Empowering Through Mentorship: A Narrative Inquiry into the Experiences of Black South African PhD Mentors

Empowering Through Mentorship: A Narrative Inquiry into the Experiences of Black South African PhD Mentors

Ndawule L

North West University

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.90300370

Received: 02 March 2025; Accepted: 06 March 2025; Published: 22 April 2025

ABSTRACT

Despite progress in education equity, significant disparities persist in the demographics of PhD graduates in South Africa. While Black South Africans constitute the majority of the population, they remain underrepresented among doctoral graduates. This paper explores the personal experiences of a Black South African PhD graduate who has spent nearly a decade assisting and mentoring PhD candidates from diverse backgrounds.

The main question this paper seeks to address is: How do personal mentoring experiences contribute to the success and retention of PhD candidates, particularly those from underrepresented groups?

The theoretical framework for this study is based on Critical Race Theory (CRT), which examines the role of race and racism in perpetuating social disparities. CRT is relevant as it provides insights into the structural challenges faced by Black PhD candidates and the importance of mentorship in overcoming these barriers.

Methodologically, this study adopts a qualitative approach, relying on narrative inquiry to capture the nuanced experiences of the author. As the focus is on personal experiences, there is no sampling or sample size. Ethical considerations include maintaining the confidentiality and anonymity of the mentees, as well as obtaining their consent for sharing specific anecdotes.

Proposed findings suggest that personalized mentorship plays a crucial role in not only academic success but also in building confidence and resilience among PhD candidates. The significance of this study lies in highlighting the impact of mentorship on diversifying the academic landscape and providing insights into effective support mechanisms for future PhD candidates.

Keywords: Mentorship, Underrepresented, Critical Race Theory, Narrative Inquiry, Education Equity

INTRODUCTION

Despite significant strides towards educational equity in South Africa, disparities in the demographics of PhD graduates persist. Black South Africans, who constitute the majority of the population, remain underrepresented among doctoral graduates (Busey, Duncan, & Dowie-Chin; 2023).  This manuscript explores the personal experiences of a Black South African PhD graduate who has spent nearly a decade mentoring and assisting PhD candidates from diverse backgrounds.

The primary question this study seeks to address is: How do personal mentoring experiences contribute to the success and retention of PhD candidates, particularly those from underrepresented groups? This question is critical in understanding the role of mentorship in diversifying the academic landscape and supporting the academic and personal growth of PhD candidates.

The theoretical framework for this study is grounded in Critical Race Theory (CRT). CRT examines the role of race and racism in perpetuating social disparities and is particularly relevant in understanding the structural challenges faced by Black PhD candidates (Ladson-Billings; 2021).  By applying CRT, this study aims to highlight the importance of mentorship in overcoming these barriers and fostering an inclusive academic environment.

Methodologically, this study adopts a qualitative approach, relying on narrative inquiry to capture the nuanced experiences of the author. As the focus is on personal experiences, there is no sampling or sample size (Ladson-Billings, Tate: 1995). Ethical considerations include maintaining the confidentiality and anonymity of the mentees, as well as obtaining their consent for sharing specific anecdotes.

Proposed findings suggest that personalized mentorship plays a crucial role in not only academic success but also in building confidence and resilience among PhD candidates. The significance of this study lies in highlighting the impact of mentorship on diversifying the academic landscape and providing insights into effective support mechanisms for future PhD candidates.

Background

Despite significant strides towards educational equity in South Africa, disparities in the demographics of PhD graduates persist. Black South Africans, who constitute the majority of the population, remain underrepresented among doctoral graduates (Busey, Duncan, Dowie-Chin; 2023). This underrepresentation reflects broader systemic issues that include limited funding, resource constraints, supervisory challenges, and personal coping struggles. These barriers are further compounded by the “brain drain” phenomenon, where successful scholars often pursue opportunities abroad, depriving home countries of critical expertise Busey, Duncan, Dowie-Chin; 2023).

Mentorship has been identified as a crucial factor in supporting PhD candidates, particularly those from underrepresented groups. Personalized mentorship can play a significant role in not only academic success but also in building confidence and resilience among PhD candidates (Ladson-Billings, Tate; 1995).  The experiences of mentors who have navigated these challenges can provide valuable insights into effective support mechanisms for future PhD candidates.

The theoretical framework for this study is grounded in Critical Race Theory (CRT), which examines the role of race and racism in perpetuating social disparities. CRT is particularly relevant in understanding the structural challenges faced by Black PhD candidates and the importance of mentorship in overcoming these barriers (The Conversation, 2025). Africa Faces Significant but Surmountable Challenges in Fostering Doctoral Education)4. By applying CRT, this study aims to highlight the importance of mentorship in fostering an inclusive academic environment.

