SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

1. Academic Background and Qualifications: PhD (UL); Masters, Honours, BA (University of the North); Cultural Anthropology (Medical Ethnobotany, IKS and Climate Change)
2. Research and Teaching Interests: (Culture, IKS)
3. Professional Experience – Summarize key positions held and relevant experience. (Lecturer, HoD, Professor)
4. Contributions and Achievements – (73 Publications and 7 Book Chapters. The Best Female Researcher; NRF C3 Rating)
5. Impact and Engagement – (Supervised 15 Masters Dissertations and 2 PhDs)
6. Professional Memberships or Certifications – Include relevant affiliations or accreditations (Society for Human Ecology, and Anthropology Southern Africa).
7. You can attach links to your other professional sites such as Google Scholar

Academic Background and Qualifications – List degrees, institutions, and specialization.

(i) BA Humanities with specialisation in Social Sciences (ii) BA Honours Industrial Sociology (cum-laude), (iii) Master of Arts in Sociology (cum-laude) and (iv) PhD in Sociology, all from the University of Johannesburg. The Master’s and PhD were in the Sociology of Knowledge, focusing on curriculum, knowledge, institutional decolonisation, and transformation within South African universities

Research and Teaching Interests – Mention main research areas and courses taught. Having been influenced by the FeesMustFall protests, my research interests include colonial and apartheid studies, decolonisation, university transformation, student politics, and Blackness (being black in the world). At the University of Limpopo, I teach Introduction to Sociology, Sociological Theory, Sociology of Work, and Research Methods.

Professional Experience – Summarize key positions held and relevant experience.

Contributions and Achievements – Note publications, projects, or awards. Most of my work is still upcoming, I will include these here: (i) Mankgero 2026. A Critique of the FeesMustFall Students Protests at UJ: Reflections From a Fallist 10 Years Later. In Nyamnjoh, AN, Luescher, TM, Miller, JP, Dlakavu, S and Morwe, GK. (editors). FeesMustFall Ten Years On. A critical examination of history, significance, and legacy of the 2015/16 student movement in South Africa. Nelson Mandela University Press. (ii) Mankgero ML (under review). Black Absent-Presentism: Afropessimism, Black Agency and the Colonial Afterlife in South African Universities. Social Dynamics and (iii) Mankgero ML (under review). African Erasures and Epistemicides in the Fourth Industrial Revolution: From Motives of Rejection to Opportunities for Decolonisation. Critical African Studies.

Impact and Engagement – Briefly describe mentorship, community, or professional involvement. I supervise Honours and Master’s students in the department. I am also an active member of the South African Sociological Association (SASA) and served on its Student Portfolio from 2024-2025 and Executive Council from 2025 to 2026.

Anathi Lubisi-Koko is a lecturer and academic in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the University of Limpopo, South Africa. She holds qualifications in Master of Social Science Sociology, Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) Sociology, and Bachelor of Social Science. She recently submitted her doctoral thesis for examination, with her research situated within the sociology of education. Her research and teaching interests include the sociology of education, educational inequality, social justice, rural education, social problems, poverty and social stratification, and substance abuse among school learners. She teaches Sociology at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Mrs Koko has extensive experience in university teaching, postgraduate supervision, academic coordination, assessment, and the moderation of Sociology courses. Her scholarly contributions include conference presentations, journal articles, and participation in national and international academic engagements. Her work is characterised by a commitment to foregrounding the experiences of historically marginalised communities and strengthening socially responsive and contextually relevant scholarship.

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=cA3diNwAAAAJ&hl=en

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2281-1974

1. Academic Background and Qualifications – List degrees, institutions, and specializations.

BA degree in the Social Sciences (UL), a BA Honours degree in Sociology (UL), a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education and Training with the University of Fort Hare and a Master’s degree in Sociology with the University of Limpopo. Currently pursuing PhD studies in Sociology at UL

2. Research and Teaching Interests – Mention main research areas and courses taught.

Her research interests include Sociology of gender, Higher Education and Sociology of Social problems. She has taught extensively introduction to Sociology, Sociology of Social Problems as well as Population studies.

