Scholars

Mukhethwa Londani is employed as a Statistical Analyst at Tshwane University of Technology (Pretoria). He obtained a BSc degree in Statistics and Mathematics at the University of Venda, an Honours degree in Statistics and a Master’s degree in Financial Mathematics from University of the Western Cape. He is a member of the young African Statisticians since 2011. He is currently registered as a PhD student at the Walter Sisulu University (Mthatha) and his entitled “Statistical modelling of tobacco use and behaviour among adolescents and young adults in South Africa” examines the prevalence of tobacco use and second-hand smoking exposure among South African adolescents and young people using statistical models. His research interests are to assess the prevalence of adolescents’ exposure to secondhand smoke, tobacco advertising and curriculum on tobacco harms and the associated factors. His specializations include biostatistics, clinical trials, research, monitoring and evaluation, proposal development and data weighting.

Mr. Asanda Boboyi has master’s in social work, a cum-laude from Walter Sisulu University, and a PhD candidate in Social Work in the North-West University Potchefstroom. He is currently a Lecturer in the Department of Social Work & Psychology at Walter Sisulu University (Mthatha). His research interest is to develop a framework which will serve as guidelines for school social workers to address violence in schools. The framework will address substance abuse, mental health issues such as interalia anxiety disorders, behavioral and emotional disorders in children, and depression.

Mr. Modise has Masters in MSc: Financial Mathematics and BSc in Statistics and Mathematics. He is currently a Lecturer at Northwest College of Nursing (NWCON) and was appointed in August 2020. His research interests are to build a program to improve the implementation of the Mental Health Care Act 17 of 2002 in the Northwest Province. He plans to develop a conceptual framework for the improvement of the implementation using Dickoff, James and Wiedenbach and Donabedian models and by using e-Delphi technique for consensus method.

Mr. Phukubye has master’s in nursing from the University of Limpopo in 2019 and holds Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Education at Stellenbosch University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Critical Care –Trauma (Limpopo College of Nursing), and a Certificate in caring for survivors of sexual assault. He is currently a lecturer in the Department of Nursing Science (UL) who facilitates preventative & rehabilitative care modules. His research interests are trauma and mental health. The aim of his Ph.D. is to develop and implement a psychological coping model for people with facial trauma wounds.

Munira Hoosain is a lecturer in the Division of Occupational Therapy at Stellenbosch University. She teaches undergraduate and postgraduate occupational therapy and medical students in the areas of Work Assessment and Rehabilitation, Intellectual Disability, Ergonomics and Cognition. She also serves as Treasurer for the Occupational Therapy Africa Regional Group (OTARG). She completed her Master of Occupational Therapy degree (cum laude) at Stellenbosch University in 2018 and is currently a registered PhD student at Stellenbosch University. Her doctoral research explores workplace-based interventions supporting pain and mental health in Africa.

Ms. Muturiki holds Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Venda Medical degree from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg and an MBA in Healthcare Management. She is currently head of the Student Wellness Service at the University of Cape Town. She has a special interest in adolescent and youth health; she is a mental health practitioner and emerging researcher in mental health. Her current research title is, “Mental health outcomes of undergraduate students at the University of Cape Town.”

Ms. Motlatso holds a bachelor’s degree of Nursing Science and Art (Bcur) at University of Limpopo, Postgraduate Diploma in Nephrology at University of Cape Town, and Master of Nursing in 2021 at University of Limpopo. She is currently a Professional Nurse at Pietersburg Tertiary Hospital, Renal Unit. Her research purpose is to develop a psychosocial support program for patients with Chronic Renal Failure on dialysis at a Tertiary Hospital, Limpopo Province.

Ms. Sigovana holds a bachelor’s degree in health Promotion from Walter Sisulu University and a master’s degree in public health from Walter Sisulu University. She is currently a lecturer in the Department of Public Health at Walter Sisulu University (Mthatha Campus). Her research focus is to investigate the feasibility of using Mental Health Promoter-Led Initiatives for Early Screening and Quality of Life Improvement among Cervical Cancer Patients in Rural Eastern Cape.

