoka, Mr Peter Cunningham, Mr Yinhla Shihlomule,Ms Camilla Smyth Mr Kwanele Khuzwayo, Ms Janu Rau from the South African Polar Research Infrastructure.
-Ms Emma Swanepoel and Ms Sarah du Preez from the University of Cape Town.

For more information on the work discussed in this episode, visit:
-Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment: www.dffe.gov.za/antarctica-and-so…rn-oceans-islands 
-South African National Antarctic Programme: www.sanap.ac.za/ 
-South African Polar Research Infrastructure: www.sapri.ac.za/ 

This season is funded by the NRF-South African Research Chair in Science Communication, located within the Centre for Science Communication at Stellenbosch University. Prof Mehita Iqani is the Chairholder. | www.imidibaniso.co.za

73. Swimming, Blowing, Glowing

In this final episode of the season, we focus on the intricate web that connects life on our planet. We zoom out to hear about how Marion Island is a location for space science, and then zoom in to learn how SA Agulhas II and Marion Island serve as extraordinary training grounds for the next generation of scientists. Young researchers learn technical skills of their fields and also how to observe, question, and collaborate in environments that demand accuracy and humility. South African research plays a crucial role in the global community of Antarctic and sub-Antarctic science. It provides an essential piece of the puzzle in understanding how ecosystems across the globe are interconnected. What happens in this isolated archipelago ripples outward, informing our knowledge of climate, biodiversity, and the delicate balance that sustains life.

This episode invites listeners to explore how scientific knowledge, cultural understanding, and lived experience come together in the pursuit of discovery. And perhaps the most powerful insight from the Marion 2025 voyage is that every scientist spoken to views their work not as an individual effort, but as part of an intergenerational project.  It is a testament to the episode's theme: everything is connected.

It has been an absolute pleasure to work on this season and to share the journey to Marion Island. We extend our gratitude to Prof. Charne Lavery and Prof. Jean Brundrit for conceptualising and leading the SANAP Artists and Writers Programme, and for the valuable access, experiences, and insights this initiative has provided. We also like to thank all the guests who agreed to be interviewed for this season. 

We thank the following guests on this episode:

-Mr Marcel van der Berg, Dr Azwianewu Makhado, Mr Mutshutshu Tsanwani, Dr Zimkhita Gebe, Dr Thato Mtshali from the Department of Forest, Fisheries and Environment.
-Ms Eleanor Weideman from the South African Polar Research Institute.
-Prof. Michael Kosch from the South African National Space Agency. 
-Ms Sarah du Preez and Ms Emma Swanepoel from the University of Cape Town
-Prof. Guillaume Delpech from the Universite’ Paris Saclay. 

For more information on the work discussed in this episode, visit:

-Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment: www.dffe.gov.za/antarctica-and-so…rn-oceans-islands
-South African National Antarctic Programme: www.sanap.ac.za/ 
-South African Polar Research Infrastructure: www.sapri.ac.za/ 
-South African National Space Agency: https://www.sansa.org.za/ 
-Marine Information Management System: https://ocims.environment.gov.za/DataResources.html 

This season is funded by the NRF-South African Research Chair in Science Communication, located within the Centre for Science Communication at Stellenbosch University. Prof Mehita Iqani is the Chairholder. | www.imidibaniso.co.za


74. Everything Is Connected

Academic Staff play an important role in universities. They teach students, research phenomena and help develop the status quo within the institutions that they work. As part of the labour force, they are entitled to liberties and protections enshrined in the Constitution. Professor David Hornsby joins The Academic Citizen to explain what academic staff unions are and why it is important to be unionised. 

7: The Importance of Academic Staff Unions

In this week's episode, The Academic Citizen explores the topic of transformation in South Africa. The show's guest, Nazeema Mohamed, outlines the necessity and challenges of bringing change to the higher education sector within a growing and evolving democracy.

8: The Challenges of Transformation

As discussed in previous episodes, fees have become a major issue for universities in South Africa and beyond. Gerald Wangenge-Ouma joins The Academic Citizen to argue that the call for fee-free education is unrealistic. In his view, fees form an important part of funding for the university in order to maintain access and quality for students.

Photo by Charlie Foster

10: Why Universities Need Fees Income

In this week’s episode of The Academic Citizen, Dr Shose Kessi introduces the Black Academic Caucus, which is based at the University of Cape Town, and explains how its objectives relate to transformation and decolonisation within spaces of higher learning.

11: The Black Academic Caucus at UCT

Misan Rewane, the Director of Lagos-based organisation, West Africa Vocational Education (WAVE), joins this week's episode. We reflect on higher education in Nigeria and explore the merits of 'vocational education' as a tool for unemployed youths to gain skills and improve their access to steady employment. We also get some student opinions on whether a vocational or academic education is more relevant for African youths today.

14: HE And Unemployment - A View From Nigeria

Professor Sioux McKenna joins the podcast to explain the importance of doctoral degrees in solving social and economic issues in developing societies. We also explore the challenges faced by PhD researchers, including funding, work/study balance and completion rates, and share some tips to follow for making it through your doctoral degree.

We also chat to students about their opinion of PhDs and whether they would pursue a doctoral studies. 

