Professor Siphamandla Zondi is the Acting Director of the Institute for Pan African Thought and Conversation at the University of Johannesburg and acting Co-Director of the Institute for Global African Affairs co-hosted by UJ and the University of the West Indies, Barbados. The former staff of the University of Pretoria obtained his MPhil and doctorate from the University of Cambridge in England. His research interests revolve around the decolonisation of being, knowledge, and power in a number of subject areas. He currently teaches introduction to political science and research methodology but has recently also taught courses on foreign policy, diplomatic studies, democratic politics, and African political economy. He has authored or co-authored more than 70 accredited research outputs and is recognised as an established researcher by the National Research Foundation in South Africa. He is the current Chair of the South African BRICS Think Tank and leads the UJ BRICS+ Research Project. He is a commissioner on the National Planning Commission of South Africa.

Ms. Nompumelelo Ndawonde is a Researcher at the Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation (IPATC). She is currently a PhD student at the University of Cape Town (UCT) in South Africa. She obtained a Masters of Political Science, a Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) in International Relations (cum laude), and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies (cum laude), all from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in South Africa. Ms. Ndawonde was awarded academic exchange scholarships for studies at the University of Calgary in Canada, and the University of Uppsala in Sweden. Her key research interests include regional organisations, trade, and development.

Ms. Ratidzo Chido Makombe is a Researcherat the Institute of Pan African Thought and Conversation. She is also currently a PhD student in Development Studies at the University of Johannesburg. She obtained a Master’s in International Relations from the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa.

Ms. Thandeka Nomvele is a Research Assistant at the Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation. She completed her Undergraduate Degree in Political Studies and an Honours Degree in Politics and International Relations, both from the University of Johannesburg (UJ). She previously worked as a Student Assistant with the Institute.

Dr. Adeoye O. Akinola is the Head of Research and Teaching at the Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation (IPATC). He obtained a doctorate in Political Science from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in South Africa. He was a Lecturer at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Nigeria; a Post-Doctoral Fellow at UKZN and the University of Zululand; and a Visiting Professor at the United Nations University  for Peace (UPEACE) in Addis Ababa. He is the author of  the book, Globalization, Democracy and Oil Sector Reform in Nigeria; co-author of Boko Haram’s Terrorism and the Nigerian State; and editor and co-editor respectively of The Political Economy of Xenophobia in Africa, and The Trajectory of Land Reform in Post-Colonial African States. Dr. Akinola has published about 40 articles in accredited journals. He specializes in globalization, African political economy, development studies, resource governance, conflict and peace studies.

Ms. Terri Maggott is a Research Coordinator at The Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation  (IPATC). She holds a Master’s Degree in Anthropology and Development Studies from the University of Johannesburg (UJ). Ms. Maggott is a former student activist, and her research and political interests include issues related to community organising, gender, protest, and a post-capitalist future.

Mr. Stephen Mashatola is a Research Coordinator at the Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation (IPATC). He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Social Research and a Master’s degree in Social Impact Assessment and Public Participation, both from the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in South Africa. Mr. Mashatola has diverse experience in media and library administration, and in the media newsroom and on its commercial side. He worked for the Times Media Group in Johannesburg for 12 years. He also has experience in media advocacy in the non-profit sector. His areas of research include Social Capital and Retrenchment.

Ms. Phumzile Ntuli is an Administrative Assistant at the Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation. She previously worked as an Administrative Assistant in various departments at the universities of Johannesburg and the Witwatersrand between 2002 and 2017. She completed her National Diploma in Office Management and Technology at the Tehcnikon Witwatersrand (now University of Johannesburg). She received Best Student of the Year awards in her class in 2000 and 2002.

Ms Tsitsidzashe Bvute is a Master’s Student in Religion Studies at the University of Johannesburg. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Religious Studies, Classics, and Philosophy from the University of Zimbabwe, and a Special Honours degree in Religious Studies from the University of Zimbabwe. Her research interests include Religion, Migration, Political Economy, and Gender.

Ms Zoliswa Ntsoko (South Africa) is the Institute’s Administrative Assistant who assists with general administration and research. She is a seasoned professional with a background in Disaster Management. She holds an Advanced Diploma in Management from Milpark Business School, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Management from Regenesys Business School. She also holds certificates in Project Management, and in Disaster Management. Previously, she has worked as a Disaster Management Specialist at the City of Johannesburg – Disaster Management Centre.

Ms Cecilia Lwiindi Nedziwe-Moyo is the Research Coordinator at the Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation. She previously served as a Regional Coordinator at the Centre for Peace Initiatives in Africa (CPIA) in Zimbabwe between 2007 and 2013. She completed her master’s degree in International Studies, Peace, and Conflict Resolution at the University of Queensland in Australia as a Rotary Peace Scholar. She has just completed her doctoral studies at Rhodes University. Her areas of interest include: gender, foreign policy, regional organisations and conflict resolution.

Mr Nhluvuko Mark Nkonwana is a MA in Development Studies candidate at the University of Johannesburg. He holds a BA degree in Sports Development (2015) and a BA honours in Development Studies (2016), both obtained from the University of Johannesburg. His research interests include; Water Governance, Political Ecology, Human Rights, Rural Development, Political Economy, and Sport for Development.

Ms Gcinwemseni Hope Hadebe is the Institute’s Administrative Assistant with a wealth of experience in personal assistance, office administration, and management. She previously worked at Community Medical Scheme as an Executive Personal Assistant and Office Manager for eight years. She has a national diploma in Language Practice, as well as a Certificate in Office Administration.

Mr Zenzo Moyo is a Research Administrator at the Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation. He is an educationist with 15 years of work experience in this sector. He holds a Master’s degree in Development Studies from the University of Johannesburg. In 2014, he was awarded a Global Excellence and Stature (GES)scholarship by the University of Johannesburg to undertake a PhD in Development Studies, which he has just completed. His areas of research interest include: African Politics; Civil Society; Education; and Participatory Development.

David Moore is a Professor of Development Studies. He headed the University of Johannesburg’s Department of Anthropology and Development Studies for six of his nearly 10 years there. At present, he is spending his sabbatical as a Visiting Researcher at IPATC, where he is working on a book, tentatively entitled: From Comrades to Coups: Robert Mugabe, ZANU-PF, and their Zimbabwe. His PhD on the contradictions of constructing hegemony in Zimbabwe (1956-1980) is from York University in Toronto. He has continued his scholarly interest on Zimbabwe since 1984, when he began his doctoral fieldwork. David has edited and co-edited three books ranging from Zimbabwean Political history, and current affairs to development discourse and theory, as well as publishing over sixty academic articles, chapters, and popularly-oriented works.

Ms Thembeka Somtseu is a seasoned professional with a background in the textile and construction sectors.  She holds a National Diploma in Business Administration  from the Durban University of Technology, and studied Development Communication and Media Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand. She worked as a corporate communications specialist for more than ten years, serving in both local and multinational companies.