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.

Dr. Asanda Boboyi is a Lecturer in the Department of Social Work & Psychology at Walter Sisulu University (Mthatha). He is a young and emerging scholar who is passionate about helping adolescents and youth find their purpose in life. He has completed his Bachelor of Social Work majoring with Psychology and has obtained his Masters in Social Work with a cum-laude at Walter Sisulu University. As of March 2022, he is currently on his final 3rd year registered for PhD in Social Work at the North-West University. Potchefstroom campus. His research aim 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 inter alia anxiety disorders, behavioural and emotional disorders in children, and depression.

Mr Modise is a PhD student, in his second year of study. He has one published research article. The aim of the study is to develop and validate “A program to improve the implementation of the Mental Health Care Act 17 of 2002 in the North West Province”, the which is the title of his study as well. Some of the objectives of his study are to develop a conceptual framework for the improvement of the implementation of the Mental Health Care Act 17 of 2002, using Dickoff, James and Wiedenbach model, To develop a program for improvement of the implementation of the Mental Health Care Act 17 of 2002, using a Donabedian model, To validate the program for improvement in implementation of the Mental Health Care Act 17 of 2002 using e-Delphi technique for consensus method. Mr Tshepang Modise hopes that the UCLA Program will provide him with mentoring support he needs.

He completed his Masters in nursing from the University of Limpopo in 2019 and holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Education at Stellenbosch University and Postgraduate Diploma in Critical Care –Trauma (Limpopo College of Nursing), Certificate in caring for survivors of sexual assault and defended his findings in various courts, In 2018 he attended the Tirisano workshop under track B. He is currently a lecturer in the Department of Nursing Science at the University of Limpopo who facilitates preventative & rehabilitative care modules. His area of research interest is Trauma and mental health hence 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. 

Dr. Memory Muturiki is the Head of the Student Wellness Service at the University of Cape Town. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the university of Venda, a medical degree from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg and an MBA in Healthcare Management, and currently a PhD candidate in Public Health at the University of the Witwatersrand. She has a special interest in adolescent and youth health, she is a mental health practitioner and emerging researcher in the mental health. Presenting the UCT students mental health survey results at the upcoming South African Mental Health Conference 2023. My current research title is “Beyond the COVID-19 pandemic: the role of social determinants of health on mental health outcomes of undergraduate students at the University of Cape Town.

Ms. Mabusela Anikie is a Professional Nurse who specialized in Nephrology and provide dialysis services at Pietersburg Hospital. She completed her four-year degree of Bachelor of Nursing Science and Art (Bcur) at University of Limpopo and received an accolade for top student. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Nephrology at University of Cape Town and completed her Master of Nursing in 2021 at University of Limpopo Turfloop Campus. She is passionate about promoting Mental Health to patients with Chronic Renal Failure. Her research purpose is to develop a psychosocial support programme for patients with Chronic Renal Failure on dialysis at a Tertiary Hospital, Limpopo Province.

Ms. Khuthala Sigovana is a Lecturer in the Department of Public Health at Walter Sisulu University (Mthatha Campus). She has completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Promotion at Walter Sisulu University, obtained her honors in Social Behavior Studies including HIV/AIDS at the University of South Africa, and completed a Master’s degree in Public Health at Walter Sisulu University. In 2018, she attended and presented her research at the PHASA conference and published one research article. She is in her second year registered for Ph.D. in Health Sciences at Walter Sisulu University. Her area of research is cancer and mental health. Her study aims 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 young and dedicated 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 on epidemiology, healthcare management and health promotion. She is currently a first year student pursuing a Ph.D 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.

She trained as a Physiotherapist and worked clinically for several years before starting an academic career. In the DSD the academic and research programmes focus on generating assets, abilities and knowledge on disability inclusion with a specific focus on youth in Africa within a global context. Sumaya has a keen interest in Education and supporting students from disadvantaged educational backgrounds to succeed at university. She teaches on both the undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and her work in the last few years has included the training mid-level community workers who provide services and care to persons with disabilities, particularly in disadvantaged communities. 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 curricular can be designed collaboratively to improve mental health practices and care for persons with disabilities.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and his highest qualification is a master’s in Developmental Studies. Former UWC SRC Academic Officer. Furthermore, an author of mourning and grieving rituals. Currently, He is a lecturer and a second year-level coordinator in Social Work Department. Also, a PhD candidate and His research focus on supported education specifically on invisible disabilities. Moreover, 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.