The SAMRC’s Division of Research Capacity Development (RCD) proudly celebrates Yolanda Mayman, a PhD candidate at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) who recently tied for first place in UWC’s Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition. The UWC 3MT Competition is a programme developed to help PhD students sharpen their research communication skills. Participants present their complex research in a three-minute oral presentation with a single, static slide to a non-specialist audience. The competition showcases innovative research, enhances the PhD profile at UWC, and provides a platform for students to explain their work effectively to a general audience.

Yolanda Mayman presenting at the UWC 3-Minute Thesis Competition

Yolanda, who is funded under the Bongani Mayosi National Health Scholars Programme (BM-NHSP), will represent UWC at the upcoming national and international rounds of the competition.

Her PhD research focuses on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine rollout on the treatment experiences and mental well-being of adolescents living with HIV in the Western Cape. The study follows a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews, and photovoice methods across four phases. To date, Yolanda has published four of the six articles emerging from her PhD work, with the fifth accepted for publication and the final article soon to be submitted.

Yolanda entered the 3MT competition with the encouragement of her supervisor, Prof Brian van Wyk, and saw it as a valuable opportunity to introduce her research to a wider audience beyond academia.

She prepared by reviewing previous winning 3MT presentations, developing a clear and accessible script, and fine-tuned her delivery with feedback from family and friends. One of the biggest challenges was condensing her research into a three-minute talk using only one static visual aid, a unique rule of the competition.

Yolanda is currently rehearsing for the national round; for the international round, she is recording and submitting her presentation in collaboration with UWC’s competition coordinator.

Her future research ambitions include investigating the feasibility and acceptability of long-acting injectable antiretroviral therapy for adolescents with HIV in South Africa. She hopes her work will contribute to more youth-centered, resilient interventions that improve treatment outcomes and quality of life.

Her message to fellow young researchers is simple but powerful:

“Dream big and grab every opportunity to put yourself out there. Research can be overwhelming, but when you’re passionate about your work, it makes all the difference.”

The Division of Research Capacity Development congratulates Yolanda on this achievement and remains committed to supporting emerging researchers who are shaping the future of health research in South Africa.

Authors and Contributors:

• Vincent Fipaza
• Lerato Hlatshwayo
• Yolanda Mayman