Abstract
Abstract:
Higher education institutions (HEIs) in South Africa are facing
challenges arising as a result of the shift from traditional teaching activities
to a combination of research and teaching. Increasing emphasis on
research, an integral part of this transformation of higher education, has
required HEIs to develop and implement capacity development strategies
to enable those new to research to engage in research output; and
mentorship is a strategy that is enjoying increasing popularity. This article
explores the challenges faced in the implementation of a formal research
mentorship programme (REMP), using the University of Johannesburg
as a case study. A quantitative approach was adopted to obtain the
perceptions of academic staff of REMP as a strategy for building research
capacity. The findings reveal that whilst the REMP is strongly favoured by
academics as a means of guiding novice researchers, key factors need to
be addressed to ensure its success. This article examines the challenges
for both mentors and mentees and suggests actions to help mentorship
programmes make sustainable contributions to the development of
research capacity.