Mentorship programmes are increasingly recognised as crucial for career development in various sectors, including academia. In South Africa, universities play a pivotal role in nurturing early-career scientists who contribute to research and innovation. Qualitative data collection was employed through semi-structured interviews with participants who have participated in or observed mentorship programmes at various universities across South Africa. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the data. Findings indicate that mentors significantly influence career trajectories, particularly by offering guidance on research methodologies and fostering collaborative networks among scientists. The proportion of mentees achieving significant publication milestones stands at approximately 40%. The mentorship programmes examined in this study have a tangible positive impact on the professional development and future research contributions of early-career scientists within South African universities. Universities should prioritise implementing robust mentorship programmes to support the career advancement of their early-career staff. This includes providing structured training for mentors and fostering an environment conducive to collaborative learning.
Khumalo et al. (Wed,) studied this question.