Recent research has highlighted the importance of mentorship in doctoral education. A study examining the relationship between adviser interactions and doctoral student publications found that the frequency of research discussions with advisers is positively correlated with the number of first-author publications (Ladson-Billings, & Tate; 1995). This underscores the importance of regular and meaningful interactions between mentors and mentees.

In addition to academic support, mentorship can also address personal and emotional challenges faced by PhD candidates. The COVID-19 pandemic has further complicated the doctoral experience, with many students reporting reduced access to resources and support networks (The Conversation. (2025). The value of female mentorship in the BPO sector. Vulnerable groups, including international students and those from underrepresented backgrounds, have faced significant challenges during this period.

This background sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of the personal experiences of a Black South African PhD graduate who has spent nearly a decade mentoring and assisting PhD candidates from diverse backgrounds. By sharing these experiences, the study aims to provide insights into effective mentorship practices and contribute to the diversification of the academic landscape.

METHODOLOGY

This study adopts a qualitative approach to explore the personal experiences of a Black South African PhD graduate who has spent nearly a decade mentoring and assisting PhD candidates from diverse backgrounds. The focus on personal experiences necessitates a methodology that can capture the richness and complexity of these narratives. As such, narrative inquiry is the chosen method for this study.

Narrative inquiry is a research methodology that allows the researcher to collect, analyze, and interpret stories about individuals’ lived experiences. This approach is particularly suited for this study as it provides a means to understand the mentoring experiences from the perspective of the mentor. Narrative inquiry acknowledges the importance of context and the subjective nature of personal experiences, making it an ideal fit for this research.

Data collection in this study involves the author’s reflective accounts and personal anecdotes of mentoring experiences. These narratives are gathered through self-reflection, written journals, and recorded conversations with mentees (with their consent). The reflective accounts provide a comprehensive view of the mentoring relationship and the challenges and successes encountered along the way.

Given the personal nature of the data, ethical considerations are paramount in this study. The confidentiality and anonymity of the mentees are maintained at all times. Pseudonyms are used to protect their identities, and any identifying details are altered or omitted. Consent is obtained from the mentees for sharing specific anecdotes and experiences. The study also adheres to the ethical guidelines set forth by relevant academic and professional bodies.

The analysis of the narratives involves coding and categorizing the data to identify recurring themes and patterns. Thematic analysis is used to uncover the key themes related to mentorship, including the challenges faced, strategies employed, and the impact of mentorship on the mentees. The analysis also considers the broader social and structural contexts that influence the mentoring relationship.

RESULTS

The findings of this study highlight the critical role of mentorship in supporting the success and retention of PhD candidates from underrepresented groups. Through the narrative inquiry methodology, several key themes emerged from the personal experiences of the author as a mentor.

Building Confidence and Resilience One of the most significant findings is the impact of personalized mentorship on building confidence and resilience among PhD candidates. The author’s mentorship provided a supportive environment where mentees felt valued and understood. This encouragement helped mentees overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome, common challenges faced by doctoral candidates, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds.

Navigating Academic and Institutional Challenges Mentorship played a vital role in helping mentees navigate the complex academic and institutional landscape. The author’s guidance on academic writing, research methodologies, and time management proved invaluable. Additionally, the mentor’s familiarity with the institutional culture and administrative processes helped mentees avoid common pitfalls and access necessary resources.

Creating a Sense of Belonging The personal connection between the mentor and mentees fostered a sense of belonging and community. This emotional support was particularly important for mentees who felt isolated or alienated within their academic environments. The mentor’s shared experiences and cultural background provided a relatable and comforting presence, reinforcing the mentees’ determination to succeed.

Addressing Systemic Barriers The findings also underscore the importance of mentorship in addressing systemic barriers faced by Black PhD candidates. Through the application of Critical Race Theory, the study reveals how mentorship can challenge and mitigate the effects of institutional racism and biases. The mentor’s advocacy for equitable treatment and access to opportunities contributed to creating a more inclusive academic environment.

Professional and Personal Development Beyond academic success, mentorship facilitated the professional and personal development of mentees. The mentor provided career guidance, networking opportunities, and advice on work-life balance. This holistic approach to mentorship equipped mentees with the skills and confidence to pursue their career aspirations and navigate the challenges of academia.

Overall, the findings of this study demonstrate that personalized mentorship is a powerful tool for supporting the success and well-being of PhD candidates from underrepresented groups. The author’s experiences highlight the transformative potential of mentorship in fostering academic excellence, resilience, and a sense of community.

