**6. Conclusion**

Findings analysed and discussed in this chapter are noted to be in line with the theory underpinning this inquiry as the five core elements envisage organisational investment with accessibility and of seasoned mentors to support and professionally guide postgraduate students. This being in line with development of academic writing competence where writing pedagogies and goal setting are portrayed, thus re-building increased self-awareness, confidence and motivated research modalities. It is therefore needed to conclude and recommend that despite postgraduate students feeling isolated, academic writing retreats have been proven by this inquiry to be an exquisite strategy to iron out anxiety, improve throughput rate in research writing, with enhanced academic language, and ultimately working towards reduction of pipe-line students who stagnant the system.

### **Acknowledgements**

Greatest of all gratitude is indebted to God Almighty for planting me the zeal, strength and courage to write this little piece of work despite my ever busy and hectic work schedule. Engaging in this consistent exercise has proved to sharpen my academic language proficiency coupled with research-writing logistics.

Towards publication of this manuscript, I express my sincere gratitude to the Walter Sisulu Research Directorate for the funds offered, a real inspiration for authors! For academic writing retreats to have impacted positively in emerging scholars, such events need to be nurtured and consistently be made available. As researchers, our research skills are sharpened by such events.

Lastly, let me acknowledge my late dad, Erick Vuyisile, my surviving mom, Vuyiswa, these two always sang unanimously that as their kids we should note that education is a very precious key to lifelong circumstances. My siblings: Campbell, Xoliswa and Hombakazi are always my pillar of strength; in them, I always have a shoulder to lean on. May God shower abundant blessings to all our kids never to underestimate the power of education, for them to become successful independent citizens: Yonela, Tina, Odwa, Ongeziwe, Lisolethu, Kungawo, Zenazi, Amyoli and Minathi.

In conclusion, participants are highly applauded, through their robust engagements, this chapter has managed to table out findings coupled with recommendations thereof.
