Researchers
Mikateko Mathebula is a Senior Researcher at the SARCHI Chair’s Higher Education and Human Development Research Programme. Her research interests lie in the relationship between processes of higher education, ‘development’ and human flourishing. She is also interested in exploring the role of storytelling in advancing inclusive knowledge-making and knowledge-sharing processes developed in the global South.
Mikateko Mathebula
My name is Faith! My work centres on higher education, migration, youth and development in Sub-Saharan Africa. I work with young people on issues to do with access to, and aspirations for higher education. I am curious about different forms of creative art such as digital storytelling, graffiti, songs, photos and how these can help us understand diverse contexts. I am also interested in pursuing research which develops operationalizations of the capability approach and engages more creative participatory methodologies to bridge the gap between researchers and development practitioners and civil society at large.
Faith Mkwananzi
Carmen Martinez Vargas
Carmen Martinez Vargas holds a PhD in Development Studies from the University of the Free State (South Africa) where she also taught postgraduate courses in Participatory Research Methodologies, Southern Theories and Development Studies. Her doctoral thesis focused on conceptualising and operationalising a Capabilities based participatory research project with university students in South Africa. She has published her academic work on epistemic capabilities, participatory research and colonial conversion factors in higher education in refereed journals, and as book chapters in various edited volume books. Her research interests broadly focus on Decolonial and Southern thinking using the Capabilities Approach in Higher Education.
Bertha Kibona
Bertha Kibona is a Post-Doctoral Researcher at the SARCHI Chair’s Higher Education and Human Development Research Programme. Her research interest revolves around education's (higher education) contribution to reducing inequalities and advancing social justice and well-being. Her doctoral research focused on the role of universities in enhancing human development in Tanzania. Bertha is keen to make a contribution toward reducing inequalities and exclusion to enhance the well-being of people.
Busisa Ndimba was born in Eastern Cape. He is a bachelor's student in Arts specialising in History and Business Management at the University of the Free State. He envisions a world governed by/and for youths. He believes that youth have more significant ideas that could make the world a better place for all.
Busisa Ndimba
Tshiamo Malatji is an anarchist organiser in Bloemfontein, Free State. They manage an arts community centre, 56 Tambo, in Bloemfontein's CBD while pursuing community projects for food sovereignty, indigenous building, community Wi-Fi networks and arts development.
Tshiamo Malatji
Bethel
Bethel is currently an LLB student at the University of the Free State. She is very ambitious, resilient and kind. She aims to make the world a better place for the future generation.
Sanele Nkosi
Sanele Nkosi is a Governance and Political Transformation student at the University of the Free State. He is the chairperson of the Pan-African Students Association. He believes that it is his responsibility to serve, suffer and sacrifice for the well-being, quality and transformation of Africa and her children.
Ntsako Khoza is an LLB student at the University of the Free State. He is a passionate, optimistic, and disciplined person who blends in well. He always strives to improve himself and the spaces around him. He is passionate about acquiring information and making a difference. He is an open-minded and very welcoming individual who never misses an opportunity to learn.
Ntsako Khoza
Aphiwe Buthelezi is a 22-year-old who wears her heart on her sleeves and eventually speaks her mind. She is an LLB student at the University of the Free State and is also currently a member of the Golden Key Society and Kovsie Hockey. She is a student activist and a co-researcher. She mostly values honesty and kindness; the rest can follow. In the future, Aphiwe is looking forward to locating her purpose in life and leaving her mark.
"Never once did I ever think I'd ever find myself where I currently am. I am my parents' best gift and my ancestors' wildest dreams!"
Aphiwe Buthelezi
Mpho Maubane
My name is Mpho Maubane. I am a zesty, eloquent and intelligent young lady. I am a student at the University of the Free State, completing my LLB degree. I have experience in policy drafting and am interested in social justice issues. Credentials include first-year chairperson of House Roosmaryn 2018, Executive Committee of UFS SRC President & Vice President, Peer Mentor, Prime of House Roosmaryn 2019/2020, UFS SRC On Campus Residences 2020/2021, Chairperson of the Black Lawyers Association Student UFS 2022, National Executive Committee member of the Black Lawyers Association Student Chapter 2022/2023. I am a firm feminist believer in unity and collaboration to achieve our goals. “Women belong in the front lines; women belong in the boardroom “
Pule Mmula
Pule Mmula is a final year LLB student at the University of the Free State. He is the Vice Chairperson of the South African Universities Debate Championships 2021/22, a UFS Debate Society Coach and a Researcher. He is also a speaker, facilitator and speech and dialogue coordinator. His academic research report investigates non-binary text in the South African Constitution and related legislation. He believes that the next step in activism is the intellectual mechanisms of critical thinking that warrant us to speak and recreate our constructive solutions to our inherent problems.
Siphilangenkosi Dlamini is an undergraduate student in political governance and transformation at the University of the Free State. He is a student activist and researcher with 3 Research publications under his belt. He is also the author of the book ‘Magic and Other Authentic Experiences’ and has authored other shorter publications.
Siphilangenkosi Dlamini
Yandiswa Jessica Ngwabeni (Giwu) is a student at the University of the Free State. She was born in a small town called Lusikisiki and grew up in different towns in the Eastern cape. She is currently the Vice Chairperson of the Fraternity of Politics and a member of the Golden key international honour Society (Top 15% of the faculty). She is also currently working as a co-researcher on a research project (Transforming Education for Sustainable Futures)
“Don't be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.”
Yandiswa Jessica Ngwabeni
Tshepang Mahlatsi
Tshepang Mahlatsi (Pronouns He/him/his) is currently a student/ research assistant at the Free State Centre for Human Rights. He holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of the Free State and is currently enrolled for a Master of Laws specialising in Mercantile Law (Labour) at UFS. His master's dissertation is a legal response to excessive stress leading to depression in frontline workers during the covid-19 pandemic.He is the founder of the Next Chapter Mental Health Advocacy Group. This organisation aims to raise
mental health awareness among students and advocates for better student support. As a speaker, researcher, and activist, Mahlatsi is interested in law and social justice, mental health, leadership, and advocacy of the rights of the marginalised groups, including the LGBTQ communities and people living with specific disabilities in the higher education sector. He has been featured in several panel discussions in higher education spaces and research projects.
His work has been noted by numerous print and online media houses and television programmes (SABC News, Real Talk on SABC 3, Hectic Nine9 on SABC 2). He is a seasoned guest for several shows on Lesedi FM, CUT FM, and other community Radio Programmes.
His mantra
Be loyal to your calling, and the Universe will locate you; once located, dominate!