3. Professional Experience – Summarize key positions held and relevant experience.

She has started working in the year 2008 as an intern in the Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism. Worked as a Part time Lecturer at UL in the years 2009 and 2010 and became Temporary Lecturer in the year 2011 and later same year became permanent Lecturer to date.

4. Contributions and Achievements – Note publications, projects, or awards.

Ms Chidi has also received numerous community and academic merit awards and recognition that are related to teaching, media and community empowerment. Amongst many others are the Sunday World Unsung Hero award under the Academics category (2021), Best Overall Teacher award at the University of Limpopo in the School of Social Sciences (2023), Best overall Teacher in the University of Limpopo (2017) and the best Female Community Engagement Scholar at the University of Limpopo in the year 2021. She has presented numerous academic papers at both local and national conferences. Ms Chidi has also been numerously featured in print media and also on local and national radio stations. She has published three papers in accredited journals.

5. Impact and Engagement – Briefly describe mentorship, community, or professional involvement.

She serves as a Kindi in the School of Social Sciences and a woman representative in the University of Limpopo Employment Equity Forum.

6. Professional Memberships or Certifications – Include relevant affiliations or accreditations.

Member of SASA and PASA.

7. You can attach links to your other professional sites such as Google Scholar

Please ensure that the information you provide is accurate and up-to-date. We encourage you to use a professional tone and be concise in your descriptions. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Your cooperation in this matter is appreciated. Your professional profile is an important tool for showcasing your expertise and contributions, and it will greatly contribute to the visibility and reputation of the university.

1. Academic Background and Qualifications:
   • Doctor of Philosophy (Sociology), University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus,2021
   • MsocSc in Sociology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg Campus, 2014
   • BSocSc Honors in Sociology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg Campus,2012
   • BsocSc majors in Sociology and Rural Resource Management, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2011
2. Research and Teaching Interests:
   • My research interests are on gender, women empowerment, and the representation of women in various institutions in South Africa. My latest research is on the representation of women in the South African National Defense Force from which a model for the inclusion of women in military Airforce bases was developed. This model can be used in institutions that are looking to ensure equal representation of women at various levels in organization.
   • My teaching interests are centered around the introduction of sociology, contemporary and classical sociological theories in undergraduate courses. For postgraduate my interest is in teaching research methods.
   • I believe that teaching and learning should be fun and relatable to the daily lives of the youth in South Africa and beyond. Therefore, learners are encouraged to make use of reference to trends and challenges as seen on televisions, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram through debates, class discussions and assessments.
3. Professional Experience:
   • I have 15 years of teaching experience in academia. My academic teaching journey started at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg Campus as a tutor for undergraduate modules. In 2013 I joined the University of Limpopo as a junior lecturer. In 2014 I was promoted to lecturer position in Sociology after graduating with a Master of Social Science in Sociology with the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg Campus. In 2021, I was promoted to senior Lecturer in Sociology after graduating for my Doctor of Philosophy (Sociology) with the University of Limpopo. In 2025 I was promoted to Associate Professorship in Sociology.
   • I was appointed as Head of Department: Sociology and Anthropology in 2022. Prior to this, I was a program coordinator and research coordinator for the department of Sociology and Anthropology.
   • I am a Senator, member of the Humanities Faculty Board and member of the Humanities Faculty of Executive Committee.

