In Conversation with Hendrick Makaneta

Two lecturers from Stellenbosch University were recognised on 17 February 2026 at the 2025 Absa Stokvel Awards for creating an innovative stokvel model that blends financial support with academic accountability. Conceptualised by Phodisho Kgwale, a lecturer in academic and professional literacies at the university’s Language Centre, and Reginald Kgwedi from the Department of Logistics, the initiative reimagines collective savings as a tool for research advancement, collaboration and social impact. Their model highlights how stokvels can move beyond traditional savings systems to actively support postgraduate academic success.

The stokvel allows members, primarily postgraduate researchers, to contribute monthly to a managed investment account used to fund essential research expenses such as conference fees, travel for data collection and university registration costs. Beyond financial assistance, the initiative also promotes academic discipline through bi-weekly accountability sessions where members share research progress and set goals. The group further extends its impact through community engagement, partnering with the Kayamandi Empowerment Centre to provide mentorship, strategic guidance and support for local development initiatives