Simangele Mkhize
Nominee's Province:
Kwazulu-natal
Age:
31
Project Name/Description:
Research Administrator: Office of the Dean of Research – University of KwaZulu-Natal
Dr Simangele Mkhize holds the position of research administrator in the office of the Dean of Research at UKZN. She recently completed her PhD in Leadership Studies. Mkhize describes education as her passport to a better life and a pathway to empowerment and self-realisation. “My journey into academia has been shaped by a profound determination to transcend the limitations of my disadvantaged background and carve out a brighter future through the power of education. Growing up, I witnessed first-hand the harsh realities of inequality, but amidst the challenges, I nurtured a fervent love for learning that ignited a flame of hope within me,” she said. Beyond her academic pursuits, Mkhize is a compassionate volunteer, advocating for children’s literacy through her involvement with the Nal'ibali Foundation and volunteering for Unicef South Africa campaigns. As this year marks 30 years of democracy, Mkhize notes that the education sector has made strides. However, she says while increased enrolment rates and transformation targets signify progress, persistent challenges threaten equitable access to quality education. Structural inequalities and socioeconomic disparities continue to hinder marginalised communities from accessing good education. Nonetheless, Mkhize is committed to advocating for educational justice. “The journey towards educational equity remains a work in progress, requiring steadfast commitment, collective action, and unwavering resolve. As a youth in academia, I am compelled to contribute to this noble endeavour, leveraging my research, advocacy, and scholarship to advance the cause of educational justice and create a brighter future for generations to come.”
