Pursuing a career in research requires one to be a critical thinker and to have a flair for knowledge production that solves some of society’s problems. This is what attracted Dr Kholadi Tlabela to pursue a career in tourism research. Dr Tlabela, who holds a PhD in Tourism Management from the University of Pretoria, says her career has exposed her to new ideas, perspectives and knowledge. She hopes to marry her passion for research, knowledge and skillset to contribute to youth empowerment and create a pipeline for unemployed youth and young researches. “I aspire to see poverty, crime and unemployment being addressed, especially youth unemployment,” she says.

Read more about her journey.

Q: Please share the details of your studies, mentioning the qualification/s you completed at UP, what motivated you during your studies, and how you overcame any challenges you encountered.

A: I hold a PhD in Tourism Management from the University of Pretoria. For my thesis, I examined how information and knowledge exchange occur in visitor information centres (VICs). VICs contribute to memorable visitor experiences, visitors’ behavioural intentions and socio-economic opportunities for local tourism businesses and surrounding communities. As a researcher, I have always been motivated to pursue my interests and passion, to think critically about life and to contribute to society through generating knowledge. During my studies, I was motivated by opportunities that the PhD would create for me to grow professionally, expand my knowledge and skillsets and to stay relevant in my career as a tourism researcher.

Any level of study involves a lot of challenges that you encounter along the way. You have to frequently stay up late, struggle to meet deadlines, feel overburdened with work. As a mom and wife, I had to learn to balance work, studies, career and raising a family. The gratification of overcoming obstacles I encountered in my studies was the greatest motivator, because I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. The feeling of accomplishment that comes with exceeding challenging goals is what attracted me to a career in research.

Q: To what extent did your studies at UP benefit you in your career and contribute to your success?

A: Having the opportunity to do a PhD related to my area of work exposed me to new ideas and perspectives, broadened my knowledge and skillsets, and helped me to maintain my relevance and to develop a network that will assist me to grow in my career as a researcher.

Q: Can you single out a special mentor/trusted advisor who played an indispensable role in your life/studies/career

A: My parents, Puleng and Helen Ngoasheng, have been my greatest mentors. They had a big influence in my educational journey and I draw a lot of inspiration from them. They both completed matric when they were over 50 years and continued their studies until they obtained a university qualification. They are a source of strength, encouragement and support. I feel blessed to have them as my mentors. The unfailing confidence that my parents, husband, children and siblings had in me and the sacrifices they made, enabled me to reach the highest level of education and to have a fulfilling career.

Q: Given your academic experience at UP, what advice can you pass on to current students?

A: I would advise them to aim for excellence, be the best they can be and to always approach their studies with determination and commitment. Most importantly – to try and find a coach or mentor to help them navigate any challenges they might encounter.

Q: What really inspires and motivates you personally?

A: I am inspired and motivated by using my knowledge to empower and bring hope and meaning to others. I found no feeling to be more gratifying than exposing and helping others realise the best in them so that they can become better versions of themselves.

Q: What, in your opinion, is the foundation of a successful career?

A: Building a successful career means something different to everyone. Regardless of how it is defined, knowing and achieving your goals is an important part of building a successful career. The foundation of a successful career involves identifying and embracing your strengths and passions, cultivating a willingness to experiment and learn, and accepting that risks and failures will be part of the journey.

Q: What do you enjoy the most about your chosen career path?

A: I find research to be an area that gives me space to follow my curiosity, to think critically about life, and to contribute to society through generating knowledge. As a researcher, I am exposed to new ideas and perspectives and always learning new things. These positive experiences with research started in my undergraduate studies and ultimately led me to pave a career in research.

Q: Which business/trade-related or career-related publications (magazines/newspapers/blogs, etc.) do you enjoy reading?

A: I enjoy reading Forbes Women Africa, which is a magazine featuring influential women executives, entrepreneurs and professionals.

Q: If you could have a face-to-face meeting with an inspiring person – in any domain – who sets an example in transforming the world and inspiring others to do the same, who would it be and what would you like to discuss?

A: Charlotte Maxeke sets an example in transforming the world and inspiring others. She is a woman of great stature that reminds us never to forget where we come from and that we should be grateful to the bridges that carried us to where we are today. Moreover, she encourages us to take along and empower those who are less privileged than us. If I had an opportunity to meet up with her, I would have loved to discuss the empowerment of young people, given the high levels of youth unemployment in the country. The quote that inspires me is: “This work is not for yourself – kill that spirit of self and do not live above your people but live with them. If you can rise, bring someone with you.” – Charlotte Maxeke.

Q: What are your professional/business/personal aspirations?

A: I have a passion for research. I love the idea of being able to do research in different areas of tourism and to contribute to society through generating knowledge. I therefore aspire to use my knowledge to help advance the field of tourism through research and writing. I hope to contribute my skills and knowledge toward the empowerment of young and upcoming researchers. These are some of the things that drive me forward every day, as I work toward realising my long-term aspirations and hopefully making some meaningful contributions along the way.

Q: As a UP and EMS alumni, what makes you proud to be associated with the University?

A: I am proud to be associated with the University of Pretoria because of its excellent academic reputation and accomplishments, especially in my field of study, tourism management. It is one of the best and top-ranking public institutions in the country. The lecturers are experienced, committed and passionate about their work. Studying at the University of Pretoria provided me a great and invaluable learning experience.

Q: What are your hopes and aspirations for Africa and its people for the rest of this decade and beyond?

A: My aspiration is for an Africa with good governance and respect for human rights. I hope to see unity and integration, where quality of life, peace, security and the full potential of women and youth are realised. More importantly, I aspire to see poverty, crime and unemployment being addressed, especially youth unemployment.