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THE MAHLALELA MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME

ABOUT

The Mahlalela Mentorship Programme is co-designed by the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI), the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists of South Africa (APECS SA) and the South African Network for Coastal and Oceanic Research (SANCOR). The programme aims to foster professional development within the marine and polar research community by connecting postgraduate students and early career researchers with experienced mentors. Based on a community needs assessment, the programme will support the development and career progression of emerging researchers by facilitating the sharing of best practices, innovative ideas, specialised knowledge, and essential skills, thereby enriching the entire community.

THE NAME

The Mahlalela Mentorship Programme is named after Dr Precious Mahlalela (1995-2023), a former LTO-Ocean (Long-term Observations of the Ocean) Research Coordinator for the South African Polar Research Infrastructure. The Mahlalela Clan, which translates to “listen,” embodies a profound sense of generosity and compassion. Individuals bearing this name are often driven by a deep commitment to serving others, frequently dedicating their time and talents to charitable endeavours. They strive to be their best selves in every aspect of life, actively seeking out volunteer opportunities to uplift those around them. This spirit of selflessness and dedication to community exemplifies the essence of their name, reflecting a harmonious blend of listening and action in their pursuit of making a positive impact. The Mahlalela Mentorship Programme aims to foster the same sentiment of inclusivity and community.

VISION

To empower and connect polar and marine early-career researchers (ECRs), fostering a vibrant, diverse and transformed community that strengthens South Africa’s position as a global leader in polar and marine research. Through mentorship, we aim to inspire and support the next generation to contribute to scientific innovation, environmental stewardship, and national development. By empowering ECRs, the programme strengthens the future workforce in marine and polar research and ensures the sustainability of research efforts in these critical domains.

MISSION

The mentorship programme seeks to enhance skills, build capacity, and create opportunities for collaboration among emerging marine and polar researchers. Aligned with the missions of SAPRI, SANCOR and APECS SA, the programme will provide a platform for knowledge exchange and professional growth. By connecting experienced researchers with early-career researchers, the mentorship programme aims to foster interest in polar and marine careers, improve accessibility and inclusivity in these vital fields, and develop a skilled, diverse workforce.

KEY AIMS

  • Stimulate the interest of young South Africans in pursuing careers in polar and marine fields, ensuring a sustainable research community for the future. An emphasis is placed on skills development and strengthening the future workforce
  • Promote diversity and transformation with a focus on underrepresented groups and tertiary institutions
  • Develop a network of empowered, engaged researchers who actively contribute to scientific discourse and collaborate on national and global research initiatives
  • Encourage Peer to Peer Communication which encourages sharing knowledge and skills within the marine and polar research field

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

Cohorts 2 and 3: Targeted skills development

This phase of the programme focuses on targeted skills development through structured group mentorship. A mini-pilot of the mentor-mentee matching process was trialed at the SANAP Symposium 2025, which welcomed our second group of MMP participants (Cohort 2). If you participated in this cohort, we kindly invite you to complete our review form below.

We are pleased to announce that the next phase of the MMP was launched in April 2026. Building on the foundations of the programme so far, this next phase supports postgraduate students and early-career researchers in marine and polar research by matching participants into small mentorship groups. The programme will run from April to September 2026, with each mentor supporting 4-6 mentees. Participants will meet monthly to engage in discussions around research, academic progression, and career development. The programme complements – but does not replace – formal academic supervision.

Please note that mentorship spaces are limited, and places were allocated to applicants who are able to fully commit to the programme. Applicants who were unable to do so at this time may apply for future cohorts.

Eligibility: Only for those working or studying in marine- or polar-related fields based in South Africa.

Cohort 1: Power skills development (completed)

This iteration, which ran from March to October 2025, featured a webinar series focused on foundational power skills applicable to all participants, whether mentor or mentee. Topics included CV Building, Project Management, Data Analysis and Management, Science Communication, Scientific Writing, Mentorship in Practice, and Financial Literacy. Links to the recorded webinars are available below.

If you participated in Cohort 1, we warmly invite you to complete our review form below. Your insights are essential in helping us reflect on what worked well and how we can build an even stronger programme moving forward.

REVIEWS & FEEDBACK

Review Cohorts 1 and 2

PAST EVENTS

Cohort 3: MMP Workshop

The Mahlalela Mentorship Programme recently hosted a Cohort 3 in-person workshop. The event brought together a vibrant and diverse group of postgraduate students, early-career researchers, and mentors from across the marine and polar research community. With approximately 38 participants joining both in person and online, the workshop was more than just a gathering. It was a space filled with energy, curiosity, and a shared sense of purpose. From the moment the day began, it was clear that this was a community coming together not only to learn, but to connect, support, and grow alongside one another. Read more here.

Cohort 2: mini-pilot

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in the mini-pilot of the mentor-mentee matching process at the 7th SANAP Symposium 2025. We truly appreciate the time, energy, and openness you brought to the experience.

If you participated in Cohort 2, we warmly invite you to complete our review form. Your insights are essential in helping us reflect on what worked well and how we can build an even stronger programme moving forward.

Cohort 1: webinar series

If you participated in Cohort 1 we warmly invite you to complete our review form. Your insights are essential in helping us reflect on what worked well and how we can build an even stronger programme moving forward.

CONTACT

 

For enquiries regarding the mentorship programme, please contact the SAPRI Engagement Officer:

Kelebogile (Kelly) Mogotsi

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