From March 17 to 21, 2025, Dr. Slavena Tsoneva participated in staff mobility under the "Erasmus+" programme at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. The head of the International Relations Office was warmly hosted by Professor Dr. Peter Baur, Head of the Arts and Culture Research Unit, and Professor Dr. Thea Tselepis, Vice Dean: Teaching and Learning College of Business and Economics at the University of Johannesburg. During the visit, Dr. Tsoneva also established contact with Professor Hinaunye Eita, Director: School of Economics, College of Business and Economics at the University of Johannesburg, and Dr. Frederik Kirsten, lecturer and researcher at the University of Johannesburg. The conducted meetings aimed to deepen the partnership between the two universities, initiating a dialogue on the implementation of a joint co-branded doctoral degree. As a first follow-up, Dr. Frederik Kirsten will visit the University of Economics – Varna as a participant in the 6th edition of the International Staff Week, traditionally organized by the International Relations Office at the beginning of July this year.
Dr. Tsoneva delivered a series of lectures to the academic community, master’s, and bachelor’s students. The head of the IRO also seized the opportunity to present the "Erasmus+" program and share interesting facts about the University of Economics – Varna and the opportunities it provides for its students.
As part of the visit to South Africa, a meeting was held with representatives from the University of Pretoria, including Professor Dr. Raita Steyn, Department of Humanities Education, Professor Johan Wassermann, Head of the Department of Humanities Education & Acting Deputy Dean for Teaching & Learning, Faculty of Education, and PhD Candidate Khungile Hobongwana, Lecturer and Commerce Education Coordinator. The meeting discussed opportunities to organize a joint online conference between the University of Johannesburg, the University of Pretoria, and the University of Economics – Varna. An inter-institutional agreement between the University of Economics – Varna and the University of Pretoria is forthcoming.
Dr. Tsoneva also met with Professor Dr. Marius Venter, founder and director of the Center for Local Economic Development, based at the University of Johannesburg. Professor Venter is a long-standing lecturer at the University of Johannesburg and currently heads the center for local development. The main focus of the center is on economic development, particularly through entrepreneurship in local communities in South Africa. Professor Venter is the driving force behind creating a network of academics and practitioners in these fields across all South African universities, which led to the establishment of the professional organization—the South African Council for Economic Development. Professor Venter has over 30 years of practical experience in small business development and entrepreneurial activities, primarily in local government. He is also the director of the PASCAL Observatory (Africa)—a global alliance collaborating with urban and regional leaders to balance economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. During the meeting, Dr. Tsoneva discussed opportunities for University of Economics – Varna to participate in international projects led by Professor Venter.
03 Apr 2025