4. Contributions and Achievements:
   • I have published my work in various academic journals, on women in agricultural development and women in the military. I have attended and presented papers at local and international conferences.
   • Nominated as candidate for UCDP Project 5: Advancing women in academic leadership and management positions
   • Nominated to represent the University of Limpopo at the ‘2023 Globalistics’ conference in the Lomonosov University, Russia Moscow State.
   • Nominated to represent the University of Limpopo, Faculty of Humanities, School of Social Sciences as 2025 UNESCO Chair Conference on Intercultural Competencies.
5. Impact and Engagement:
   • I mentor and supervise Honors, Masters and Doctoral students in Sociology.
   • I have served as a panel member for local government and non-governmental institutions on gender, culture and peacekeeping.
   • I have also reviewed papers for the South African Sociological Journal and African Journal of Gender, Society and Development formerly known as Journal of Gender, Information and Development in Africa
   • I am a member of the International Board of the Moscow State University Journal.

1. Academic Background and Qualifications:
   • Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences (UL), Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Sociology (UL), Master of Art in Sociology (UL) and D. Phil in Sociology (UJ)
   • Areas of specialization: HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, Women and Child`s health, Family, health policy and programmes, Gender studies, Nursing sociology, Sociology of health and Illness, Sociology of education and Community and outreach programme.
2. Research and Teaching Interests:
   • Research interests: Health and illness, HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, Health policies and programmes, Gender studies, Nursing sociology.
   • Teaching interests: Sociology, Sociology of health and Illness, Gender studies, social problems, Nursing sociology, Sociological theories, education.
3. Professional Experience:
   • Office of the Premier Monitoring and Evaluation, Research Assistant.
   • Leadership positions: Department of Sociology and Anthropology (UL) Research coordinator, School of Social Science (UL) Research Committee member, Department of Sociology and Anthropology (UL) temporary Acting Head of Department (HoD).
4. Contributions and Achievements:
   • Awards: NIHSS-SAHUDA scholarships.
   • Publications:
   • Perceived Infant Feeding Patterns in the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission Postpartum Programmes: A Mix-method Study of Nurses, Lay Counsellors and Community Health Workers in the Rural Limpopo Province, South Africa
   • Knowledge and Awareness of MTCT and PMTCT Post-Natal Follow-up Services Among HIV Infected Mothers in the Mankweng Region, South Africa
   • Mothers` knowledge about Mother-to Child Transmission and Preventions: A qualitative study in the Limpopo Province Option B+ PMTCT post-delivery programmes
5. Impact and Engagement:
   • Supervising honours and master’s research projects in the department.
   • Engaged in HIV/AIDS community research and outreach programmes.

1. Academic Background and Qualifications – Bachelor of Arts (Sociology and criminology) – University of Limpopo)

Bachelor of Arts Honours (Sociology) – University of Limpopo

Master of Arts (Sociology) – University of Limpopo

2. Research and Teaching Interests – Industrial Sociology, Social movements and Protests.

Modules taught – Introduction to Sociology (HSOC011), Sociology of Social Problems (HSOA021), Sociology of Social Problems & Sociological Theories (HSOA022), Sociology of Work & Industry (HSOA031), Sociology (HSOC021), Poverty and Social Problems (HSKB011), Research Report (HSOA080), Globalizations, Social Policy & Development (HSOD080), Sociology of Health and Illness (HSOE080) and HSOA090 comprises of a MA dissertation on an approved research topic.

3. Professional Experience – Student assistant at the University of Limpopo RDC (June 2013 to March 2015), Fieldwork Supervisor at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) (May 2015 to February 2016) and Information Clerk at the Independent Development Trust (IDT) Limpopo region (September 2016 to August 2017).
4. Contributions and Achievements – Presentations made at the SAHUDA – NIHSS National Conference 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
5. Professional Memberships or Certifications – Member of the South African Sociology Association (SASA) – Since 2019 to date and Member of the International Sociology Association (ISA) – Since 2021 to date.

Please ensure that the information you provide is accurate and up-to-date. We encourage you to use a professional tone and be concise in your descriptions. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Your cooperation in this matter is appreciated. Your professional profile is an important tool for showcasing your expertise and contributions, and it will greatly contribute to the visibility and reputation of the university.

