Dr Mikateko Mathebula, an Associate Professor from the University of the Free State, South Africa visited the University of Warwick on 05^th December 2023, for a meeting with the WAHEI Team. Dr Mathebula is a WAHEI Research Advisory Committee member with research expertise in rurality and higher education in South Africa. She was visiting the UK for a conference and made time for a day’s visit to Warwick. Dr Mathebula was received by the project Co-PI Dr Emily F. Henderson and Research Assistant Ms S Arokia Mary. The visit began with Dr Mathebula’s informal meeting and discussion with the Department of Education Studies Staff and PGRs.

This meeting was followed by Dr Mathebula’s interaction with the members of the doctoral students’ group convened by Dr Emily F. Henderson and Dr James Burford, to facilitate discussions and collegiality amongst doctoral students they are working with. During this session the members of the group discussed methodological topics with Dr Mathebula, who is an expert in creative methods such as photo voice, digital storytelling, and participatory videos. The hour-long discussion included issues relating to ethical concerns regarding using video films in research, photo-voice methods, research methods choices and resulting implications for their academic careers ahead. Following this meeting, Dr Mathebula and Dr Henderson had a lunch meeting which included discussions of the WAHEI project, including conceptual questions about defining rurality.

Further, Dr Mathebula presented her work on ‘Conceptualising Higher Education immobility through a capabilities lens’ in the EQ923, Understanding Global Education and International Development, end of module panel event on sustainable development and global higher education organised by Dr James Burford. The panel consisted of Dr Mathebula, Dr Henderson, and Dr Kevin Zhou. Dr Mathebula’s presentation provided an overview of her current research project that investigates the contributions of universities towards transformation of rural communities. Dr Henderson deliberated on ‘Gender and Access to Higher Education in India’, drawing from the research findings from the Fair Chance to Education project. Dr Zhou’s presentation elucidated his research on UK universities’ approach towards sustainability. Dr Mathebula then departed for the next phase of her trip, following a successful visit.