WELKOM: The research ability of Dr Mantoa Contravetra Molete, a lecturer at the Central University Technology (CUT), Free State, has received major short in the arm in two prestigious national research grants.
Molete currently serves as a lecturer and departmental manager in the Department of Communication Sciences at the CUT campus in Welkom.
The grants are for the National Research Foundation’s (NRF) Black Academics Advancement Programme (BAAP) postdoctoral grant and the University Capacity Development Programme’s (UCDP) junior researcher grant for the 2024-‘2025 period. This recognises Molete’s significant contributions to her field and the university’s research standing.
Both grants are envisioned to support early-career academics in achieving their research goals. They will be used for lecturer replacement, funding for conference attendance and mentorship opportunities among other things.
“These grants will enable us to grow as researchers. They create a space for collaboration, building networks, and for advancing meaningful research without being overwhelmed by teaching responsibilities,” said Molete.
Molete’s research project, titled “Reform of Curricula: Creating the Language Practice Entrepreneur,” addresses the absence of entrepreneurship-focused training in the Language Practice and Media Studies curriculum.
Molete said through her work, she aims to embed entrepreneurial skills into the programme, preparing students to respond to industry demands and become self-sustaining professionals in the language services sector.
Molete holds a doctorate degree in Language Practice and is the first master’s and doctoral graduate produced by her department at the CUT.
She supervises both master’s and doctoral students and serves in numerous leadership roles, including as chairperson of the Institutional Forum, the African Language Association of Southern Africa (Alasa), and the Goldfields TVET College Council.
The CUT believes Molete’s work continues to align with its 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, focusing on transformation, academic excellence, and the development of a strong research culture.
