Organizing Committee – Africa Young Graduates and Scholars Conference

Dr. Palesa Sekhejane

Executive Head (acting)

Dr. Palesa Sekhejane

Executive Head (acting)

Dr Sekhejane is currently the Executive Head (interim) in the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), leading a Africa Focus research division – Africa Institute of South Africa (AISA). Dr Sekhejane continues to be the Director for Strategic Partnerships with special focus on Africa relations for delivering on continental strategies. During her interim Executive Head role, she implemented various key projects such as Food Systems Transformation and Climate Smart Agriculture, Nation Building and Children of Conflict in South Sudan, as well as Democracy and Elections Status Quo in Africa. Previously a Research Specialist in Africa Institute of South Africa within HSRC conducting research in health sciences, innovation and biomedical technology developments and policy relevant thematic areas in various African countries. At that period, some of the research highlights include being A Principal Investigator for the socio-economic status of alcohol misuse for the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator (MER). She was recently appointed to serve in the EU platform through the Department of Science and Innovation, and International Science Council (ISC) fellow, as well as the Science For Africa Foundation Africa Programme (POSSIBLE) decision committee. In her drive for strategic partnerships, she has on boarded partnerships such as UK’s CEFAS in collaboration with CSIR, which has funded research implementation and capacity building in the area of one food-health. Dr Palesa Sekhejane holds health sciences Doctoral degree in Biomedical Technology, and specialised in Biophotonics, with advanced training from University of Illinois (USA). Dr Sekhejane has served in research ethics committee with special focus on biomedical oriented studies. Additionally, she is the chairperson of Gauteng’s Technical Committee War Room on Crime and Law Enforcement. Recently appointed in the UNESCO’s natural sciences committee, and She is a research associate at the University of Johannesburg in the Applied Sciences Research Unit, Faculty of Sciences. Former member of ECOSOCC of African Union on Women and Gender Cluster. Her interests are in health and sciences research and innovations, women and youth. Amongst her recent co-authored publications are “South Africa’s Vaccine Production Potential: Towards an Intra-BRICS Vaccine Production Framework” as well as “The Gauteng Province Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2019 Grade 9 Results”.

Dr Vuyo Mjmba

Chief Research Specialist

Dr Vuyo Mjmba

Chief Research Specialist

Dr Vuyo Mjimba has over 22 years of experience combing work in academia and the private sector covering production, sales, general management, teaching, research, and consultancy. Dr Mjimba obtained his doctorate degree in development, policy, and practice from The Open University in the United Kingdom. As an international development researcher, he now focuses on sustainable development and concentrates on policy analysis and sustainable industrialisation. Using the global value chain framework and its theoretical constructs, he has analysed health systems, mining, climate change, and the agriculture industries. He has published several books, book chapters, peer-reviewed journal articles, policy briefs, and working papers. These publications largely cover sustainable development concerns, including climate change, the green economy/growth, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 sustainable development goals. Mjimba also supervises doctoral and master’s degree university students.

Dr Rodney Managa

Research Specialist

Dr Rodney Managa

Research Specialist

Dr Lavhelesani R. Managa is a Research Specialist in the HSRC 's Africa Institute of South Africa (AISA). His experience at the HSRC includes the Researcher and Research Manager positions. He holds an MSc. Agriculture (Cum Laude) degree from UNISA and a PhD. Horticultural Science from the University of Pretoria. He previously worked for the Agricultural Research Council - Vegetable, Industrial, and Medicinal Plants (ARCVIMP) and Penn State University Roots Biology Lab. He is a research associate at the University of South Africa (UNISA), the Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, and the University of Zambia's Geography and Environment Studies Department. Dr. Managa's public policy and research interests include agricultural technology and innovation adoption, food systems transformation, food security, climate change, plant biodiversity, and sustainable natural sources management.

Ms Mmakwena Chipu

Managing Editor

Ms Mmakwena Chipu

Managing Editor

For over 12 years, Mmakwena Chipu has been a noteworthy academic and scholarly publishing leader. She has contributed to the Africa Institute of South Africa and the Human Sciences Research Council as a Publisher, working on books and the in-house journal Africa Insight. Mmakwena Chipu holds an undergraduate degree in Publishing from the University of Pretoria and a Postgraduate Honours degree in Publishing from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. She is currently enrolled for a Masters Degree with the University of the Witwatersrand.

Ms Samantha Coert

Strategic Partnership / Support Officer

Ms Samantha Coert

Strategic Partnership / Support Officer

Samantha is a Strategic Partnership Officer, who joined the HSRC in 2018. She holds an Honors Degree in Psychology and a Master's Degree in Child and Family Studies. She has completed training in Effective Stakeholder Management and Science Communication for Societal Impact. She has worked in the higher education and government for the past thirteen years. Her work has been on the operations of research development & management, facilitating strategic partnership engagements, implementation planning, data management processes as well as funding grants coordination. Samantha has served on various forums and committees; University Research Fund, Research Exchange Programme, Improvement of Qualifications Committee, and the National Research Foundation's ratings internal committee. Her current role is to oversee the coordination and warranting institutional compliance with Memorandum of Understandings. Ensuring efforts are geared to achieve greater impact of the workings of the HSRC, through engaged scholarship that relies on strategic partnerships including government, state bodies supporting transformative democracy, academic institutions, science councils, think tanks, corporate entities, civil society, funders and the broader South African public and communities.

