The inspiring journeys of Ms. Ngwakona Leichen Matlala and Ms. Legoadi Charlotte Maja are powerful testaments to the transformative potential of research and education. Both women, as researchers and lecturers at Polokwane Campus, are dedicated to improving access to quality education and addressing the unique challenges faced by underprivileged students in Limpopo Province. Their work, focused on digital accessibility and robotics curriculum, is both innovative and deeply impactful.
Ms. Ngwakona Leichen Matlala: Pioneering Digital Accessibility for TVET Students
Ms. Matlala is currently pursuing her PhD in Digital Accessibility at Unisa – The University of South Africa with a specific focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students in Limpopo, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Her research seeks to bridge the digital divide and ensure that underprivileged students have equal access to the educational resources and technologies they need to succeed.
Her academic background in Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, and Educational Management provides a strong foundation for her work, combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of the educational landscape. Ms. Matlala’s personal experiences of working with students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds have shaped her research focus, making her a passionate advocate for addressing social inequities in education.
Her research not only tackles the issue of digital inclusion but also aims to enhance teaching and learning experiences for TVET students, helping them gain the necessary skills to thrive in the modern workforce. Her commitment to social justice and digital equity in education is deeply motivating.
Ms. Legoadi Charlotte Maja: Advancing Robotics Curriculum in TVET Colleges
Ms. Maja is also pursuing her PhD at UNISA, with a focus on the robotics curriculum within the National Certificate Vocational (NCV) program at TVET colleges in Limpopo. As a Mathematics and Personnel Training lecturer, her academic interests are rooted in understanding how the integration of robotics can better equip students with critical skills for the 21st-century economy.
Her research examines the experiences of NCV students as they engage with robotics, a field that is often seen as intimidating or inaccessible to many students, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds. Through her work, Ms. Maja seeks to create more inclusive and accessible pathways for students to engage with STEM education, with the goal of inspiring more students to pursue careers in technology and engineering.
Her passion for robotics and mathematics informs her teaching philosophy, making her a champion for innovative curricula that empower students and prepare them for a rapidly changing technological landscape.
Shared Commitment to Educational Transformation
Despite their distinct research paths, both Ms. Matlala and Ms. Maja share a commitment to empowering students and improving education in underprivileged communities. They both emphasize the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges, balancing academic, professional, and personal responsibilities while pursuing their research goals.
They also provide valuable advice for other educators and aspiring researchers, encouraging them to:
Persevere in their academic journeys, no matter the obstacles.
Seek support from mentors, colleagues, and supervisors.
Choose research topics they are truly passionate about, which will fuel their long-term dedication.
Their own resilience in navigating the challenges of higher education is a powerful example for others, showing that with passion, hard work, and the right support, meaningful change is possible.
A Lasting Impact
As both Ms. Matlala and Ms. Maja continue their academic journeys at UNISA, they are positioned to make lasting contributions to the field of education and to the lives of students in Limpopo. Their work, which seeks to improve digital accessibility and robotics education, will help to create a more equitable and inclusive educational landscape for all students, particularly those in underserved communities.
Their stories underscore the power of dedication and passion in transforming both individuals and communities. Through their ongoing research, Ms. Matlala and Ms. Maja are not just advancing knowledge in their respective fields but are also shaping the future of education, ensuring that it is accessible, relevant, and empowering for all students, regardless of their background.
