Aligning purpose with perseverance
On the 28th of January 2026, the HSRC Internship Programme hosted its internship opening event, titled Aligning Purpose with Perseverance, for all interns. The hybrid event was hosted at the HSRC office in Pretoria with an attendance of over 190 interns at the venue and an additional 150 online. There was great excitement and expectation from interns who expressed a heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to meet and network with other interns. Ms Bongiwe Moni, Director: External Capacity Development and Internships (ECDI), welcomed and acknowledged the presence of representatives and interns. She stated that the purpose of the event was to kickstart and set the tone for the year by encouraging interns to persevere and align that with their purpose. Ms Moni urged the interns to take in and absorb the message carried by the speakers. She reminded them that growth is not linear; each person has their own path, therefore, one should not compare their journey with others.
Prof Sarah Mosoetsa, CEO: Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), shared that the HSRC prides itself on its emphasis on trans-disciplinarity, making impactful social contributions to South African society through multiple collaborations. She advised the interns to remember the attributes that led to their selection for the internship, take up space, serve society, and tell their stories of success. She added that the HSRC acknowledges that the interns are the current and future leaders, professionals, and scholars. Prof Mosoetsa concluded by encouraging the interns to learn and embody the HSRC values SHINE (Synergy, Humility, Integrity, Nurturing diversity, and Excellence), and reminded them to be kind, care for themselves, and seek help when needed.
Ms Rose Msiza, Director: Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI), appreciated the youth for their curiosity and fresh perspective, expressing that this pushes the people in leadership to logically think about the processes that have been put in place. She advised the interns to be confident, that one’s career is a craft, not a checklist, that one is the CEO of their goals, and to appreciate mentors and the HSRC.
Mr Kholofelo Kgaphola is the Deputy Director: Initiation and Monitoring at the National Skills Fund emphasised the philosophy “I am because,” encouraging individuals to start each day with self-reflection on purpose and contribution. He highlighted the importance of youth development, showcasing South African talent, and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. Key values such as innovation, diversity, kindness, excellence, and accountability were underscored as essential in personal and professional life. He also highlighted NSF initiatives, including scholarships, bursaries, international study opportunities, and leadership programmes, which support South African talent and foster innovation, teamwork, and contribution to the greater good.
Ms. Moni introduced the keynote speaker, Dr. Mankgopo Kgatle, highlighting her notable achievements. Dr. Kgatle, Head of the Nuclear Medicine Research Institute (NuMeRI) is a C2 NRF-rated African scientist specialising in viral immunology, cancer epigenetics, and translational molecular medicine. She leads Basic and Translational Research at NuMeRI and is an Extraordinary Lecturer at the University of Pretoria. Her work focuses on virus-associated cancers, immune–epigenetic interactions, and precision diagnostics, with a strong commitment to mentorship and advancing Africa’s biomedical research capacity. In her address, she emphasised that career development goes beyond academic qualifications, encouraging participants to “focus on building relationships, not just a CV.” She stressed the value of professional presence and networking, noting that “your next opportunity will not come from a website, but from a person sitting next to you.”
Dr. Kgatle advised participants to intentionally track their personal and professional growth, suggesting they document daily and weekly learning experiences, which can later serve as valuable narratives during interviews. She also highlighted the importance of protecting one’s purpose, acknowledging that others may not always understand one’s journey, but persistence and self-belief are crucial.
In closing, Dr. Kgatle emphasised balancing effort with intention, warning that “hard work without purpose will burn you out, and purpose without perseverance will leave you dreaming.” She reinforced that sustainable success requires both clear direction and consistent perseverance.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Mzikazi Nduna, HSRC Divisional Executive, thanked all participants for their engagement throughout the event. She reiterated the importance of learning, reflection, and active participation in professional development. Dr. Nduna acknowledged the support of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, the National Skills Fund, mentors, and host institutions, highlighting their role in enabling the programme to bridge the gap between academic study and workplace readiness. She encouraged interns to remain focused on aligning their skills with their purpose and to persevere through challenges. Finally, Dr. Nduna commended the organising team and the keynote speaker for their contributions, emphasising the programme’s vital impact on empowering South African youth for the future.
Ms Palesa Nhlangothi, Financial and Administration Manager: ECDI, concluded the event by expressing her gratitude to everyone who availed themselves to make this event a success.