Dr. Hlokoma Mangqalaza Advocates for Adolescent Mothers at UFH Research Week 2024

Dr. Hlokoma Mangqalaza delivered a compelling presentation at the University of Fort Hare’s Research Week of Excellence 2024, held from 11 to 14 November on the Alice campus. Themed “In the Year of ZK Matthews: Empowering and Building Inclusive Societies through Education,” the event celebrated the centenary of ZK Matthews’ graduation, the university’s first graduate and a symbol of inclusive education and leadership.

Dr. Mangqalaza’s presentation, titled “Service integration for pregnant and mothering adolescents and their children: Working towards a multi-sectoral support approach,” highlighted critical findings from the HEY BABY study. She shared mixed-methods data addressing key themes, including food security, childcare, and a care package tailored for adolescent mothers. Dr. Mangqalaza also explored qualitative insights into the experiences of young mothers, focusing on multi-sectoral care accelerators designed to provide comprehensive support for this vulnerable group.

Her work emphasised the importance of integrated services for pregnant and parenting adolescents, underscoring the need for multi-sectoral collaboration to improve outcomes for young mothers and their children. Dr. Mangqalaza’s contribution aligns with UFH’s commitment to fostering inclusive societies through innovative research and transformative education.