In Conversation with…

In Conversation with…

By Mmabatho MongaeEducation
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In Conversation with… episodes

  • We fought for freedom, not democracy

    In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Hlengiwe Ndlovu to unpack the complex dynamics of state-society relations. We dive deep into the tension between freedom and democracy, exploring the often overlooked nuances of these concepts. Drawing from her thesis, Dr. Ndlovu shares insights from interviews with local historians in Duncan Village, who reveal that their struggle was not simply for democracy, but for something much deeper. Known for her unconventional approach, Dr. Ndlovu writes as a true labor of love, blending rigorous scholarship with heartfelt storytelling. Join us for this thought-provoking conversation.


    Links to articles:

    Dr Ndlovu’s PhD

    https://wiredspace.wits.ac.za/items/4e6995ae-b6bb-49a9-96a2-c073f9acc021


    Labor of love: Re‐membering dismembered bodies in community research

    https://doi.org/10.1111/gwao.13117


    Forgotten Bodies or Silenced Voices? Recasting Women’s Voices at the Bantu Square Massacre of East London, 1952

    https://doi.org/10.1080/03057070.2023.2337516



    Bodies that (do not) matter? Black Sunday and narratives of the death of Sister Aidan Quinlan in Duncan Village protest, 1952

    https://doi.org/10.1080/10130950.2019.1690314

    1 hr 20 min
  • Why perceptions matter: How Africans experience democracy

    In this episode, the mic is turned as Keo Mbebe interviews me about my research on governance, democracy, and public perceptions in Africa. We discuss how everyday experiences shape democratic perceptions, the type of democrat emerging in Africa, and whether democracy is truly working for its people. From elections in SADC to the role of governance in shaping civic engagement, this conversation unpacks the complexities of African democracy beyond indexes and international rankings.

    1 hr 26 min
  • Beyond the TRC: Rethinking Justice, Memory, and Healing in South Africa

    I speak with Keo Mbebe about her PhD research on the TRC and its colonialist historiography. We unpack the TRC’s misplaced aims, the dangers of misusing concepts like reconciliation, and the enduring psychological and political consequences of South Africa’s unresolved history.


    Links to articles |

    Why impatience was a key facet of Tutu’s life story: https://www.news24.com/news24/opinion-keolebogile-mbebe-why-impatience-was-a-key-facet-of-tutus-life-story-20211229


    1 hr 18 min
  • Migrant identities: rethinking belonging, ethnicity and citizenship

    In this episode, Silindile Mlilo draws from her PhD research to shed light on unconventional forms of citizenship, the intersections of indigeneity and ethnicity, and the ways these “marginalized” groups assert agency and shape state practices. Join us as we unpack traditional notions of identity, citizenship, and nation-building.

    1 hr
  • Rewriting Narratives: Pentecostal Women and Feminist Imaginaries

    In this episode we’re joined by Tumi Mampane, a lecturer and PhD candidate whose research examines the portrayal of township femininities in South African media. We discuss how TV shows like Scandal and Gomora shape the perceptions of black and the evolving portrayals and perceptions of black township women in media and church. Tune in for a conversation on womanhood, faith, media, representation, and the power of storytelling.



    Links |

    Article: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14725843.2022.2082378


    Book: https://hsrcpress.ac.za/product/pentecostal-charismatic-women-constructions-of-femininity-in-alexandra-township/

    1 hr 20 min
  • Black Female Therapists’ Experiences of Therapy with Black Female Clients
    The therapeutic relationship is often described as a powerful space for healing, yet it doesn’t exist in isolation from broader societal factors. Race, gender, and culture play a pivotal role in shaping the dynamics between therapist and client. Today, we delve into Charity Mkone’s work which explores these complexities through the lens of Black female therapists working with Black female clients.
    Links:
    Charity’s website: https://www.charitymkone-psychology.com/aboutme
    54 min
  • Mind, body & thesis

    The PhD can be a fun and an adventurous journey of self, knowledge and the world and it also requires balance. Join Silindile, Ntokozo and I as we discuss the different waves of balance in the PhD journey.


    Ps: this episode was recorded 2 months ago hence why I refer to it as episode 2

    54 min
  • From Masters to PhD

    Today, we explore the transition ‘From Masters to PhD’, reflecting on the challenges, lessons, and personal growth experienced along the way

    27 min
  • Beyond doubt: Overcoming imposter syndrome in academia
    Imposter syndrome in academia... let's talk about it. Imposter syndrome is something that affects all of us in some way, shape or form. Given that the PhD journey and academia is characterized by perfection and receiving criticism, chances are self-doubt becomes a common feature but it doesn't have to be our determining factor.
    30 min

About In Conversation with…

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In Conversation With… is a dynamic podcast where we engage in candid and thought-provoking conversations with PhD candidates, graduates, thought leaders, and experts from diverse fields. Join us as…