Dr. Keneuoe Thibello-Maphosa is a Mosotho. She acquired a PhD in Development Studies from the Department of Anthropology, Archaeology and Development Studies from the University of Pretoria, in South Africa. Her research area was Migration, specifically the changes in migration trends (social mobility), and the main focus was Basotho Women’s informal cross-border traders with Botswana. She is a recipient of the University of Pretoria Post-Grad Bursary 2020-2022, as well as the recipient of the SSRC’s Next Generation Social Sciences in Africa 2023 Doctoral Dissertation Completion Fellowship. She has a Master’s in Development Studies from the University of Botswana, a Postgraduate diploma in monitoring and evaluation obtained from the Institute of Development Management (IDM), and a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Social Anthropology from the National University of Lesotho. Dr. Thibello-Maphosa is a member of the South African Development Studies Association (SADSA) and serves on the executive committee as an additional member. She is currently working at Dawnbell Academy as an educator and at Assembly Bible College in Botswana as an Adjunct Instructor.
Her research interests include development, encompassing women empowerment, social movements, gender and migration, community development projects, gender and education, as well as project management in the community.
Next Gen: Please briefly describe the central argument of your doctoral dissertation. What is its main contribution to knowledge in your field?
Dr. Keneuoe Thibello-Maphosa: In my thesis, “A Different Class? Basotho women as informal cross-border traders to Botswana,” I critically explore the lived experiences of Basotho women engaged in informal cross-border trade, mostly by buying supplies in Botswana. Using ethnographic research, my study grapples with the socio-economic lives of these women and the contributions and significance of cross-border trading to their welfare. The study findings challenge the stereotypical portrayal of informal cross-border trade as a survivalist action, and highlight the possible empowerment gained from the activity, while also distinguishing the women from the poor Mosotho cross-border migrants often portrayed in the literature. I emphasize the significance of Botswana as a destination to acquire wares and materials. My conclusion was that Basotho, who act as informal cross-border traders to Botswana, were entrepreneurial individuals who used cross-border trading as a strategy for accumulation, enrichment, and social advancement. My thesis contributes to existing knowledge on informal cross-border trading, adding another dimension to the literature.
My doctoral thesis contributes to the global, regional, and national levels of policy formulation and development. At the global level, my research contributes to several key discussions within international policy frameworks, particularly around the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as ‘No Poverty’ (SDG 1); ‘Gender Equality’ (SDG 5); ‘Decent Work and Economic Growth’ (SDG 8); ‘Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure’ (SDG 9); and ‘Reduced Inequalities’ (SDG 10).
These women’s informal trade operations are frequently a major source of income that helps them and their families escape poverty, particularly in regions with an acute shortage of formal jobs. SDG 5 is directly relevant since the focus is on women. Informal cross-border trade may provide economic empowerment for Basotho women, challenging traditional gender roles. However, they may also face gender-specific challenges such as discrimination or exploitation, which could hinder their empowerment.
SDG 10 speaks to reducing inequalities within and among countries. Informal cross-border trade helps marginalized women access economic opportunities. Supporting their efforts can reduce inequality by providing economic mobility to those otherwise left out of formal economic systems. Though on a smaller scale, these women are involved in creating supply chains across borders. Therefore, improvements in infrastructure, such as better roads, transportation, and technology, could further empower them and enhance their trade efficiency, addressing SDG 9.
At the global level, through SDGs, my research can inform global policy discussions on how informal economies, especially involving women, contribute to poverty reduction (SDG 1), gender equality (SDG 5), and economic growth (SDG 8). Insights from my study could also influence international organizations, like the United Nations (UN) or International Labour Organization (ILO), in creating or updating global policies that seek to formalize the informal economy, ensure fair trade practices, and provide support for female traders. Informal cross-border trade highlights gaps in formal trade agreements and migration policies. Understanding the experiences of Basotho women could influence global discussions around making borders more open and safer for informal traders while addressing human rights, security, and fair labor practices.