1. Academic Background and Qualifications – Bachelor of Social Science (BSS) (Industrial Psychology, Psychology, and Anthropology), Bachelor of Social Science Honours (BSSH) (Anthropology), Master of Social Science (MSocSc) (Anthropology), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) (Anthropology)
2. Research and Teaching Interests –

Mention main research areas

Sexuality, Gender, Culture, Religion, Rituals, Indigenous Knowledge systems

courses taught.

Cultural Anthropology, Social Anthropology, Political Anthropology, Economic Anthropology, kinship and Gender Studies, families and households in anthropology, Research methods, medical Anthropology, and Applied Anthropology.

3. Professional Experience – Summarize key positions held and relevant experience.

• Senior Lecturer- UL-01 July 2026-Current
• Lecturer – UL-01 Aust 2024-30 June 2026
• Lecturer/Educator- Boston City Campus-October 2022-June 2024
• Teaching assistant-DUT-March 2021-October 2022
• Teaching assistance to Contract Lecturer- UKZN-March 2018-December 2021
• Mentor and Residence Assistance-UKZN
• Serving on Special Exam Committee and Timetable Commitee-School of Social Sciences-UL
• Programme Evaluation Coordinator-Dept of Sociology and Anthropology- UL

4.Contributions and Achievements –

Jeza, Z.C., and Zondi, LP. (2026). Ancestral dialogues and queer identities: Understanding iZangoma’s indigenous knowledge on homosexuality in rural KwaZulu-Natal. Sexuality & Culture. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12119-026-10559-w

5.Impact and Engagement

• Reviewed Manuscripts

Chosen by the Ancestors: Modern Gay Traditional Healers in South Africa-submitted to American Ethnologist

• Honours and MA Supervisor-UL
• ASnA Community engagement sub-committee secretary

6.Professional Memberships or Certifications

    ASnA Membership

7.You can attach links to your other professional sites such as Google Scholar

• ORCID ID–0009-0009-4295-6004
• LinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-zwanani-jeza-phd-b8798a151?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios

Mr. Modise is a young, enthusiastic Anthropology lecturer who is currently doing his Ph.D. in Anthropology. He holds a Master of Arts (Anthropology), an Honours Arts (Anthropology), and a Cultural Studies degree (History and Anthropology) from the University of Limpopo. He is passionate about teaching and learning, Research supervision, publication, and community engagement. Mr Modise was selected as one of the ten young South African professionals to participate in the Group on Earth Observation (GEO) Week and Ministerial Summit hosted by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and GEO. His interest is not only imparting knowledge and learning but also producing individuals who attempt to find solutions for the betterment of human livelihood.

1. Academic Background and Qualifications:

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Studies (UL), Honours Arts (Anthropology) (UL), Master of Art (Anthropology) (UL).

Areas of specialization:

Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices, Public Healthcare, Religion, Medicinal Plants species, Climate Change and Land Degradation.

Professional Membership:

Anthropology Southern Africa Association (AsNA); Group on Earth Observation (GEO Youth representative)/ South African National Space Agency (SANSA) & Department of Science and Innovation (DSI)

2. Research and Teaching Interests:

Research interests:

My research interests focus on Socio-cultural Anthropology, Medical Anthropology, Indigenous Knowledge Systems [IKS], Ethnobotany, Climate Change, and Religion.

Teaching interests: Socio-cultural Anthropology, Economic and Political Anthropology, Indigenous Knowledge, and Medical Anthropology.

3. Professional Experience:

Risk and Vulnerability Centre, University of Limpopo. Social Scientist and Community Liaison Officer. Lecturing Anthropology undergraduate and post-graduate modules.

