Under the theme ‘Beyond the Degree: Humanities Careers in a Transitioning World’, the event addressed how global disruption, technological change and shifting labour markets are reshaping the future of work. It also explored how humanities graduates can draw on interdisciplinary and critical-thinking skills to navigate increasingly complex paths.
Joined by more than 700 participants in person and online, SAIIA Chief Executive Elizabeth Sidiropoulos and Head of the KAS regional programme Political Dialogue Sub-Saharan Africa, Dr Holger Dix, opened the proceedings.
In her keynote address, Senior Lecturer at the Wits School of Governance Dr Ekeminiabasi Eyita-Okon confronted the notion that humanities degrees are becoming obsolete in an increasingly technology-driven world. She argued that the adaptable skills learned in the humanities, including critical thinking, contextual analysis, ethical inquiry and the ability to interpret complex human systems, are more valuable than ever for potential employers. To develop these skills, she presented four strategies: building hybrid skills, focusing on experience and not just a CV, cultivating radical curiosity and networking with purpose.
The panel discussion expanded on these themes, with speakers exploring the varied and often non-linear paths that shaped their professional lives.
Cynthia Chigwenya, a former KAS-SAIIA scholar and now research consultant for the Club of Rome, reflected on her experiences to show how a humanities background can unlock non-linear opportunities.
Founder and Executive Director of OLAM Africa Research Institute, Dr Margaret Monyani, took the audience along her own unconventional journey, which led her to the humanities almost by accident, emphasising the lesson that careers don’t need to fit a predetermined path. Instead, she advised investing in qualities that build character and collaboration. She had been discouraged from entering the field of humanities and then built a career that moved from academia into policy research and ultimately institution-building.
CEO of the South African BRICS Youth Association, Raymond Matlala, encouraged young people to focus on gaining practical experience while studying, developing flexible thinking and an adaptable skill set that could open doors to new opportunities.
Dr Phakamisa Siyothula, Director in the National Office for the Coordination of Peace Missions at DIRCO, reflected on his professional development. Also a former KAS-SAIIA scholar, he went on from the internship to a career in diplomacy. He emphasised continuous learning and the importance of expanding your skills as you progress.
Influencer and entrepreneur Amahle-Imvelo Jaxa, aka Jaxx, focused on the transferability of humanities training, which equips graduates to think more broadly about their future and avoid being boxed in. Drawing on her move from entrepreneurship into politically focused content creation, she pointed out that new technologies are opening novel ways of thinking and self-made career paths.
We extend our gratitude to the speakers, students, the current cohort of KAS-SAIIA scholars and all participating exhibitors for making this event a resounding success.
Exhibitors included the SAIIA Library, UN Development Programme, University of Pretoria’s Politics Department, Public Affairs Research Institute, Greenpeace Africa, Campaign for Free Expression, Association of International Relations Scholars, SAIIA Youth Programme and Human Sciences Research Council.
- Applications for the 2027 KAS-SAIIA Scholarships are open until 1 September. Apply here.
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Some of the Highlights