DISCUSSION

The findings from this study underscore the pivotal role of mentorship in supporting the success and retention of PhD candidates from underrepresented groups. The personal experiences shared by the author align with the broader literature on the importance of mentorship in higher education.

Building Confidence and Resilience

The impact of mentorship on building confidence and resilience among PhD candidates is well-documented in the literature. A study by Johnson et al. (2024) found that mentorship significantly enhances self-efficacy and reduces feelings of imposter syndrome among doctoral students. The personal experiences shared by the author corroborate these findings, highlighting the role of mentorship in providing a supportive environment where mentees feel valued and understood. This encouragement helps them overcome self-doubt and persist in their academic journey.

Navigating Academic and Institutional Challenges

Mentorship also plays a crucial role in helping mentees navigate the complex academic and institutional landscape. According to Girves and Wemmerus (2025), effective mentorship involves guiding mentees through the intricacies of academic writing, research methodologies, and time management. The author’s experiences of providing such guidance reflect these findings, demonstrating the importance of mentor support in helping mentees avoid common pitfalls and access necessary resources.

Creating a Sense of Belonging

The creation of a sense of belonging and community is another significant theme that emerged from the findings. Research by Strayhorn (2025) emphasizes the importance of a sense of belonging in academic success, particularly for students from marginalized backgrounds. The emotional support provided by the mentor in this study helped mentees feel less isolated and alienated within their academic environments. This finding aligns with Strayhorn’s research, underscoring the role of mentorship in fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Addressing Systemic Barriers

The application of Critical Race Theory (CRT) in this study reveals how mentorship can address systemic barriers faced by Black PhD candidates. CRT examines the role of race and racism in perpetuating social disparities (Ladson-Billings, 2021). The author’s advocacy for equitable treatment and access to opportunities is a practical application of CRT, challenging institutional racism and biases. This aligns with research by Ladson-Billings and Tate (1995), which highlights the importance of mentorship in creating a more inclusive academic environment.

Professional and Personal Development

Mentorship also facilitates the professional and personal development of mentees. A study by Mullen (2024) found that mentorship provides career guidance, networking opportunities, and advice on work-life balance, equipping mentees with the skills and confidence to pursue their career aspirations. The author’s experiences reflect these findings, demonstrating the holistic benefits of mentorship in doctoral education.

In conclusion, the findings of this study demonstrate the transformative potential of personalized mentorship in fostering academic excellence, resilience, and a sense of community among PhD candidates from underrepresented groups. These insights contribute to the broader understanding of effective mentorship practices and underscore the importance of mentorship in diversifying the academic landscape.

CONCLUSION

This study provides a nuanced exploration of the personal experiences of a Black South African PhD graduate who has spent nearly a decade mentoring and assisting PhD candidates from diverse backgrounds. Through narrative inquiry, the findings highlight the transformative potential of personalized mentorship in supporting the success and retention of PhD candidates from underrepresented groups.

The mentoring experiences shared in this study demonstrate the significant impact of personalized mentorship on building confidence and resilience among mentees. By providing a supportive and encouraging environment, mentors can help PhD candidates overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome, fostering their determination to succeed.

The study also underscores the importance of mentorship in navigating the complex academic and institutional landscape. Through guidance on academic writing, research methodologies, and time management, mentors play a crucial role in helping mentees avoid common pitfalls and access necessary resources. This support is particularly vital for Black PhD candidates who face systemic barriers and institutional biases.

Creating a sense of belonging and community is another critical aspect of mentorship highlighted in this study. The emotional support provided by mentors helps mentees feel less isolated and alienated within their academic environments. This sense of belonging is essential for the academic success and well-being of PhD candidates, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds.

The application of Critical Race Theory in this study reveals the importance of mentorship in addressing systemic barriers faced by Black PhD candidates. Mentors can challenge and mitigate the effects of institutional racism and biases, advocating for equitable treatment and access to opportunities. This advocacy contributes to CREATING a more inclusive and supportive academic environment.

Furthermore, the findings highlight the holistic benefits of mentorship, extending beyond academic success to professional and personal development. By providing career guidance, networking opportunities, and advice on work-life balance, mentors equip PhD candidates with the skills and confidence to pursue their career aspirations.

In conclusion, personalized mentorship is a powerful tool for supporting the success and well-being of PhD candidates from underrepresented groups. The experiences shared in this study provide valuable insights into effective mentorship practices and underscore the importance of mentorship in diversifying the academic landscape. By highlighting the transformative potential of mentorship, this study contributes to the broader understanding of how to support and empower future PhD candidates.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

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10. The Conversation. (2025). The value of female mentorship in the BPO sector.