4. Contributions and Achievements:

Publications:

• Modise, T. R. (2026). The effects of climate change on rural-urban migration in the Moletjie community, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Indonesian Journal of Social and Environmental Issues (IJSEI), 7(1), 100-106.
• Collective leadership will win fight against climate change, Cape Times Newspaper, 10 March 2023, TR Modise.
• The Indigenous Adaptation Strategies on the Impacts of Rainfall Scarcity on Subsistence Food Production in Moletjie, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Author:   Modise TR (2022).
• Local Community Members’ Perceptions of Rainfall Scarcity and its Impacts on Water and Food Resources: A Case Study of Moletjie Community in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Authors: Modise TR, Rankoana SA, Malatji KM, (2022).
• Book/Paper Review: Modise TR, Development and Performance Assessment of an Innovative Solar Still for Water Purification, Journal of Scientific Research and Reports. (2024).
• Modise TR, Making Uncertainty: Tuberculosis, Substance Use, and Pathways to Health in South Africa (Rutgers University Press, 2023), Anna Versfeld.

5. Impact and Engagement:
   • Supervising Honours and Master’s research projects in the department.
   • Head of School of Social Sciences, Recruitment and Community Engagement Officer.
   • Member of the School of Social Sciences Appeals Committee.
   • Member of the School of Social Sciences Undergraduate Admission Committee.
   • Department of Sociology and Anthropology Research Co-ordinator.
   • Department of Sociology and Anthropology Undergraduate and Post-graduate Admission Committee.

Community Engagement

Orcid: 0000-0002-8711-6094

Academic Background and Qualifications

Mrs Sewela Daphney Manamela is a Lecturer in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the University of Limpopo (UL). She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Social Sciences), a Bachelor of Arts Honours (Sociology), and a Master of Arts (Sociology), all from the University of Limpopo and is currently pursuing a PhD (Sociology) at the same institution.

Research and Teaching Interests

Her research interests include mental health, multisectoral collaboration, social problems, family studies, and adolescent sexual and reproductive health. She teaches first-year students Introduction to Sociology, focusing on family and intimate relationships, culture and socialisation, and third-year students, population studies. She has supervised four Honours students and is currently supervising one Honours student and co-supervising three Master’s students whose research focuses on family, education, and youth mental health.

Professional Experience

Mrs Manamela was a member of the 2023–2024 cohort of Early-Career Researchers under the Research Chair in Mental Health and Society. Beyond her teaching and research responsibilities, Mrs Manamela has served on the School of Social Sciences Examination Quality Assurance Committee and currently serves as the Department’s Community Engagement Representative. She has been a School Development Practitioner (SADP) at the University of Limpopo’s Centre for Academic Excellence (CAE) since 2022 to the present.

Contributions and Achievements

She was awarded a Master’s scholarship by the National Research Foundation (NRF) in recognition of her academic potential and research excellence in 2016. She has published an article in the fields of family studies and adolescent sexual and reproductive health. Moreover, she has presented at national conferences, including SASA, SAHUDA-NIHSS, and the University of Limpopo Humanities Spring Lectures, on mental health, family, and adolescent sexual and reproductive health. She was an abstract reviewer for the SAHUDA-NIHSS BIENNIAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2023

Professional Memberships or Certifications

• Member, University of Limpopo Women’s Academic Solidarity Association (ULWASA)

Links

• ORCID iD: 0000-0002-7512-8688

1. Academic Background and Qualifications:

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Arts in Archaeology and Anthropology (UNISA), Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Archaeology (UP), Master of Art in Archaeology (UP).

Areas of specialization:

Middle Iron Age, Late Iron Age and Colonial era.

Professional Membership:

Association for southern African Professional Archaeologists, South African Archaeological Society, the Society of Africanist Archaeologists, World Archaeological Congress, International Council on Monuments and Sites, International Council of Archaeozoology.

2. Research and Teaching Interests:

Research interests:

My research interests focus on the origins and decline of socio-political complexity in sub-Saharan Africa, with particular emphasis on the archaeology of the Soutpansberg region. I am interested in understanding the emergence, development, and collapse of political and economic power, as well as investigating the origins of indigenous communities through archaeological evidence, oral traditions, and mythology. My research also explores the role of food, feasting, and subsistence in the social, political, and economic organisation of early southern African communities. In particular, I examine how food production, distribution, and consumption influenced political authority, economic systems, and, ultimately, the decline of complex societies. In addition, I have a strong interest in sacred landscapes, burial practices, and African religious traditions. My work examines how ritual practices, cosmological beliefs, and sacred places contribute to our understanding of past societies, identity formation, heritage, and the long-term relationship between people and the landscape.

