Dr Sipho Mbatha has recently become the first South African to obtain a doctorate in fashion design.
According to News24, the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) graduate said that his research mentor and supervisor, Professor Anne Mastamet-Mason, had served as his motivation to complete his doctoral studies.
“When Prof Mastamet-Mason recruited me to come back for my B.Tech in 2009, she indicated that she wanted me to be the first South African to obtain a Doctorate in Fashion Design.
“I took on her challenge, since I never back down from any challenge. Through her mentorship and supervision, I passed both my B.Tech and M.Tech with distinction. It would be a historic omission if I do not stress the critical role the NRF [National Research Fund] Thuthuka grant played in this achievement,” said the 34-year-old Mbatha.
A proud Mastamet-Mason said Mbatha’s research had revealed a disconnection between the textile, leather and footwear sector, as well as the university and government’s role in strengthening the fashion industry, specifically in product development, TUT reports.
News24 adds that the findings of the research have not only been presented at two international conferences, but two articles have also been submitted for publication.
“The study has contributed significantly to the Triple Helix Theory and has yielded recommendations for governmental policy makers,” said Masmet-Mason.
Mbatha, who is a lecturer at TUT’s Faculty of the Arts and Design, Department of Design Studies was part of the June virtual ceremony.
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