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Dr Greer Valley is a lecturer in the department of Curatorial, Public and Visual Cultures at the University of the Witwatersrand, as well as a practicing independent curator. She serves as the vice president of the KwaZulu Natal Society of the Arts and as the chairperson of the Africa South Arts Initiative (ASAI). Recent achievements include being selected as a curatorial fellow at the Institute for Creative Arts (ICA) in 2018 and being chosen as a 2019-2020 Getty Foundation MAHASSA Fellow (Modern Art Histories in and Across Africa, South and Southeast Asia). In 2022, she was an invited guest curator at the Dak’art Biennale in Dakar, Senegal, where she presented the acclaimed exhibition, Unsettled. Greer's research and practice interests include examining the representation of African colonial histories in European art institutions. She holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture, an honours degree in visual studies, a master’s degree in visual art and a PhD in art historical studies from the University of Cape Town.
Itumeleng Tsatsi-Mosala is occupational therapist in Psychiatry and mental health and a researcher in the field. She is a lecturer in the occupational therapy department at the University of Witwatersrand. Her research niche includes promoting occupational justice and community reintegration among mental health care users, including communities from which mental health care users come from. In 2018, Tsatsi-Mosala was recognized as an influential young South African by the Mail and Guardian 200 young South African as a trailblazer in the Occupational Therapy field. She was awarded in 2019 by News 24 as a 100 Young Mandela of the Future under the category vision, for her contribution in Occupational Therapy mental health research. She is now serving in the Occupational Therapy Africa Regional Group (OTARG) executive committee as Vice President Marketing and Fundraising and the Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa (OTASA) occupational science committee as secretary. She is the founder and host of an Occupational Therapy podcast that celebrate trailblazers in the Occupational Therapy profession.
Sindisiwe Msani has a Bachelor of Education from the University of KwaZulu-Natal; B. Ed Honours from the same university specialising in isiZulu; and a Master’s in Education in Language and Arts, specializing in isiZulu. She has submitted her PhD at the University of the Witwatersrand. She is a former educator (2010-218). Since December 2018, she has been working as a lecturer at higher education institutions (private and public). She has participated in many programs to promote African languages. She is currently working as an associate lecturer at Wits School of Education for isiZulu FAL and Home Language. Her research interests include code-switching, multilingualism, multiculturalism, isiZulu language teaching and assessments, teaching pedagogies, and language policies.
Dr. Illke Malungo is an anatomy lecturer in the School of Anatomical Sciences, where she teaches allied health students at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels with a dynamic blend of passion and expertise. She holds a PhD in neurobiology where her research focus revolves around the various aspects of mammalian sleep, its evolution and regulation. Her work includes the neural mechanisms governing sleep patterns in previously undescribed species, including wildebeest, African lions, and the tailless tenrec. In addition to her research in sleep, she has expanded her neuroanatomy research to understanding how disruptions in different processes contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders. Through her interdisciplinary approach she also collaborates with the department of Exercise science and Sports medicine to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical applications of common injuries in sports players. Dr Malungo’s commitment extends beyond the laboratory and lectures halls; she actively engages in issues of social justice, redress and diversity and inclusion. As the chair of the School of Anatomical Sciences Transformation committee from 2019-2022 she has become well aware of some of the challenges and barriers that women face in their education.
Sibongile Langa is a Senior Technician at the University of the Witwatersrand, in the School of Oral Health Sciences, Department of Oral Biological Sciences. She participates in teaching the oral microbiology course to Bachelor of Dental Science and Bachelor of Oral Health Sciences students. Mrs Langa also engages in postgraduate students supervision and has co-supervised Bachelor of Honours and Master of Science students in the University. Aside from her academic duties, Mrs Langa is a part-time PhD student. Her research focus is on South African medicinal plants with anticancer potential. She is a recipient of the 2024 Carnegie Doctoral grant and Female Academic Leaders Fellowship (FALF) grant which will help in timeous completion of her PhD project and career progression. In 2014, Mrs Langa was a recipient of DAAD-NRF scholarship for her Master of Science degree during which she investigated the antimicrobial efficacy of medicinal plants used in northern KwaZulu-Natal to treat skin diseases.
