Economics seminar strengthens research culture and academic engagement

Dr Sanele Gumede, Economics lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, led a public lecture on South Africa’s budget during a seminar hosted by TUT’s Faculty of Economics and Finance, Department of Economics, aimed at equipping students and staff with research skills and fostering academic growth.

Dr Gumede’s public lecture focused on South Africa’s national budget and set the tone for the seminar, which created a platform for candidates to present their research and receive feedback. Master’s and Doctoral students shared their work and engaged in meaningful questions, critique and advice from academic staff.

Dr Ngonidzashe Chiranga, Academic Manager at the Faculty of Economics and Finance’s Polokwane Campus, advised candidates to follow a clear structure in their research. He encouraged them to limit excessive focus on theory and to organise their work by sequencing the paper, providing an outline and placing literature in a matrix to strengthen quality.

He stressed that research must demonstrate a clear contribution and noted that in economics, this lies in empirical work that adds to the body of knowledge.

The seminar reflects the department’s commitment to building a strong research culture by creating opportunities for engagement, mentorship and knowledge sharing. Such initiatives support critical thinking, improve research quality and prepare students to contribute meaningfully to society through evidence-based solutions.

Masters and doctorate candidates from the department of Economics at the Economics research seminar.