Welcome

The mission of the Optentia Research Unit is to develop and organise knowledge for the optimal expression of individual, social and institutional potential, with a specific interest in the African context. The research unit utilises the inputs from multiple disciplines: Economics, Educational Sciences, Employment Relations, Human Resource Management, Information Technology, Philosophy, Psychology (Work and Organisational Psychology, Educational Psychology, Counselling Psychology, and Clinical Psychology), Risk Management, Social Anthropology, Social Work, and Sociology. We study the optimisation of the potential of people and institutions by focusing on pathways from precarity to capability and optimal functioning. Optentia's research is organised into six programmes. 

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Symposia

Optentia Writing Retreat 2025 - 22 to 25 April 2025

A premier writing retreat for Master’s and PhD students and early-career researchers.
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17th International Federation on Ageing Conference - 09 to 12 September 2025

Join us for an insightful and impactful event dedicated to exploring the diverse dimensions of ageing and its implications on society. As the world’s population continues to age, it’s imperative that we come together to address the challenges and opportunities associated with this demographic shift. Our conference features thought-provoking keynote addresses, inspiring symposiums, skill-building workshops, interactive oral and poster sessions and most importantly the voices of older people from around the globe. Go to the following link for mor
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Recent news

Guiding the Next Generation: Optentia’s Mentorship Momentum

The training of academic mentors and mentees at universities is critical today due to several pressing challenges in higher education, including supporting early career academics, enhancing student success and retention, building ...Read article

Best Practices for Publishers of Scholarly Books and Conference Proceedings

The National Scholarly Book Publishers’ Forum of South Africa (NSBPF) has undertaken a comprehensive revision of the Best Practice for Publishers of Scholarly Books and Conference Proceedings. Access the guidelinesRead article

Tswala! project bridges the digital divide in South African schools

A groundbreaking initiative aimed at closing the digital divide in schools across Africa is making significant strides. The project, named Tswala! – a Setswana word meaning "closing" – seeks to bridge the gap...Read article

NWU shines as global host for BRICS skills development and innovation challenge

The North-West University (NWU) made history by hosting the prestigious BRICS Skills Development and Technology Innovation Competition from 24 to 28 November 2024, at its Vanderbijlpark Campus. This event, coordinated by the ...Read article

Newsletter, December 2024