A group of Stellenbosch University (SU) students in the Senior Living Spaces (SLS) cluster, launched their first podcast series, SLS Conversations, to provide a platform for thought-provoking conversations during the national lockdown, on 18 April.
Students Zimbili Sibiya, Zintle Tunce, Thabani Mtsi, Chuma Gqola and Ntokozo Knowledge Tyaphile, came together to document and share students’ experiences during the lockdown, said Gqola, an MSc (Polymer Science) student at SU.
“We wanted to explore a new way of engaging with students. The measures put in place for the lockdown limit student interaction and engagement,” said Gqola.
The members of the SLS Conversations podcast (from left to right): Thabani Mtsi, Chuma Gqola, Zintle Tunce, Ntokozo Knowledge Tyaphile and Zimbili Sibiya. PHOTO: Chuma Gqola. Edited by Anke Nothnagel
SLS Conversation’s first podcast was recorded through Microsoft Teams and was published on the podcast platform, Anchor.
The podcast will explore a variety of topics and students will be encouraged to take part in these conversations, said Gqola.
“In the next three episodes we will be dissecting a play by Athol Fugard, Master Harold and the boys. Students from the Listen, Live and Learn (LLL) programme will be sharing their views on the play,” Gqola said.
According to Gqola, members of the team wanted to learn and explore the craft of podcasting.
“We have divided the roles for production into editing and the compiling of recordings, podcast presenter and communication,” said Gqola.
The team alternates their roles in the production process for each episode so that members of the team have an opportunity to develop new skills, Gqola said.
We wanted to explore a new way of engaging with students. The measures put in place for the lockdown limit student interaction and engagement, said Gqola.
According to Sibiya, PhD student from the Department of Forest and Wood Sciences at SU, students should use this time to explore and try new things.
“It is through such initiatives that we find our passion and purpose in life – and what better time to do so, than now,” said Sibiya.
Exploring a variety of topics
According to Noel Bekkers, Residence Education (ResEd) coordinator for the SLS cluster at SU, it is of great importance for students to have these conversations.
“I think the university’s main purpose is to ensure that students have conversations – some might be easier and some more challenging,” said Bekkers.
For SU to be a university that progresses, the quality and content of conversations are of paramount importance, according to Bekkers.
Students in the Senior Living Spaces (SLS) cluster have launched their first podcast series, SLS Conversations, earlier this month. PHOTO: Unsplash/Malte Wingen. Edited by Anke Nothnagel