Teaching interests: Archaeology, Cultural-Heritage and Tourism

3. Professional Experience:
   • Cultural Officer at KwaZulu-Natal Amafa and Research Institute
   • Cultural Resource Investigator at Diges Group
   • Tour Guider at Thohoyandou Arts and Culture Centre
   • Archaeozoologist Assistant at Ditsong National Museum of Natural History
4. Contributions and Achievements:

Publications:

• Magoma, M., and Pikirayi, I. 2025. Zwisima na zwipise ndi fhethu ha zwifho: Traditional hydrological knowledge, conservation and protection of groundwater among the Venda, northern South Africa. Frontiers in Human Dynamics 7, 1 – 17.
• Badenhorst, S., Magoma, M. 2022. Sheep (Ovis aries) of Venda speakers during the second millennium AD in South Africa. International Journal of Osteoarchaeology 4(32), 944 – 950.
• Magoma, M., and Pikirayi, I. 2021. Retrieving Intangibility, Stemming Biodiversity Loss: The Case of Sacred Places in Venda, Northern South Africa. Heritage 4(4), 4524-4541.
• Badenhorst, S., Magoma, M. 2019. The size of indigenous Venda cattle during the Late Iron Age in South Africa. Journal of Archaeological Science 24, 231–235.
• Magoma, M., Badenhorst, S., Pikirayi, I., 2018. Feasting among Venda-speakers of South Africa: The Late Iron Age fauna from Mutokolwe. Anthropozoologica 53 (17), 195–205.

5. Impact and Engagement:
   • Supervising Honours and Master’s research projects in the department.
   • Engagement with different communities regarding nomination of heritage sites.

Assistant Editor for the South African Archaeological Bulletin (2016 – 2021).

1. Academic Background and Qualifications:

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies (UNIVEN) with specialization in Anthropology * Bachelor of Honours in Applied Anthropology (UNIVEN) with specialization in research paradigm, medical anthropology * Masters in Anthropology (UNIVEN) specialization in the anthropology of health * PhD (Anthropology) specialization in the role of ubuntu in conflict resolution.

Area of specialization:                          

• Socio-cultural Anthropology: Ubuntu and conflict resolution, ethnic and racial differences.

Medical anthropology.

Courses taught

• Kinship and Gender: Case Studies in Kinship and Gender (HANA021).
• Economic Development: Community Development (HANA022).
• Theories of Indigenous Knowledge System (IKS) (HANB081).

Professional experience:

• Part-time lecturer (UNIVEN) (2013 – 2015) – I gained teaching experience.
• Temporary lecturer (UL) (2022 – 2023) – I gained teaching experience, student assessment, lesson planning, and curriculum development.
• Community representative in Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) (2019 – date) – I gained listening, conflict resolution skills, presentation, effective communication and analytical skills.

Publication

• Risimati, T. M., & Rankoana, S. A. (2023). The Perceptions of the Traditional Leaders on the Role of Ubuntu in Conflict Resolution: The Case of Malamulele and Vuwani Conflict in Limpopo Province, South Africa. International Journal of Social Science Research and Review, 6(10), 204-217. https://doi.org/10.47814/ijssrr.v6i10.1663.

Impact, community engagements and award

• Supervising Honours, Master’s and PhD in the department.
• Community representative in Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) from 2019 to date.
• Amplified Community Voices Community Engagements (UNIVEN).
• Worked as a treasurer in Vhembe Department of Sport Art and Culture Council (VDSAC) from 2012 to 2013.
• Won Mutale Municipality Mayoral Excellent Award 2008.
• Current community engagement coordinator (UL).