Mr Ngwako Lebeya

Administrator Officer

Mr Ngwako Lebeya

Administrator Officer

Ngwako Lebeya is the administrative officer of the Africa Institute of South Africa in the Human Sciences Research Council. He is mainly responsible for travel arrangements and liaison with different departments in the HSRC to ensure smooth operations.

Ms Kutlwano Mohale

DSI Intern

Ms Kutlwano Mohale

DSI Intern

Kutlwano Mohale is a Department of Science (DSI) Intern at the Africa Institute of South Africa (AISA) in the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC). She has a Bachelor of Arts Honours in International Studies from the University of South Africa (UNISA) and a Bachelor of Political Science in international studies from the University of Pretoria (UP). Her research interests span areas of governance, peace, security and trade. She takes a keen interest in electoral processes in Africa and has had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in election observation through AISA. She is passionate about the development of African countries and enjoys learning about the socio-cultural nuances that unite us.

Ms Nosisa Zaca

PhD Research Trainee

Ms Nosisa Zaca

PhD Research Trainee

Ms Nosisa Zaca is a PhD Research Trainee at the Africa Institute of South Africa, Human Sciences Research Council. She is also enrolled for a PhD in Food Security at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), South Africa. She holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Agricultural Economics from the UKZN. Nosisa is a Golden Key International Honour Society member and an alumnus of the Young African Leaders Initiative Regional Leadership Center-Southern Africa (YALI RLC-SA). She has presented at national and international conferences. Her research interests include entrepreneurship development, agricultural and rural development, behavioural economics, climate change, and food security.

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Mr Thabo Mphelo

IT, Audiovisual and Executive

Mr Thabo Mphelo

IT, Audiovisual and Executive

Thabo Mphelo is the HSRC’s Network and end-user Support Specialist. He is studying to upgrade his Microsoft certificates to effectively perform his IT network/support specialist role. He provides technical support that ensures the proper operation, maintenance, monitoring, testing, and repair of complex Audio-Visual networked equipment and control systems.

Ms Busisiwe Hlatshwayo

Events Manager, Communication and Engagement Unit

Ms Busisiwe Hlatshwayo

Events Manager, Communication and Engagement Unit

Busisiwe is an accomplished events professional with more than 15 years of experience in producing and executing a wide range of highly successful events in the SET and Higher Education Sectors. She is deeply passionate about helping others and believe in creating warm and welcoming environments where everyone can feel valued, heard, and appreciated. Busisiwe understands the importance of building strong connections with stakeholders and always strive to go over and above to meet expectations.

Mr Antonio Erasmus

Brand Manager

Mr Antonio Erasmus

Brand Manager

Antonio Erasmus, a versatile professional at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), excels in two key roles. As Brand Manager, he ensures the institution's consistent messaging and corporate identity across research and support units. Simultaneously, as a digital and multimedia expert, he collaborates with researchers to pioneer innovative research methods at the institution, including digital storytelling and Photo Voice, leveraging multimedia tools for research and brand promotion. Mr Erasmus’s career journey began as a graphic designer at the Medical Research Council (MRC), where he helped introduce video production, enhancing the documentation of research and conference capture. Later, he joined the MRC Web and Media Technologies Platform, interviewing NSTF award winners for audio podcasts and expanding services to include live streaming. At HSRC, he continues to innovate, currently focusing on HSRC Connect, a platform enabling researchers to engage with a wider audience.

Ms Tshiamo Gaetsewe

Executive PA

Ms Tshiamo Gaetsewe

Executive PA

Ms Gaetsewe holds a BSc Honours Degree in Soil Sciences and a BSc Environmental Management degree, from the University of the Free State. She has vast experience in the laboratory, field work and scientific research. At her previous occupation, Gaetsewe was an Executive Administrator to an international organisation. This is where she gained experience and was trained in Protocol & Parliamentary Procedure, Business Etiquette and various Leadership courses. She has international experience, and she was part of a team that planned and hosted a World Congress which garnered over 3000 international delegates. Gaetsewe is currently working at the Human Sciences Research Council, under the Africa Institutes of South Africa (AISA) as an Executive Support to the Executive Head. At this year’s AYGS Conference, she is entrusted with handling Dignitaries, VIP’s and all Executives in attendance

Mrs. Masego Masenya

Stakeholder Relations and Events Officer

Mrs. Masego Masenya

Stakeholder Relations and Events Officer

Mrs. Masego Masenya is currently the Stakeholder Relations & Events Officer at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) within the Impact Centre Unit. She holds a Baccalaureus Technologiae (B-Tech) in Public Management, a Baccalaureus Technologiae in Business Administration, and a Diploma in Public Management from the Tshwane University of Technology University