At the regional level, my research could be highly influential within the SADC and other regional bodies that govern trade and economic cooperation in Southern Africa. For example, with the SADC Trade Protocols, informal cross-border trade is a significant part of regional trade flows. By studying the experiences of Basotho women, my research could inform SADC policies on trade liberalization, advocating for more inclusive and flexible frameworks that account for informal traders, many of whom are women. Insights from my research could also guide regional frameworks aimed at safeguarding the rights of informal traders, ensuring that they are protected from harassment, discrimination, or exploitation during border crossings and trade activities.
At the national level, this research provides valuable insights that can influence both Lesotho and Botswana’s internal policies, especially those related to trade, employment, gender, and economic development. Both Lesotho and Botswana could use my findings to create policies that better recognize and support informal traders, integrating them into the formal economy. My research can directly feed into gender-focused policies in both countries. Governments could use these insights to design programs that specifically target female traders by providing capacity-building initiatives, financial literacy, and trade training. Recognizing that informal traders often lack social protections, such as healthcare, pensions, or unemployment benefits, my findings could inform the design of social protection schemes that cater to informal workers.
How did the Next Gen fellowship program impact your doctoral journey?
I can never be thankful enough for how the Next Gen Fellowship lifted the financial pressure from me through their financial support. This grant enabled me to focus more on my research, especially the last lap of my PhD journey. With the funding, I was able to access better research materials, attend international conferences, and acquire the necessary equipment that advanced my work. There is a pool of mentors among Next Gen fellows who are established professionals in their field. Having access to them enabled me to receive invaluable advice on research direction and mapping a way forward for my career choice. Thus, this led to expanding my network because fellowships, like Next Gen, often offer opportunities to connect with other fellows, scholars, and industry professionals. Building this network definitely opens doors for collaborations, job opportunities, and future projects.
The Next Gen Fellowship impacted my professional development beyond my PhD journey by building skills through the provision of workshops or training activities. Engaging with multidisciplinary or international cohorts broadened my perspective and introduced me to new approaches, methodologies, or fields that enhanced my research. Access to global networks through the Next Gen program has connected with global research initiatives, opening up possibilities for collaborative research across institutions or countries.
Now that you have completed your PhD, what are your plans for the future?
I hope to continue researching and eventually pursue a postdoc. The plan is to deepen my expertise and publish papers in peer-reviewed journals and books. However, I would not want to contribute only to the scholarly field through sharing knowledge but would engage in teaching. I also want to contribute beyond the scholarly field by ensuring that my research brings transformation to the communities, especially at the grassroots level. At some point in the future, I will consider making a transition to industry and apply my research in a practical context, particularly in research consultancy. As an expert in my field, I could help organizations solve specialized problems. The Next Gen Fellowship exposed me to endless opportunities, and I am ready to strategize and put the acquired skills and knowledge to work. There is definitely a need to develop policies that are research evidence-based, and so I would be happy to help and assist government institutions that require my expertise. It is also important to note that mentoring upcoming researchers (those ready to embark on their PhDs) is one of my core interests and a way of giving back.
What advice do you have for upcoming doctoral students?
To seek God before everything else (Matthew 6:33). The choice of a research topic matters, and choosing wisely has to be aligned with passion and interest. One should pick a topic they are genuinely passionate about that is relevant to the field of their study. Another important consideration is the choice of a supervisor. I want to believe that supervisors can make or break PhD scholars; hence, the compatibility of the supervisor and researcher is to be considered. The right supervisor will definitely have the interests of the researcher at heart and guide them accordingly, expose them to opportunities, mentor them, and be available for regular meetings and feedback. A well-connected and intentional supervisor can introduce one to key people and opportunities in your field.
Yet, at the end of the day, the bulk of the work and the responsibility falls on the researcher. That includes effectively planning your time, building a strong support system, and embracing flexibility, self-discipline, and networking. Think beyond simply finishing your PhD and always remember why you started the PhD journey. Have a balance between family and studies, as one can deprive the other of your attention. Otherwise, a PhD is doable; if I did, you could surely do it.