Mr. Frans Thobane is a Deputy Director at South African National Department of Health, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Directorate heading Psychiatric Hospitals sub-directorate. He obtained a Diploma in Nursing (General, Psychiatric, Community) and Accoucheur 2001 at Lebone College of Nursing, Bachelor of Commerce in Human resource management in 2012 at UNISA, Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Management in 2015 at UNISA, Advanced Diploma in Management in 2018 at Southern Business School, Bachelor of Arts in Nursing Science 2019 at University of South Africa (UNISA) and Master of Nursing Science in 2022 at University of Pretoria. he is currently registered for PHD at University of Pretoria and the title for his study is "Guidelines for the implementation of Mental Health services in the Ward Based Primary Healthcare Outreach teams system in Tshwane District, Gauteng Province: Participatory Action Research".

Ms Munyadziwa Muimeleli is a Professional Nurse who has dedicated her career to improving the well-being of individuals and communities through healthcare interventions and education. She has a great desire and passion for improving the lives of children who have experienced trauma. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Health obtained from the University of Venda where she gained knowledge and skills in epidemiology, healthcare management and health promotion. She is currently a first-year student pursuing a PhD in Public Health at the University of Venda. Her research aim is to develop a culturally sensitive trauma-informed program for primary school teachers that will enable teachers to assist trauma exposed learners in the rural communities of Limpopo province.

Ms Sumaya Gabriels is a lecturer in the Faculty of Health Sciences - Division of Disability Studies (DSD), in the Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Cape Town. She trained as a Physiotherapist and worked clinically for several years before starting an academic career. In the DSD the academic and research programs focus on generating assets, abilities and knowledge on disability. Ms. Gabriels has a keen interest in education and supporting students from different educational backgrounds to succeed at university. She teaches on both the undergraduate and postgraduate programs and her work in the last few years has included training mid-level community workers who provide services and care to persons with disabilities.. Her research will explore how mid-level workers are best prepared to address the mental health related care aspects of their work at community level. She is a keen proponent of interprofessional collaboration and practice and will consider how curricula can be designed collaboratively to improve mental health practices and care for people with disabilities.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and his highest qualification is a master’s in Developmental Studies and as a Former UWC SRC Academic Officer. Currently, he is a lecturer and a second year-level coordinator in Social Work Department, and he is, a PhD candidate. His research focuses on supported education for people with invisible disabilities. Moreover, he is a youth counsellor at Chrysalis Academy, Tokai. His research interests include access to transportation for people living with disabilities, poverty, and mourning and grieving rituals.

Philani Ndlovu is a Clinical Psychologist at King Dinuzulu Hospital Complex (Durban, KZN). He is a young and emerging scholar, passionate about working with patients with mental health conditions, especially co-occurring substance use and other mental health conditions like psychosis or depression. He has completed his Bachelor of Psychology and has obtained his Master of Art in Clinical Psychology at Rhodes University. He is currently in his first year registered for PhD in Psychiatry – School of Medicine at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Nelson Mandela campus. His research aim is to integrate an intervention to improve the outcomes for individuals with co-occurring cannabis use and psychosis.

Xolelwa Dyani is a Patient Facilitator at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University. She holds a degree in Psychology, an Honours degree in Development Studies, and a Master’s degree in Development Studies from Nelson Mandela University. Additionally, she has a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (FET) from the University of South Africa. Currently, she is enrolled as a PhD student in Public Health at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University. Her doctoral research is titled “Quality Improvement Intervention for School-Based Support Teams in Supporting Adolescents with Mental Health Challenges in Tshwane, Gauteng.”

Katlego Rantho is a PhD candidate at the North-West University (Mafikeng Campus). Her study aims to understand and investigate the demographic characteristics, personality, trust, trauma and mental health of youth in South Africa. Ms Rantho’s dedication to youth mental health aligns with the SACERT’s mission of advancing research excellence. She holds a Master of Arts in Psychology (cum laude). She has served as a Research Assistant for the SAMRC-DSI/NRF-UL SARChI Research Chair in Mental Health and Society where she gained profound knowledge of research methodologies. Her work has produced eight (8) academic publications in peer-reviewed journals and contributions to conferences and workshops including co-facilitating national and international seminars.

Princess Shabangu is an Academic Program Convenor and a PhD in Psychology candidate. Her research focuses on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic stress, and trauma, with a special emphasis on implementation science and interventions. With a strong commitment to advancing mental health care, her work seeks to bridge the gap between evidence-based practices and real world application in community-based settings. Her interdisciplinary approach supports capacity building and sustainable intervention strategies by fostering translational research that addresses mental health.