Introduction

The UCT Department of Social Development Research Hub was established in February 2018, as an incubation for research innovations in the Department of Social Development. This programme is meant to groom the next generation of academics and researchers, specifically those who are coming from previously disadvantaged groups.  The programme offers internship, mentoring, teaching, research and administrative skills.

Intended Impact

• The programme hopes to strengthen research and teaching skills
• The programme intends to promote evidence-based knowledge production, through partnering with different stakeholders

Meet the Team:

Mrs Amanda Manqoyi-Ouamba

Brief Biography:

Amanda Manqoyi-Ouamba is an academic product of the Department. She started with the institution in 2011 as an undergraduate student in social work. During her undergraduate studies, she was nominated for the Dean’s merit list for two consecutive terms (2013 and 2014). She was also awarded a St Leger Prize for the most improved student by the Department. She is currently part of the Department’s developmental programme aimed at strengthening research innovations within the Department. She brings in this role an extensive field work experience in qualitative research design and methods.

Research Interest Areas:

Substance abuse prevention and management in a broader view, with a special focus on the wellbeing of teachers involved in the implementation of substance abuse prevention measures in schools, as well as the relationship between schools/teachers and parents in managing substance abuse issues in schools, and within the community.

 

Miss Sisanda Mguzulwa

Brief Biography:

Sisanda is a Next Generations for Social Sciences in Africa, [Social Science Research Council (SSRC)] fellow and National Research Foundation (NRF). She is currently, a National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS) fellow. She is passionate about youth and community development. Sisanda has a strong background in social development (youth, gang violence and community development), and project coordination. She has combined experience in youth and community development in the academic and civil society space serving in various capacities. She also has solid research abilities, specialises more in qualitative research design.

Research interests:

• Youth violence
• Youth and community Development
• Civil society intervention

 

The team will be joined shortly by Mr Zolani Metu.