17: Doctoral Degrees and Developing Economies

Professor Hlonipha Mokoena joins The Academic Citizen to discuss the fees and funding debates regarding higher education in South Africa. Mokoena explains the work of eight-member Wits Panel that delivered a report titled 'Funding Model(s) for Higher Education in South Africa' to the Commission of Inquiry into Higher Education chaired by Justice Heher. Some of the the proposed solutions include re-defining the concept of 'fees'  and drawing on corporate, government and university revenues in order to fund higher education.
 
The panel included Professors Roger Gibson, Laetitia Rispel, Christopher Malikane, David Hornsby, Mtendeweka Mhango, Cathi Albertyn and Dr Nthatisi Khatleli. 
 
We also chat to the some students about the work of the panel and the funding crisis in South Africa’s higher education sector. 

22: The Commission of Inquiry into HE

Many people are of the view that academics only write for academics. They conduct and carry out research into complicated issues where the findings often end up confined to journals. As a result, most people do not have access to some of these important research findings and if they do, their use is often beyond the grasp of the ordinary person. 

Today’s episode seeks to challenge that and explore alternative ways in which academics may disseminate their research material and findings to the public. Mehita Iqani spoke to the science and education editor of The Conversation, Natasha Joseph. The Conversation, which has partnered with The Academic Citizen, is an online platform where academics can publish their work for the benefit of the public.

31: Disseminating Research

Despite policy initiatives aimed at structuring affordable low cost health care funding products, medical schemes have remained unaffordable, and therefore inaccessible, to the majority of South Africans. Universities, through insurance companies, provide medical aid with high premiums to their staff. Coupled with high tuition, international students attending South African universities also have to pay high prices for compulsory medical aid cover.
 
The cost of treatment in general and medicine in particular is an important barrier to health care access, with the rising cost of medicine contributing to the growing pressure on affordability. Prof Mehita Iqani had a discussion with Prof Alex van den Heever, the Chair of Social Security Systems Administration and Management Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand and  adjunct professor in the Wits School of Governance, on what how medical aids in South Africa are structured and what it means for universities. Is it possible for universities to drive affordable health insurance for all staff and students?

33: Universities And Medical Aids

Dr Hleze Kunje wrote his four-year-long PhD thesis in isiXhosa, about Xhosa people who settled in Mbembesi, an area outside of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. He graduated with his PhD in April 2017 and is a lecturer at Sol Plaatjie University. Hailing from rural Mqanduli in the Eastern Cape, Dr Kunju says his love affair with the language began at a young age. An artist and intellectual Dr Hleze merges his love for language with multi-lingual pedagogy, academic rigour, and curiosity to present an expansive picture of the importance of African languages. 

In this episode, Dr Nosipho Mngomezulu talks to Dr Hleze about his journey, ethnographic practice, pan-Africanism and the importance of community. 

Produced, Edited, Scheduled and Researched by: 

Simbarashe Honde

42: The Art of Language

The Academic Citizen team is back and refreshed from the semester break. In this episode Dr Nosipho Mngomezulu introduces new cohost, Kholeka Belinda Shange. 

Shange is currently pursuing a PhD in History of Art. Her research is focused on visual representations of uMntwana Magogo kaDinuzulu.  She is a Wits University graduate with a BA (Hons) in Dramatic Arts and a Master’s degree in Film and Television studies. Her Master’s research examined how spoken word poetry served as a vehicle through which young black male poets in Johannesburg reimagined stereotypical representations of black masculinities in mainstream cinema and popular media. As part of this degree, she produced and directed the short film “Rainbow’s Men”.

In this episode, Mngomezulu and Shange discuss various themes which they would like to probe and deliberate on this semester. Themes ranging from the role of lecturers in addressing student problems, feminism in academia, what it means to be vulnerable yet at the same time be fully present and importantly exploring alternative ways of disseminating knowledge. 

In these days of social media and activism terms like being “woke’ “consciousness” are being thrown around and Mngomezulu and Shange also plan on dissecting what those terms mean amongst many other issues of concern in higher education. 

Produced, Edited, Researched and Scheduled by: 

Simbarashe Honde

Welcome Back - Season 2

Carina Truyts is part of the pioneers at South Africa’s newest university, Sol Plaatje University in Kimberly. She has established the Anthropology department there. Her teaching and research is focused on contextual knowledge production, sharing and engagement. Truyts’ Masters Research was on Nourishment in the 'first thousand days' in the context of precarious livelihoods in a small Cape Winelands town.

In this episode she shares with with Dr Nosipho Mngomezulu the excitement, countless opportunities and responsibilities associated with being part of this pioneering exercise.  They also speak about institutional cultures and the ethical conundrums faced at such new establishments. 

Produced, Edited, Researched and Scheduled by: 

Simbarashe Honde

54: New Universities

An independent podcast about critical issues in higher education. All episodes are free to download and share.
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An academic citizen is anyone who is part of the higher education community. They are engaged in pedagogy or research or both, and are committed to furthering knowledge, education and the advancement of society from their disciplinary position. 

An academic citizen sees their work in higher education as a public project, both in terms of being partially funded by taxpayer money, and in terms of the contributions they wish to make to the world around them. 

Although citizenship implies an exclusive form of belonging, here we use it to signal the role of academic work in collective life in a non-exclusionary way, and to anchor it in a public project to which all humanity belongs.

We create knowledge not only for our individual benefit but for the benefit of all.

The Academic Citizen is an independent podcast series produced and funded in its second iteration by the South African Research Chair in Science Communication in 2022. It was originally supported by the Academic Staff Association of Wits University (ASAWU) when it was first established in 2016.

The Academic Citizen

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