Supervisor Workshop - SOFAR promotes training of academic supervisors and mentors in the City of Maputo

The City of Maputo hosted, on 19 and 20 May 2026, a workshop dedicated to the training of student supervisors and mentors, bringing together lecturers, researchers and academic advisors. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen postgraduate education and the development of scientific research in Africa, promoted by the SOFAR (Southern Africa Research Capacity Network) initiative.

The main objective of the meeting was to strengthen academic supervision and mentoring skills, providing participants with practical tools to improve the support offered to students, particularly at postgraduate level and in scientific research.

The workshop was facilitated by Prof. Liezel Frick from Stellenbosch University, a specialist in higher education studies and doctoral education, and Dr Nompilo Tshuma, a senior lecturer and researcher with expertise in educational technologies and researcher development in Africa.

Over the two days of training, topics included the supervision relationship between supervisor and doctoral candidate, monitoring academic progress, research ethics and integrity, as well as strategies for internationalisation and scientific collaboration. Participants also had the opportunity to share experiences and discuss challenges related to academic supervision and mentoring.

The event targeted lecturers, researchers, early-career supervisors, as well as experienced supervisors and co-supervisors involved in doctoral training programmes. The in-person format enabled greater interaction among participants, fostering a collaborative learning environment and exchange of experiences.

The workshop represents another step towards strengthening research capacity and advanced training in the Southern African region, contributing to the development of a stronger network of supervisors and mentors committed to academic and scientific excellence.