Zandiswa Gulube is a Medical Scientist/Lecturer on a joint appointment between University of the Witwatersrand and Gauteng Department of Health. It was during undergraduate studies when she realized that to venture into the realm of science is to pursue a path of boundless discovery. Healing power found in plants is an ancient idea with majority of people in developing countries using traditional medicines for their health care system. Dr Gulube has persuaded research in the field of medicinal plants in search of therapeutic agents. Therapeutic agents may not only have antimicrobial effect, but rather influence pathogenicity as well as interference with the mode of action of the pathogen. She enjoys the application of logical thinking as a tool for exploring and satisfying curiosity about the microbes and the world around us. While sometimes research can be frustrating with a little impact in today’s world, it is set to explore and make mysterious discoveries to improve the quality of life. She is a recipient of SA-NRF/Nagoya Japan exchange program, NRF Thuthuka PhD track, SEED FRC as well as Female Academy Leaders Fellowship (FALF) in the coming year 2024. She is currently collaborating with Federal and Bells University in Nigeria. Her research portfolio has produced the required 7 internationally recognized scientific outputs, supervised 11 postgraduate student and reviewed 3 journal manuscript.
Dr Jabulile (DrJ) is the Senior Lecturer of Entrepreneurship and Program Director of the Master of Management – Business and Executive Coaching at the Wits Business School. She is also responsible for the management of the MBA Personal and Leadership Coaching program. Her passion for teaching and postgraduate supervision continues to inspire greatness. As testament to her collegiate leadership, she was recently inducted as a 2023 Honorary Member into the Golden Key International Honour Society. DrJ is a qualified statistician, facilitator, public speaker, and researcher. She holds a PhD in Entrepreneurship (Wits Business School) and an MSc in Mathematical Statistics - Risk analysis (University of the Free State). She also holds a certificate in Effective Mentoring and Coaching (Wits Business School) and is currently studying towards her masters, researching the role of coaching in the development of Black women entrepreneurs in South Africa. Jabulile is an award-winning author, entrepreneur, business and executive coach, case writer, and mentor. She published her first book, Dear Mr Entrepreneurship: A Conversation between Ms. Entrepreneur and Mr. Entrepreneurship in 2022 and was recognised by the AfriCAN Honoree Authors' Awards for her book and the Africa Startup Ecosystem Builders (ASEB) as the 2022 entrepreneurs’ Mentor and Coach of the Year. DrJ is currently the Managing Director of DrJ Business Support, and co-founder of the non-profit think tank African Institute for Entrepreneurship (AIfE). Recently, she co-authored the second volume of Dear Mr Entrepreneurship: Journeys of Women Entrepreneurs with thirteen aspiring and emerging businesswomen leaders.
Dr Thoko Poppy Mahlangu received her PhD degree in Assessment and Quality Assurance in Education and Training from the University of Pretoria (2016), where she completed the Masters degree in Curriculum Studies in 2006. Thoko received the BA degree, Higher Education Diploma (H.E.D) and B.Ed (Hons) from the University of the North (Limpopo) in 1994, 1995 and 1996 respectively. Thoko has also received a Postgraduate Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation (2019) from Stellenbosch University. She is also the recipient of the Lifetime Golden Key International Honour Society Membership (University of Pretoria Chapter) from 2016. She previously worked for Mpumalanga Department of Education as a high school teacher for nine years. She later worked for Mpumalanga Department of Education as a Subject Advisor, for twelve years. She is currently a Geography/Geography Education lecturer at Wits School of Education, Curriculum and Social Studies Division, Faculty of Humanities. Her main research interests include sustainable development, environmental issues, natural resources, water, teaching and assessment, academic performance, population dynamics, rural education, hazards and disasters, women and gender issues.
