Dr Frans Koketso Matlakala
Nominee's Province:
North West
Age:
30
Project Name/Description:
Senior Lecturer – North-West University
Dr Frans Koketso Matlakala is a qualified social worker driven by mental health research with a focus on youth, fathers and climate-induced disasters. Dr Matlakala’s achievements include community engagements at the University of Limpopo’s Centre for Academic Excellence and being awarded the Abe Bailey Travel Bursary. He’s also authored and co-authored 30 articles appearing in peer-reviewed journals and reviews for international journals such as BMC Psychology, African Renaissance and the European Journal of Social Work. “I provide lessons to undergraduate and postgraduate social work students. The lessons provided in class have informed my research, with two book chapters published from the modules I offer. I also conduct research to develop third-stream finances for my research entity, benefiting the university.” According to Dr Matlakala, significant advancements have been made in the education system in the 30 years of democracy. “We have seen a rapid increase in access to education, with every child allowed to study in primary and secondary schools without making any payment,” he observes. The government has also focused on Early Childhood Development and supported Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges, providing alternative pathways for students who cannot enter universities. “However, many children cannot enjoy free access to education due to transport issues, especially in rural areas like the Eastern Cape, where learners walk over 10 km to the nearest under-resourced school.”
