https://the-academic-citizen.org/ An academic citizen is anyone who is part of the higher education community. They are engaged in pedagogy or research or both, and are committed to furthering knowledge, education and the advancement of society from their disciplinary position. An academic citizen sees their work in higher education as a public project, both in terms of being partially funded by taxpayer money, and in terms of the contributions they wish to make to the world around them. Although citizenship implies an exclusive form of belonging, here we use it to signal the role of academic work in collective life in a non-exclusionary way, and to anchor it in a public project to which all humanity belongs. We create knowledge not only for our individual benefit but for the benefit of all. The Academic Citizen is an independent podcast series produced and funded in its second iteration by the South African Research Chair in Science Communication in 2022. It was originally supported by the Academic Staff Association of Wits University (ASAWU) when it was first established in 2016. Philosophy en Wed, 02 Mar 2022 14:35:24 +0200 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 18:20:30 +0200 30 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss iono.fm 2.5.2.0 The Academic Citizen no Mehita Iqani & Nosipho Mngomezulu Yearly feeds@iono.fm (Feed Manager) https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p2759/logo_2759_20250905_205159_1400.jpeg https://the-academic-citizen.org/ An academic citizen is anyone who is part of the higher education community. The Academic Citizen episodic The Academic Citizen theacademiccitizen@gmail.com false ZA https://iono.fm/e/1624820 https://iono.fm/e/1624820
This episode invites listeners to explore how scientific knowledge, cultural understanding, and lived experience come together in the pursuit of discovery. And perhaps the most powerful insight from the Marion 2025 voyage is that every scientist spoken to views their work not as an individual effort, but as part of an intergenerational project. It is a testament to the episode's theme: everything is connected.

It has been an absolute pleasure to work on this season and to share the journey to Marion Island. We extend our gratitude to Prof. Charne Lavery and Prof. Jean Brundrit for conceptualising and leading the SANAP Artists and Writers Programme, and for the valuable access, experiences, and insights this initiative has provided. We also like to thank all the guests who agreed to be interviewed for this season.

We thank the following guests on this episode:

-Mr Marcel van der Berg, Dr Azwianewu Makhado, Mr Mutshutshu Tsanwani, Dr Zimkhita Gebe, Dr Thato Mtshali from the Department of Forest, Fisheries and Environment.
-Ms Eleanor Weideman from the South African Polar Research Institute.
-Prof. Michael Kosch from the South African National Space Agency.
-Ms Sarah du Preez and Ms Emma Swanepoel from the University of Cape Town
-Prof. Guillaume Delpech from the Universite’ Paris Saclay.

For more information on the work discussed in this episode, visit:
-Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment
-South African National Antarctic Programme
-South African Polar Research Infrastructure
-South African National Space Agency
-Marine Information Management System

This season is funded by the NRF-South African Research Chair in Science Communication, located within the Centre for Science Communication at Stellenbosch University. Prof Mehita Iqani is the Chairholder. | www.imidibaniso.co.za Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment · South African National Antarctic Programme · South African Polar Research Infrastructure · South African National Space Agency · Marine Information Management System · Centre for Science Communication, Stellenbosch University]]> Philosophy Fri, 28 Nov 2025 11:30:00 +0200 0 0 74. Everything Is Connected 0 0 Mehita Iqani & Nosipho Mngomezulu full 39:38 The Academic Citizen https://iono.fm/e/1620850 https://iono.fm/e/1620850
We follow the creatures we recognise as they slice, glide, and hunt through the sub-Antarctic waters, and we uncover the vital role of microscopic organisms that quietly sustain the entire ecosystem and keep the heartbeat of the ocean alive. This episode encourages curiosity to witness an ocean in transition, from iconic species navigating these waters to the importance of microscopic life, and how its chemistry and rhythms are shifting with profound consequences for the creatures that call it home.

We thank the following guests on this episode:

-Dr Zimkhita Gebe, Dr Azwianewu Makhado, Mr Marcel van der Berg from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment.
-Mr Chandler Patel, Ms Megan Clarkson, Mr Dylan Manyoka, Mr Peter Cunningham, Mr Yinhla Shihlomule,Ms Camilla Smyth Mr Kwanele Khuzwayo, Ms Janu Rau from the South African Polar Research Infrastructure.
-Ms Emma Swanepoel and Ms Sarah du Preez from the University of Cape Town.

