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Wits School of Governance

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Academic staff

Our academics are known for advising policymakers on foreign and national security policy processes and frameworks. They have experience in social activism, working with trade unions and in global organisations, and many are sought-after for media interviews and analysis.         

Dr Mzukisi Qobo Dr Mzukisi Qobo was the previous Head of the Wits School of Governance and is now a visiting professor at WSG.
Dr Caryn Abrahams
Dr Caryn Abrahams Dr Abrahams, a senior lecturer, holds a PhD in Social and Political Science from the University of Edinburgh, in the Centre for African Studies.
Dr Christine Hobden
Dr Christine Hobden Dr Christine Hobden is a senior lecturer in Ethics and Public Governance. She holds a DPhil in Politics (Political Theory) from Nuffield College, University of Oxford.
Murray Cairns Murray Cairns is a principal tutor. He runs the Writing Centre at the School and is the Convenor for the Masters of Management.
Dr Odile Mackett Dr Odile Mackett is a senior lecturer at the Wits School of Governance and an economist by training. She has a PhD and a MCom in Applied Development Economics from the University of the Witwatersrand.
Dr Kholiswa Malindini Dr Kholiswa Malindini is a lecturer in Economics, Public Finance and Analytical Methods at WSG. She holds a DPhil in Economics from Wits University and a Masters’ degree in Economics from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.
Prof. Kwandiwe Kondlo
Professor Kwandiwe Kondlo Kwandiwe Kondlo (DLitt et Phil) is a Professor at the Wits School of Governance.
Dikgang Motsepe
Dr Dikgang Motsepe Dr Dikgang Motsepe is an economist and a senior lecturer at the WSG, focusing on macro-economic policy, and public finance.
Professor Pundy Pillay Pundy Pillay was the Research Director at WSG and is now a Visiting Professor of Economics and Public Finance.
Associate Professor Geci Karuri-Sebina Geci Karuri-Sebina is an Associate Professor at the WSG and coordinator at Tayarisha, the African Centre of Excellence in Digital Governance.
Adjunct Professor Alex van den Heever Alex van den Heever holds the Chair of Social Security Systems Administration and Management Studies at the University.
Dr Kagiso “TK” Pooe
Dr Kagiso “TK” Pooe Dr Kagiso “TK” Pooe is a senior lecturer focusing on Public Policy themes.
Dr Kambidima Wotela
Dr Kambidima Wotela Dr Kambidima Wotela, Academic Director at Wits School of Governance, is an Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Scholar and a William and Flora Hewlett Foundation Fellow. He teaches analytical methods, research methodology, and economic development and population trends
Professor Robert Van Niekerk Van Niekerk holds a BA (English) & BA Hons (Industrial Sociology) from UCT, an MSc (Social Policy) from the London School of Economics (LSE) and an MPhil and DPhil (Comparative Social Policy) from the University of Oxford.
Rekgotsofetse Chikane Rekgotsofetse Chikane is a lecturer in public policy and is also a political commentator, activist and the author of Breaking a Rainbow, Building a Nation: The Politics behind the #MustFall Movements.
Dr Halfdan Lynge Dr Lynge is a Senior Lecturer at the Wits School of Governance and the Tarisha Centre’s Research Manager. His research explores the effects of politics on public policy.
Associate Professor Caitlin Blaser Mapitsa Dr Mapitsa is the Research Director at the School. She holds a PhD in Migration and Displacement from the University of the Witwatersrand’s African Centre for Migration and Society.
Dr John Khumalo Dr Khumalo is a senior lecturer and holds a doctoral degree in economics, Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance as well as a Masters in Economics.
Professor David Everatt Prof. Everatt has over 30 years of experience in applied socio-economic and development research, political and governance reform, M&E design and implementation across sub-Saharan Africa.
Dr Nedson Pophiwa
Dr Nedson Pophiwa Dr Nedson Pophiwa is a senior lecturer in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E). He has conducted research and M&E projects for several funders and government departments.
Professor Adebayo Olukoshi Professor Adebayo O. Olukoshi is a Distinguished Professor and has over three decades of experience in research, training and capacity enhancement, programme development, and institution-building. Most of his research has centred on the interplay of politics and economics in the development experience.
Dr Hlengiwe Ndlovu Dr Hlengiwe Ndlovu, a Senior Lecturer, holds a PhD in Sociology from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), in the Department of Sociology.
Associate Professor Heidi Brooks Heidi Brooks is an Associate Professor at the Wits School of Governance. Her research interests lie in democracy, development and democratic theory. She is the author of ‘The African National Congress and Participatory Democracy: From people’s power to public policy’.
Matlala Setlhalogile Matlala Setlhalogile is a Political Economist and a lecturer at the Wits School of Governance.
Dr Frank Lekaba Dr Frank Lekaba is a senior lecturer in the Wits School of Governance. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Peace Studies and International Relations and Master of Social Sciences in International Relations from the North-West University, and DLitt et Phil in Politics from the University of Johannesburg.
Dr Thelela Ngcetane-Vika Dr Thelela Ngcetane-Vika is an Academic at the Wits School of Governance. Her research interests are on Governance, especially Corporate Governance, with interest in CG laws in South Africa, UK, US and Asia-Pacific.
Prof. Themba Maseko
Adjunct Professor Themba Maseko Adjunct Professor Themba Maseko is the Acting Head of the Wits School of Governance. Maseko joined the School as the Director of Executive Education, bringing with him a wealth of public sector and management and higher education experience.
Associate Professor Isaac Khambule Isaac Khambule is an Associate Professor of Political Economy, and teaches Decision-Making in Public Institutions at the Wits School of Governance.
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