The ACMS recently hosted its PhD Day, a space for doctoral candidates to present their current work, receive feedback, and gain guidance on their research journeys.

Dr. Jean-Pierre Misago (Senior Researcher and Co-Director, ACMS) opened the day by outlining the PhD programme at ACMS, highlighting available support, and wishing candidates well on their journey. Dr. Paddington Mutekwe (Postgraduate Coordinator, ACMS) chaired the sessions that highlighted the below:

Session 1:

1. Melvin Simuyaba on the few influences affecting access to sexual healthcare, using the candidacy framework.
2. Patrick Eyul on Sexual, Reproductive Health access for 18–30 year olds in Cato Manor, KZN.
3. Melissa Dlamini on migrant mothers’ experiences of gatekeeping and access to maternal healthcare in Limpopo—examining who deserves care and who does not.

Session 2:

1. Buermle S Paplampu on religion and migrant place-making in Accra’s hyper-fluid urban environment.
2. Bothwell Vumai on cross-border sex work and access to PrEP in Gauteng (Tembisa, Alexandra, Diepsloot).
3. Blessing Mukuruva on cross-border mobility and pandemic preparedness among truck drivers between South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Session 3:

1. Diego Ituralde on profiling migration in South Africa; data sources, governance, and the need for an evidence-based approach.
2. Tanatswa S Chineka on researching children in difficult circumstances, focusing on gendered liminality and institutional recognition.
3. Adetola Oyenubi on reflexivity, risk, and adaptation during fieldwork in Plateau State, Nigeria.

Key reflections from the floor:

Dr. Misago encouraged candidates to challenge existing frameworks and develop their own. He commended Bothwell for having an argument per chapter and asked: What is the central argument of your thesis, and why does it matter?

The floor appreciated discussions on the gap between formal ethics and lived realities, caregiving, and researcher mental health.

Dr. Mutekwe closed the day by commending the candidates and wishing them strength on their journey. Co-Directors Dr Jean Pierre Misago and Associate Professor Jo thanked everyone for their contributions.

Applications for our postgraduate programmes are open. Visit migration.org.za for more information.