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Ms. Zama Mthombeni | Higher Education Award | Young Scientist Award

Ms. Zama Mthombeni , Human Sciences Research Council, South Africa

🌟 Dr. Zama Mthombeni is a dynamic scholar with a Ph.D. in Development Studies from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her research intersects academia and societal issues, focusing on themes like education, culture, and socio-economic development. With a robust publication record in prestigious journals and active involvement in peer review processes, she is shaping discourse on African identity, language policies, and the impact of technology. Dr. Mthombeni’s accolades include scholarships and awards for her leadership and academic excellence. Her diverse skill set encompasses qualitative and quantitative research, project management, and stakeholder engagement. She’s committed to driving positive change and promoting inclusivity in academia. 📚🌍

Publication Profile:

Google Scholar

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS:

🎓 Dr. Zama Mthombeni is a highly qualified scholar, holding a Ph.D. in Development Studies from the University of KwaZulu Natal. She has a solid educational background, including a Master’s in Commerce focusing on Local Economic Development and a Master’s in Social Sciences specializing in Public Policy. With a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and another in Political Science and Psychology, both from the University of KwaZulu Natal, her academic journey reflects a strong commitment to understanding societal complexities. Dr. Mthombeni’s diverse academic qualifications equip her with a multifaceted understanding of developmental issues, contributing significantly to her impactful research endeavors. 📚🌱

Awards:

🏆 Dr. Zama Mthombeni has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards throughout her academic journey. Notable accolades include the Ubuntu Team Award from the Human Sciences Research Council in 2022, underscoring her collaborative spirit. She also received the National Research Fund Scholarship for her Ph.D. studies in 2020, showcasing her dedication to research excellence. Additionally, Dr. Mthombeni’s leadership and community engagement were acknowledged with the Rick Turner Scholarship in 2017. Her academic prowess earned her the Deputy Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship in 2015 and the HCI Foundation Bursary in 2011, highlighting her commitment to educational achievement and societal impact. 🎓🌟

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

🔍 Dr. Zama Mthombeni brings her expertise to MANCOSA as an External Research Supervisor since January 2024. In this role, she guides postgraduate, honors, and master’s students through their research journey, ensuring compliance with institutional guidelines. Dr. Mthombeni fosters a supportive environment, assisting students in topic selection, research planning, and report structuring. She prioritizes ethical standards, encourages publication of research findings, and facilitates access to funding opportunities. Through her mentorship, she cultivates research competence and contributes to the academic development of aspiring scholars, enriching the research landscape with innovative insights. 🎓✨

Work Experience :

📊 Dr. Zama Mthombeni served as a Research and Communications Officer at Sakhumnotho Development Services from January to December 2014. In this role, she spearheaded research projects like Asixoxe youth dialogues and talent shows, ensuring timely execution and adherence to budgets. Leading a research team, she managed day-to-day operations, addressed project issues, and reported progress to management and stakeholders. Dr. Mthombeni excelled in communication, acting as a liaison between the NGO and the Office of the Premier. She also handled administrative tasks efficiently, contributing to the organization’s objectives. Despite her contract’s termination, she left a lasting impact through her dedication and professionalism. 🌟📝

Research Focus:

🔬 Dr. Zama Mthombeni’s research focus lies predominantly in the realm of educational policy and social dynamics within South African higher education. Through her work, she delves into issues such as language policy implementation, the impact of fee-free education, and the challenges faced by non-traditional students. Her investigations also extend to broader societal issues, including xenophobia and cultural heritage preservation. Dr. Mthombeni’s commitment to understanding and addressing these complex issues is evident in her diverse publication record and conference presentations. Through her research endeavors, she strives to contribute to the advancement of inclusive and equitable education systems in South Africa and beyond. 📚✨