2. Research and Teaching Interests:

2.1 Research interest

• My research focus is on investigating socio-cultural predicaments such as conflict resolution between ethnic and racial differences which are destroying Africa by looking at how cultural values such as ubuntu, traditions and beliefs can help to bring peace.
• The other focus area is on anthropology of health: Looking at the role that traditional herbalists can play in healing contemporary diseases.

2.2 Teaching interest

• Economic anthropology, Gender and community development and Theories of Indigenous Knowledge System.

1. Academic Background and Qualifications– List degrees, institutions, and specializations.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), University of Zululand, Master of Arts, University of Zululand, Bachelor of Arts (Honours), University of Zululand, Bachelor of Arts, University of Zululand, Professional Career Development Course, University of Zululand, PGDHET, Durban University of Technology, Management Development Program (MDP), Stellenbosch University, SoTL (TAU) Fellowship, University of Johannesburg, Women in Leadership,  HER-SA Academy, Moderator Development Course, Rhodes University, Assessor Course,  ETDP-SETA-Mentornet and Professional Career Course, University of Zululand.

Areas of Specialisation: Industrial Relations, Sociological Research Methodology, Demystifying Research, Afrocentric Research, Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods, Research Proposal Writing, Research Report Writing, Applied and Basic Research, Classical and Contemporary Sociological Theories.

2. Research and Teaching Interests

Industrial Sociology, Sociology of Work, Employment Relations, Employee Wellness, Workplace Conflict Resolution, and Organisational Development.

3. Main Research Areas and courses taught.

Industrial Sociology and Sociology of Work, Employment Relations and Organisational Development, Employee Wellness and Workplace Conflict Resolution, Higher Education and Social Transformation, Research Methodology, Including Afrocentric and Indigenous Research Approaches.

Modules Taught: Industrial Relations Systems, Labour Arbitration and Conflict Resolution, South African Labour Market, Sociology of Work, Globalisation and Its Theories, Development and Social Policy, Bureaucracy and Rationalisation, and Leadership and Control.

4. 4. Professional Experience

Senior Lecturer with extensive experience in teaching, research, and postgraduate supervision within the social sciences. Served as the HoD and Acting HoD for various South African Universities. Served as the Reviewer and Moderator for various universities, conferences, journals, and publishing companies, Experienced in chairing conference sessions.

5. Contributions and Achievements – Note publications, projects, or awards.

Published book chapter, published in peer reviewed journals, presented talks/lectures to external Professional/Academic audiences, Received Research and Innovation Award, Excellence in Research Award 2011 and 2013, FRD (NRF) Supervisory Grant for Hons, MA, and PhD, Rector’s Fund Award(Undergraduate studies) and Long Service Award in 2014.

6. Impact and Engagement – Briefly describe mentorship, community, or professional involvement.

Currently involved in the negotiations with the Polokwane Municipality on strengthening collaboration with the UL Department of Sociology and Anthropology (UL), Involved in the Love Life project, Mentor for Women in Research, Involved in Student Placement Internship Program, Involved in Sociology Post-graduate application for a community-based project with the Department of Labour, PEACISA Consortium member working on research about “Poverty eradication through Arts and Culture initiatives in Southern Africa”. Facilitator: South African Department of Arts and Culture , Assessor for “Further certificate in Arts and Culture Administration. Facilitator: MAPP SETA , Initiated an agricultural forum for women at Entoyeni Reserve, Board member for the Global Youth Sustainability, Mentored student team partakers on the JSE/Liberty Life Investment Challenge, Board member for the Restoration of Hope Bible Church (RHOBC).