For more information on the work discussed in this episode, visit:
-Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment: www.dffe.gov.za/antarctica-and-so…rn-oceans-islands
-South African National Antarctic Programme: www.sanap.ac.za/
-South African Polar Research Infrastructure: www.sapri.ac.za/

This season is funded by the NRF-South African Research Chair in Science Communication, located within the Centre for Science Communication at Stellenbosch University. Prof Mehita Iqani is the Chairholder. | www.imidibaniso.co.za Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment · South African National Antarctic Programme · South African Polar Research Infrastructure · Centre for Science Communication, Stellenbosch University]]> Philosophy Fri, 21 Nov 2025 11:30:00 +0200 0 0 73. Swimming, Blowing, Glowing 0 0 Mehita Iqani & Nosipho Mngomezulu full 47:18 The Academic Citizen https://iono.fm/e/1618299 https://iono.fm/e/1618299
Why are these species important? What makes their survival so exceptional? And what insights are scientists gaining about biodiversity, adaptation, and ecological vulnerability at one of the planet’s most remote research locations? Using vivid descriptions, expert knowledge, and field observations, this episode explores the diverse life forms coexisting on this windswept island and the vital research aimed at protecting them. We start with the tiniest inhabitants and gradually broaden our focus to include some of the feathered and furry creatures that define life here.

We thank the following guests on this episode:
-Ms Camilla Smyth, Mr Chandler Patel, Mr Andile Khuzwayo, Ms Janu Rau, Ms Rhiannon Gill and Ms Eleanor Weideman from the South African Polar Research Institute.
-Dr Daniela Monsanto from the University of Johannesburg
-Ms Naomi Monk from the University of Pretoria
-Dr Keith Springer from Mouse Free Marion

For more information on the work discussed in this episode, visit:
-BirdLife South Africa and Peter Ryan’s book
-Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment
-Mouse Free Marion
-South African National Antarctic Programme
-South African Polar Research Infrastructure

This season is funded by the NRF-South African Research Chair in Science Communication, located within the Centre for Science Communication at Stellenbosch University. Prof Mehita Iqani is the Chairholder. | www.imidibaniso.co.za BirdLife South Africa · Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment · Mouse Free Marion · South African National Antarctic Programme · South African Polar Research Infrastructure · Centre for Science Communication, Stellenbosch University · Guide to Seabirds of Southern Africa (New Edition) - Peter Ryan]]> Philosophy Fri, 14 Nov 2025 12:15:00 +0200 0 0 72. Antenna, Fur, Feathers 0 0 Mehita Iqani & Nosipho Mngomezulu full 40:44 The Academic Citizen https://iono.fm/e/1615949 https://iono.fm/e/1615949
The South African National Antarctic Programs Artist and Writers Project was devised and is run by Prof Charne Lavery at the University of Pretoria and Prof Jean Brundrit from the University of Cape Town. It is a pilot program designed to improve public engagement with South Africa's Antarctic involvement through the arts and humanities. The Project is funded and supported by the South African National Research Foundation (NRF) and the South African Government. This episode introduces the SA Agulhas II, South Africa’s national scientific research vessel, and Marion Island, South Africa’s subantarctic territory.

We want to thank the following guests on this episode:
- Dr Azwianewu Makhado and Mr Marcel van der Berg from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment
- Mr Yinhla Shihlomule, Ms Eleanor Weideman, Mr Chandler Patel, and Mr Peter Cunningham from the South African Polar Research Infrastructure.
- Prof. Guillaume Delpech from the Universite’ Paris Saclay
- Prof. David Hedding from the University of South Africa
- Ms Nicola Marneweck from the University of Pretoria
- Ms Kanyisa Makubalo from the South African Weather Service.

For more information on the work discussed in this episode, visit:

- Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment
- South African National Antarctic Programme
- South African Polar Research Infrastructure
- South African Weather Service

