Mzikazi Nduna

Dr. Mzikazi Nduna is a distinguished academic, educator, and social justice advocate with an impressive career spanning over two decades in the fields of psychology, gender studies, and public health. She holds a PhD in Public Health from the University of the Witwatersrand and is currently serving as an Independent Consultant and Freelance Academic while contributing to scholarly and community-driven engagements in South Africa. Dr. Nduna’s academic journey is both unconventional and inspiring, marked by persistence, reflection, and an unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion. Initially aspiring to careers in fashion design, social work, and professional psychology, she eventually found her academic calling through mentorship and lived experiences. Her professional evolution reflects a deeply personal understanding of systemic oppression, particularly structural violence against Black African women—a theme central to her work. With over 69 peer-reviewed journal articles, three books, eight book chapters, and four special issue journals to her name, Dr. Nduna’s academic footprint is both prolific and influential. Her work spans critical areas such as Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), LGBTIQ+ advocacy, and community psychology. She has garnered over 7,200 citations with an H-index of 32, underscoring the scholarly impact of her work. Dr. Nduna served in several pivotal roles, including as Head of the School of Human and Community Development at the University of the Witwatersrand and most recently as Executive Dean of Health Sciences at the University of Fort Hare. She is also an Honorary Research Fellow at the Centre for the Study of the Afterlife of Violence and the Reparative Quest (AVReQ), and has affiliations with leading institutions such as the South African Judiciary Education Institute and the University of Pretoria. Among her notable contributions is the formation and leadership of Net 10, a research network of SADC-based scholars addressing sexual and gender identity. Dr. Nduna’s ability to connect academia with activism is further evident in her engagement with community education, government advisory roles, and participation in ethical and human rights panels. Her resilience in the face of racism and sexism, particularly within academia, stands as a powerful testament to her strength and leadership. Her mentorship ethos—"You do not have to aspire to be a professor to be one"—resonates deeply with students, peers, and communities across Africa and beyond. In her own words, the true reward of professorship lies not in accolades, but in impact: when someone says, “Mam, I did it because of you.” This sentiment encapsulates her profound influence as a transformative educator and an unapologetic advocate for justice and inclusion.