Dr Matshediso Mothopi-Peri completed both her undergraduate (Bachelor of Dental Science) and postgraduate (Master of Dentistry in Prosthodontics) studies at the University of the Witwatersrand. She also holds a National Diploma in Radiography. She is currently studying for her PhD in Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery at Wits University. Currently, Dr Mothopi-Peri is the Head of the Department of Paediatric and Restorative Dentistry in the School of Oral Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand. Dr Mothopi-Peri is a Prosthodontics specialist with special interest in maxillofacial rehabilitation. Her research interests include the rehabilitation of the head and neck defects using the ‘Appropriatech concept’ which emphasises on the need for using cost effective methods and materials when rehabilitating patients, especially those from low socio-economic backgrounds. Her passion is to bring the speciality of Prosthodontics to all the citizens of South Africa. Dr Mothopi-Peri is a member of the International College of Prosthodontists (ICP) and the Academy of Prosthodontists in South Africa (APSA). She has presented at numerous conferences both locally and internationally in countries such as Germany, United Kingdom, Chile, Netherlands, United States of America, Serbia and others. She won the best poster presentation awards at the ICP conferences in Chile (2017) and South Korea (2015).
Josephine is a senior lecturer at the School of Construction Economics and Management (CEM). She is a registered professional quantity surveyor with the South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP), a fellow of the Association of Arbitrators Southern Africa, and a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). She has served as the Board Member of the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS). In work and in life Josephine, believes in the power of servant leadership as a key construct for personal development and social change. Having worked with young people for most of her life, Josephine is passionate about developing leaders. Her personal research vision is to become a leading researcher in the built-environment who will also develop other built-environment researchers who will bring solutions to developmental challenges to create an inclusive future. Josephine is a nature lover who enjoys the outdoors and is committed to playing her part in conserving natural resources in manner that will “support the wellbeing of current and future generations.” Besides nature, Josephine supports a number of philanthropic initiatives especially those that support the development of children and youth.
Dr. Skye Nandi Adams is a lecturer in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology within the School of Human and Community Development at the University of the Witwatersrand. Recently awarded a PhD, her doctoral research delved into the family experiences associated with feeding autistic children. Dr. Adams' research specialisation encompasses children with neurological communication impairments, including conditions such as cerebral palsy and autism, as well as dysphagia, focusing on feeding and swallowing disorders. Dr Adams is also a CARTA (Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa) fellow and has a keen interest in advancing service delivery and interventions tailored to the unique needs of children with disabilities and their families in both South Africa and the broader African context.
My Name is Sonti Imogene Pilusa. A senior lecturer in The Physiotherapy department. I started my academic life as a lecturer in the Physiotherapy department in January 2014. My core roles as an academic include teaching, research, and academic citizenship. I teach undergraduate and postgraduate physiotherapy students public health and community physiotherapy concepts. My philosophy in teaching and learning is inspired by this quote “The end of all education should surely be service to others” (Cesar Chavez). My research role includes supervising research projects (undergraduate and postgraduate students). My research niche is in chronic care service delivery supporting people with chronic conditions and or disabilities to live well with their condition. During my spare time, I enjoy doing crafts, playing with paint, hiking, doing puzzles and spending time with my family.
Dr Maria Mabyalwa Mudau is joint staff in the Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory service and School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. She holds positions of Senior Medical Scientist, Lecturer and Researcher. Dr Mudau’s area of specialisation is in Sequence variant classification and interpretation. Her Research Interests include RASopathies, Inherited congenital cardic defects and Molecular diagnostics of various monogenic disorders. Dr Mudau’s current research include; Utilising whole exome sequencing to determine genetic bases of RASopathies and related syndromes; Utilising next generation sequencing panel to test various monogenic disorders in a diagnostic setting; Genomics approaches to improve diagnosing congenital heart defects.