This season is funded by the NRF-South African Research Chair in Science Communication, located within the Centre for Science Communication at Stellenbosch University. Prof Mehita Iqani is the Chairholder. The Academic Citizen Website · Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment · South African National Antarctic Programme · South African Polar Research Infrastructure · South African Weather Service · Centre for Science Communication, Stellenbosch University]]> Philosophy Fri, 07 Nov 2025 11:30:00 +0200 0 0 71. A Ship, An Island 0 0 Mehita Iqani & Nosipho Mngomezulu full 50:13 The Academic Citizen https://iono.fm/e/1496311 https://iono.fm/e/1496311 Philosophy Thu, 14 Nov 2024 16:00:00 +0200 0 0 70. Music As Science 0 0 Mehita Iqani & Nosipho Mngomezulu full 23:20 The Academic Citizen https://iono.fm/e/1480378 https://iono.fm/e/1480378 Philosophy Thu, 12 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +0200 0 0 69. Reclaim The Ground 0 0 Mehita Iqani & Nosipho Mngomezulu full 29:17 The Academic Citizen https://iono.fm/e/1473716 https://iono.fm/e/1473716 Philosophy Thu, 22 Aug 2024 16:00:00 +0200 0 0 68. Imiphindo kwaXhosa 0 0 Mehita Iqani & Nosipho Mngomezulu full 19:54 The Academic Citizen https://iono.fm/e/1473713 https://iono.fm/e/1473713 Philosophy Thu, 08 Aug 2024 16:00:00 +0200 0 0 67. Nature Soundscapes 0 0 Mehita Iqani & Nosipho Mngomezulu full 25:16 The Academic Citizen https://iono.fm/e/1461970 https://iono.fm/e/1461970 Philosophy Thu, 18 Jul 2024 16:13:00 +0200 0 0 66. The Museum Of Portable Sound 0 0 Mehita Iqani & Nosipho Mngomezulu full 20:06 The Academic Citizen https://iono.fm/e/1451006 https://iono.fm/e/1451006 Philosophy Wed, 12 Jun 2024 16:00:00 +0200 0 0 65. Historical Soundscape 0 0 Mehita Iqani & Nosipho Mngomezulu full 21:32 The Academic Citizen https://iono.fm/e/1444170 https://iono.fm/e/1444170 Philosophy Wed, 22 May 2024 16:41:00 +0200 0 0 64. Listening For Emotions 0 0 Mehita Iqani & Nosipho Mngomezulu full 23:28 The Academic Citizen https://iono.fm/e/1439642 https://iono.fm/e/1439642 Philosophy Thu, 09 May 2024 19:04:00 +0200 0 0 63. NASA Sonifications 0 0 Mehita Iqani & Nosipho Mngomezulu full 23:52 The Academic Citizen https://iono.fm/e/1422084 https://iono.fm/e/1422084
In this episode she shares with with Dr Nosipho Mngomezulu the excitement, countless opportunities and responsibilities associated with being part of this pioneering exercise. They also speak about institutional cultures and the ethical conundrums faced at such new establishments.

Produced, Edited, Researched and Scheduled by:

Simbarashe Honde ]]> Philosophy Thu, 04 Apr 2024 12:39:00 +0200 0 0 54: New Universities 0 0 Mehita Iqani & Nosipho Mngomezulu full 41:22 The Academic Citizen https://iono.fm/e/1406938 https://iono.fm/e/1406938
In this episode, Dr Nosipho Mngomezulu caught up with Dr Vale and they chat on youth research, intimacy, HIV and writing for the public. They also discuss effective ways of engagement, conflict and identity construction in disseminating research. ]]> Philosophy Fri, 16 Feb 2024 12:17:00 +0200 0 0 50: Young People and HIV Research Discourse 0 0 Mehita Iqani & Nosipho Mngomezulu full 52:19 The Academic Citizen https://iono.fm/e/1393776 https://iono.fm/e/1393776
In this episode Dr Mehita Iqani and Dr Njogu Morgan, a post-doctoral researcher based at the South Research Chair in Spatial Analysis and City Planning at Wits University, discuss cycling as a lifestyle, health benefit, environmentally friendly alternative to the car. They look into the factors which kind of transport people lean towards and reasons behind the choices.

Both cycling enthusiasts, they round up a dozen reasons to leave that car in the driveway and consider the affordable bicycle as a way to get around.

Produced, edited, researched and scheduled by:

Simbarashe Honde ]]> Philosophy Tue, 09 Jan 2024 10:44:00 +0200 0 0 39: Cycle-Versities 0 0 Mehita Iqani & Nosipho Mngomezulu full 44:25 The Academic Citizen https://iono.fm/e/1383039 https://iono.fm/e/1383039
The cost of treatment in general and medicine in particular is an important barrier to health care access, with the rising cost of medicine contributing to the growing pressure on affordability. Prof Mehita Iqani had a discussion with Prof Alex van den Heever, the Chair of Social Security Systems Administration and Management Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand and adjunct professor in the Wits School of Governance, on what how medical aids in South Africa are structured and what it means for universities. Is it possible for universities to drive affordable health insurance for all staff and students?