7. Professional Memberships or Certifications – Include relevant affiliations or accreditations.

HER-SA Academy Fellow
SoTL TAU Fellow
Member of the Social Science Research Network (SSRN).
Member of the South African Sociological Association.
Member of the DH-IGNITE Northern Region

Mr. Sifundo Prince Mpanza is a Lecturer in Anthropology in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the University of Limpopo. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Anthropology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), where his research examines women’s land access and ownership rights within the context of urban-to-rural migration, customary land tenure, and gender relations in rural South Africa. He holds a Master of Social Science in Anthropology, a Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Anthropology, and a Bachelor of Social Science in Anthropology and Sociology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Before joining the University of Limpopo, Mr. Mpanza served as the First-Year Experience (FYE) Coordinator in the College of Humanities at UKZN, where he coordinated student transition programmes, peer mentoring initiatives, and academic support interventions to enhance student success and retention. This experience strengthened his commitment to student-centred teaching and holistic academic development. His research interests include gender and development, land and tenure systems, migration studies, indigenous knowledge systems, rural livelihoods, social justice, higher education, student success, and community development. He is actively involved in research, scholarly publication, conference presentations, and community engagement that seek to bridge academic knowledge with practical societal challenges. As an educator, Mr. Mpanza is committed to fostering an inclusive and intellectually stimulating learning environment that encourages critical thinking, ethical engagement, and the application of anthropological perspectives to contemporary social issues. He is passionate about mentoring students, supporting emerging researchers, and contributing to the advancement of anthropology through teaching, research, and community engagement. His vision is to develop graduates who are not only academically competent but also socially conscious and equipped to contribute meaningfully to the transformation and development of society.

1. Academic Background and Qualifications:

Qualifications:

PhD (Anthropology) (in progress); MSc/MA equivalent (Anthropology); BSocSci Honours (Anthropology); BSocSci (Anthropology and Sociology)

Areas of specialization:

Gender and Development; Migration Studies; Land and Tenure; Indigenous Knowledge Systems; Rural Anthropology; Higher Education and Student Success.

Professional Membership

Anthropology Southern Africa

2. Research and Teaching Interests:

Research interests:

My research interests focus on Socio-cultural Anthropology, Economic Anthropology, Indigenous Knowledge Systems [IKS], Ethnography, Climate Change, and Religion.

Teaching interests: Social and Cultural Anthropology, Gender and Anthropology, Migration and Mobility Studies, Medical Anthropology, Economic Anthropology, Political Anthropology, and the Anthropology of Development. I am also interested in Indigenous Knowledge Systems, African Societies and Cultures, Land, Identity and Customary Tenure, Kinship and Social Organisation, and Qualitative Research Methods, particularly ethnographic research.

 3. Professional Experience

• College of Humanities Coordinator for first-year students (FYE).
• Academic Curriculum Advisor for module structure.
• Lecturing in Anthropology undergraduate and postgraduate modules and supervision.

4. Contributions and Achievements

Publications:

• Innovations in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (iSoTL) Conference, where he presented research under the theme of Peer Mentoring, Tutoring, and Student-Led Learning Initiatives.

 5. Impact and Engagement

• Teaching and student success (your FYE and peer mentoring experience).
• Research impact (women’s land rights, migration, indigenous knowledge, and policy relevance).
• Community engagement (using anthropology to address societal challenges and inform development)

 6. Community Engagement      

• Community-based ethnographic research on women’s land access and ownership rights in KwaMadlebe, KwaZulu-Natal.
• Community engagement on customary land tenure, gender equality, and rural development through participatory research.
• Collaboration with traditional leaders and local community members during qualitative fieldwork and stakeholder consultations.
• First-Year Experience (FYE) student support and peer mentoring initiatives aimed at improving student transition, retention, and academic success.
• Student mentorship and academic development through orientation programmes, academic support workshops, and peer learning activities.
• Promotion of Indigenous Knowledge Systems through research and community-engaged scholarship.
• Participation in public engagement activities that encourage the application of anthropological knowledge to address contemporary social and community challenges.
• Research dissemination through academic conferences and knowledge-sharing platforms to inform higher education practice and community development.
• Advocacy for inclusive education, social justice, and equitable access to opportunities through teaching, research, and outreach initiatives.