Dr Hlengiwe Ndlovu, currently a Senior Lecturer at the Wits School of Governance (WSG) at the University of the Witwatersrand, is a distinguished academic in the field of Sociology. She earned her PhD from the same university, specializing in Sociology. Prior to her tenure at WSG, Dr. Ndlovu held the position of Senior Lecturer in the Department of Sociology at the University of Free State. Her academic journey includes a significant postdoctoral fellowship at the Centre for Women and Gender Studies at Nelson Mandela University, followed by her contributions at the University of Johannesburg's Centre for Social Change, where she initially served as a postdoctoral fellow and later as a research associate. Dr. Ndlovu’s research and publications focus on three key areas: gender equality, grassroots democracy, and local governance, with a particular emphasis on social movements, collective actions, and societal transformation. She has authored insightful works on the role of women in the #FeesMustFall movement, explored the historical participation of women in community protests, and investigated the precarious conditions faced by women during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a co-editor of “Rioting and Writing: Diaries of the Wits #Fallists” (2017), she has made a significant contribution to documenting the experiences of student activists during the #FeesMustFall protests. Her influential work in these areas led to her recognition as one of Mail & Guardian’s Top 50 South African Influential Women in 2020 under the category ‘The Guiding Women.’ Further, her commitment to community engagement is exemplified by her project "Reading for Tomorrow," which earned her the Canon Collins Trust Social Impact Award in 2017. This project promotes the reading of African literature among primary and high school students.
Gontse Leballo-Mothibi is a Junior Specialist Anaesthesiologist at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital which is affiliated with the University of the Witwatersrand. She has completed a BSc degree in Sciences, majoring in Zoology and Biochemistry at the University of Johannesburg before embarking on her medical degree (MBBCH) at the University of the Witwatersrand. Anaesthesiology became her next adventure as she acquired both a Diploma in Anaesthesia, and a Fellowship in the Colleges of Anaesthesiologists through the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa. She also has a Master of Medicine in Anaesthesia degree from the University of the Witwatersrand, and a current PhD student through the same institution. Her current interest lies in medical research specific to the paediatric population and cardiac surgery. Her goals include finding cost-effective and bed-side techniques in the management of disease burden in the African continent. She is a published researcher, a mentor, a supervisor of research projects within the department of anaesthesia, a lecturer, a student, an award-winning clinician, a mother of the two most wonderful children, a wife, a daughter, and a God loving woman. A hard-working individual, surrounded by black female mentors who are genuine in seeing her reaching her greatest potential. She was born and raised in a small township of Refilwe (Cullinan) just outside of Pretoria and is grateful to have experienced her first and true mentorship through examples set by her mother.
Nonhlanhla Tlotleng earned a Bachelor’s degree and a Masters in Biotechnology from the University of Johannesburg in South Africa. She further completed an MSc degree in Epidemiology and PhD from the University of the Witwatersrand while a recipients of the National Research foundation (NRF) Free standing scholarship and doctoral innovation scholarship. She joined the National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH) as an Epidemiologist in 2016. On her current role as a Senior epidemiologist, Dr Tlotleng is focused on risk factors and exposures for occupation related cancers, chemical exposures and their harmful effects in workplaces and improving disease workplace surveillance. She is an Honorary lecturer and researcher within the School of Public Health at the University of the Witwatersrand where she is involved in teaching, training and supervision of Master’s and PhD students in Public Health and Epidemiology. Dr Tlotleng has authored over twenty-seven peer-reviewed publications in Occupational health research on workplace hazards and their health effects. She has been invited to be a member of Editorial board for several peer review journals serving as a reviewer and an academic Editor. In addition, she served as a member of expert committees in occupational health and surveillance programs within the NIOH.
FALF seeks to develop a pipeline of South African, African and Africans of mixed ancestry female academic leaders in tertiary institutions (Chancellor’s Fellows).
This initiative was informed by the slow racial and gender transformation at leadership level in tertiary institutions nationally, especially when it comes to black females.