Produced by: Simbarashe Honde ]]> Philosophy Wed, 22 Nov 2023 09:54:00 +0200 0 0 33: Universities and Medical Aids 0 0 Mehita Iqani & Nosipho Mngomezulu full 46:20 The Academic Citizen https://iono.fm/e/1365931 https://iono.fm/e/1365931 Philosophy Tue, 03 Oct 2023 11:30:00 +0200 0 0 Sound Matters Virtual Symposium - Call for Participation 0 0 Mehita Iqani & Nosipho Mngomezulu full 5:19 The Academic Citizen https://iono.fm/e/1357060 https://iono.fm/e/1357060
There’s no simple formula for getting published, expectations vary both between and within subject areas. But there are some challenges that will confront all academic writers regardless of their discipline. How should you respond to reviewer feedback and rejection? Is there a correct way to structure a paper? Why should I pay to get my article published? What is open access publishing and why must I pay for it?

Dr Nosipho Mngomezulu explores these above questions and more with Oscar Masinyana, the managing editor of Taylor & Francis South Africa. Taylor & Francis publishes around 70 highly regarded academic and professional journals from the region in collaboration with learned societies, institutions and co-publishers.

Researched, Edited, Produced and Scheduled by Simbarashe Honde ]]> Philosophy Tue, 05 Sep 2023 15:20:00 +0200 0 0 52: Politics of Academic Publishing 0 0 Mehita Iqani & Nosipho Mngomezulu full 1:00:25 The Academic Citizen https://iono.fm/e/1332856 https://iono.fm/e/1332856
Prof Winkler agues that both parties should collaborate on an equal footing to identify problems which the communities face and work together to find solutions based on equality, and social justice.

Produced, scheduled, edited and researched by: Simbarashe Honde ]]> Philosophy Tue, 18 Jul 2023 12:20:00 +0200 0 0 37: Community-Engaged Scholarship 0 0 Mehita Iqani & Nosipho Mngomezulu full 46:21 The Academic Citizen https://iono.fm/e/1314960 https://iono.fm/e/1314960
Prof Mehita Iqani in this episode tackles this bone of contention amongst many in academia with Prof Rasigan Maharaj, the founding Chief Director of the Institute for Economic Research on Innovation (IERI) in the Faculty of Economics and Finance at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). Prof Maharaj says it is not enough to only discuss minimum wage, there should be discussions on what the maximum wage should be in South African Institutions of Higher Education.

Together they also explore questions of innovation, equality, accountability, pay scales, and socially engaged scholarship.

Produced, Edited, Scheduled and Researched by Simbarashe Honde ]]> Philosophy Mon, 29 May 2023 10:20:00 +0200 0 0 43: Economic Inequality & Pay 0 0 Mehita Iqani & Nosipho Mngomezulu full 45:30 The Academic Citizen https://iono.fm/e/1295682 https://iono.fm/e/1295682
This week’s podcast seeks to answer the above questions. Kholeka Shange caught up with Elvis Munatswa, a PhD Candidate in Psychology at Wits and had on the above issues.

Produced, Edited, Scheduled and Researched by Simbarashe Honde ]]> Philosophy Thu, 30 Mar 2023 11:24:00 +0200 0 0 51. Mental Welnness in Academia 0 0 Mehita Iqani & Nosipho Mngomezulu full 38:25 The Academic Citizen https://iono.fm/e/1278529 https://iono.fm/e/1278529
In this episode, Dr Nosipho Mngomezulu talks to Dr Hleze about his journey, ethnographic practice, pan-Africanism and the importance of community.

Produced, Edited, Scheduled and Researched by:

