In spite of the challenges faced after two years of the Covid-19 Pandemic and unexpected budget constraints, we are grateful to be able to reflect back on a highly successful year.
In response to the ‘new normal,’ we began returning to in-person activities, while maintaining the new virtual tools and practices we adopted during the period when in-person activities were restricted. The use of these virtual tools enabled us to reach a large audience with information on study and research opportunities in Germany in collaboration with multiple South African Higher Learning Institutions.
We were invited to participate in study fairs and information sessions by Tshwane University of Technology, University of Free State, University of Cape Town, University of Venda, Mangosuthu University of Technology as well as the Department of Higher Education & Training (DHET) to disseminate information about what the DAAD has to offer and about international study opportunities. We also had the opportunity to join the Deutsche Schule Hermannsburg as well as the Deutsche Internationale Schule Johannesburg for an information session with parents and scholars interested in studying in Germany.
In June, we were thrilled to be able to host our first in-person event of the year, a Falling Walls Lab. This year, after two Falling Walls Labs in Johannesburg, we decided to host our first Falling Walls Lab in Pretoria, partnering with the Tshwane University of Technology where we provide a platform for 14 young students, researchers, and entrepreneurs to pitch their research project, business plan, entrepreneurial or social initiative to a high-calibre jury comprised of German industry representatives in South Africa as well as senior academics.
Having ended the first half of the year on such a high note, it only got better as the year wore on. In September, the team took a trip down to the picturesque coastal city of Qheberha for the 11th DAAD South Africa Conference. During the three-day conference, we had the opportunity to meet and interact with young African academics who are currently completing a Master or PhD degree at selected universities in South Africa, Namibia, and Malawi through the DAAD IN-Country/In-Region Scholarship programme, DAAD Alumni and partners from the Nelson Mandela University.
To wrap up the year, the DAAD South Africa hosted a networking lunch in November that brought together Alumi and strategic partners in Gauteng who have supported us over the years. We had a fantastic time meeting, reconnecting, sharing scholarship and project information for 2023, and exchanging ideas for future collaborations!
The activities of the DAAD Johannesburg does not only aim to support Southern African students, graduates, researchers who are interested in broadening their horizons, but it also aims to apply its competence and expertise even more to providing information and advisory services to institutions of higher education and other academic exchange stakeholders in SA through strong relationships.
Our goal for 2023 is to continue in this direction. Should your institution, school or organization like to collaborate by hosting an information session with DAAD IC Johannesburg, or if you are already planning a study abroad fair and would like us to take part, please contact us at daad@wits.ac.za.