Simbarashe Honde

This episode was supported by ASAWU in 2018 ]]> Philosophy Sun, 12 Feb 2023 12:13:00 +0200 0 0 42: The Art of Language 0 0 Mehita Iqani & Nosipho Mngomezulu full 40:01 The Academic Citizen https://iono.fm/e/1265294 https://iono.fm/e/1265294
Part 2 is with Prof Mehita Iqani, Dr Henri-Count Evans and Dr Gabriella Leighton. ]]> Philosophy Fri, 23 Dec 2022 09:51:00 +0200 0 0 62. Journeys PART 2 0 0 Mehita Iqani & Nosipho Mngomezulu full 45:54 The Academic Citizen https://iono.fm/e/1265289 https://iono.fm/e/1265289
Part 1 is with Prof Iqani and A/Prof Harmony Siganporia. ]]> Philosophy Fri, 23 Dec 2022 09:36:00 +0200 0 0 62. Journeys PART 1 0 0 Mehita Iqani & Nosipho Mngomezulu full 27:25 The Academic Citizen https://iono.fm/e/1264486 https://iono.fm/e/1264486
Intro and Outro Music by The Academic Citizen
Backing Music by Music Unlimited from Pixabay ]]> Philosophy Mon, 19 Dec 2022 12:00:00 +0200 0 0 Commission & Collaborate With Us! 0 0 Mehita Iqani & Nosipho Mngomezulu full 2:10 The Academic Citizen https://iono.fm/e/1251881 https://iono.fm/e/1251881
Part 2 comprises of Dr Nosipho Mngomezulu, Dr Sthabile Kolwa and Dr Dee Marco. ]]> Philosophy Tue, 15 Nov 2022 15:40:00 +0200 0 0 61. Failure PART 2 0 0 Mehita Iqani & Nosipho Mngomezulu full 54:44 The Academic Citizen https://iono.fm/e/1251878 https://iono.fm/e/1251878
Part 1 comprises of Dr Nosipho Mngomezulu and Adv. Thato Toeba ]]> Philosophy Tue, 15 Nov 2022 15:36:00 +0200 0 0 61. Failure PART 1 0 0 Mehita Iqani & Nosipho Mngomezulu full 26:12 The Academic Citizen https://iono.fm/e/1240306 https://iono.fm/e/1240306
Part 2 is with A/Prof Tolullah Oni and Dr Nosipho Mngomezulu. ]]> Philosophy Tue, 18 Oct 2022 11:04:00 +0200 0 0 60. Breathing PART 2 0 0 Mehita Iqani & Nosipho Mngomezulu full 35:58 The Academic Citizen https://iono.fm/e/1236438?v=1 https://iono.fm/e/1236438?v=1
Part 1 is with Dr Ela Manga and Dr Nosipho Mngomezulu. ]]> Philosophy Fri, 07 Oct 2022 11:20:00 +0200 0 0 60. Breathing PART 1 0 0 Mehita Iqani & Nosipho Mngomezulu full 29:21 The Academic Citizen https://iono.fm/e/1235132 https://iono.fm/e/1235132 Philosophy Tue, 04 Oct 2022 15:38:00 +0200 0 0 59. Ancestors PART 3 0 0 Mehita Iqani & Nosipho Mngomezulu full 48:17 The Academic Citizen https://iono.fm/e/1235119 https://iono.fm/e/1235119 Philosophy Tue, 04 Oct 2022 15:21:00 +0200 0 0 59. Ancestors PART 2 0 0 Mehita Iqani & Nosipho Mngomezulu full 26:33 The Academic Citizen https://iono.fm/e/1222929 https://iono.fm/e/1222929 Philosophy Sat, 03 Sep 2022 08:18:00 +0200 0 0 59. Ancestors PART 1 0 0 Mehita Iqani & Nosipho Mngomezulu full 7:44 The Academic Citizen https://iono.fm/e/1200589 https://iono.fm/e/1200589 Philosophy Thu, 30 Jun 2022 19:29:00 +0200 0 0 58. Blue 0 0 Mehita Iqani & Nosipho Mngomezulu full 1:04:12 The Academic Citizen https://iono.fm/e/1186860 https://iono.fm/e/1186860
In this episode, we think out loud with the colour green with three academic citizens. Our journey takes us from a conversation with a philosopher turned organiser (Dr Alex Lenferna), to reflecting on biodiversity with applied conservationist (Dr Zoe Nhleko) and settle back into our bodies with narrative psychologist (Dr Jill Bradbury). Come with us. ]]> Philosophy Wed, 25 May 2022 13:00:00 +0200 0 0 57. Green 0 0 Mehita Iqani & Nosipho Mngomezulu full 1:07:26 The Academic Citizen https://iono.fm/e/1176910 https://iono.fm/e/1176910
Like any institution in a capitalist economy, universities revolve around money, income, and expenditure. We explore some aspects of the bigger picture of how money makes the university go round. ]]> Philosophy Mon, 25 Apr 2022 13:24:00 +0200 0 0 56. Money 0 0 Mehita Iqani & Nosipho Mngomezulu full 41:40 The Academic Citizen https://iono.fm/e/1164752 https://iono.fm/e/1164752 After a 4 year break, the Academic Citizen podcast, has staged a comeback. In doing so, the team as led by Professors Mehita Iqani and Nosipho Mngomezulu are reanimating the commitment to growing space for the higher education community in South Africa and beyond to explore what we do and why it matters.

This 6th season is being curated into inter-disciplinary themed conversations in each episode. In Comebacks we share conversations with a number of academics about their experience and lessons from the return to campus after the period of loss. ]]> Philosophy Sun, 13 Mar 2022 06:59:00 +0200 0 0 55. Comebacks 0 0 Mehita Iqani & Nosipho Mngomezulu full 48:11 The Academic Citizen