Ms Naledi Ramontja is a Research Assistant at the Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation (IPATC).  She obtained a Bachelor’s and an Honours degree in International Relations and Diplomatic Studies at UP. Her research interests include African political literacy, decolonisation, foreign policy, security studies and peacekeeping, and gender studies.

Dr Tinuade Adekunbi Ojo is a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the Institute of Pan-African Thought and Conversation (IPATC). She holds a doctorate in Political Science from the University of Pretoria in South Africa. She obtained a Master’s and Honours degrees in Development Studies from the University of South Africa. She is a feminist political economist, and her work explores the gendered dimension of trade, financial inclusion, digital transformation in policy, politics, and digitalization. She also specializes in international political economy, gender inequality, and poverty reduction strategies. She has several publications in accredited journals. Dr Ojo is currently the African Association of Political Science (AAPS) program officer and a recipient of the Global Stature Award at the University of Johannesburg.

Ms Hope Tshepiso Dhlamini is a Communications Intern at the Institute of Pan-African Thought and Conversation (IPATC). She obtained Public Relations and Communication Management Diploma Qualification at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa. She is currently enrolled for an Advanced Diploma in Brand Innovation at IIE Vega School. She has a passion for Sustainable Development and Social Change since she was nominated for the 2021 Mail and Guardian 200 Young South Africans competition. Ms Dhlamini received a salutation award for Academic Excellence in 2020 and 2021 Faculty of Humanities Deans List and Top-Achievers awards, respectively.

Ms Kamogelo Segone is a Research Assistant at the Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation (IPATC). She has completed her Master of Arts in Political Studies degree and obtained a BA Honours degree from the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa. She specializes in Pan-Africanism, decolonial thought, feminist theory, and modernity studies. Ms Segone has published several opinion editorials.

Malaika Wa Azania is a Researcher at the Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation (IPATC). She holds a Master of Public Affairs at the University of Pretoria and another Master of Science in Urban Regional Planning at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa. She obtained her undergraduate and Honours in Geography from Rhodes University in South Africa. She is a Pan-Africanist feminist and bestselling author of internationally acclaimed books and has published opinion editorials and book chapters. She has served on several continental structures such as the Secretary-General of the African Youth Coalition, and the youth representative of the SADC Food and Nutrition Security Committee. She also served in the SADC election observer mission in the harmonised elections in Zimbabwe in 2013.

Dr Chidochashe Nyere is a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the Institute for Pan African Thought and Conversation (IPATC). He holds a doctorate in International Relations at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. Dr Nyere holds a Master’s degree in International Politics at the University of South Africa, and completing another Master’s degree in Human Rights Law (LLM Multidisciplinary Human Rights) at the University of Pretoria. Dr Nyere is a certified English Language editor. His research interests are as follows: decolonial studies, international relations, African politics, academic literacies and human rights. He has several publications.

Ms. Hellen Adogo is a Research Assistant at the Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation (IPATC). She obtained a Master of Political Science from the University of Johannesburg and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in International Relations from the University of Pretoria, South Africa. Her key research interests include Africa-China relations, African agency in international relations, and BRICS-Africa relations.

Dr Noluthando Phungula is a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation (IPATC). She obtained her doctorate from the University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN) in South Africa. She holds a Master’s in International Relations from UKZN. Dr Phungula’s research interests focus on conflict transformation and peace studies, China-South Africa relations, and governance in local government.

Dr Rich Mashimbye is a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the Institute for Pan African Thought and Conversation (IPATC). He holds a doctorate in International Relations from the University of Pretoria in South Africa. His research focuses on regional organisations, conflict resolution and intervention, sovereignty, norms, and security studies. Dr Mashimbye has published in several journal articles.

Odilile Ayodele is a Senior Researcher at the Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation (IPATC). She holds a D.Litt. et Phil in Political Studies at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), and obtained her BA, BA (Hons), an MA in International Relations from the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa. She completed a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the South African Research Chair: African Diplomacy and Foreign Policy at UJ. Odilile is currently the convenor of the South African Association of Political Studies (SAAPS) research committee on international relations and diplomacy, an associate editor and book review editor of the Journal of BRICS Studies, as well as the book review editor of the African Journal of Political Science.  Her current research projects centre on Global Technopolitics including, the international relations of technology, and digital diplomacy in Africa.

Ms Lesego Motsage is a Student Assistant at the Institute of Pan African Thought and Conversation (IPATC). She is a BA Honours in Politics and International Relations student and completed her BA Social Sciences degree (cum laude) at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa. Her research interests focus on women empowerment, the fourth industrial revolution (4IR), and artificial intelligence technologies in relation to women in Africa.

Mr. Vusimuzi Gumbi is a Research Assistant at the Institute of Pan African Thought and Conversation (IPATC). He is currently pursuing his Master’s in Politics at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and obtained his BA (Honours) in Politics and International Relations at UJ, with a distinction. His research interest in elections and political processes, and democracy and governance institutions were reinforced when he was deployed by the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA) to Lesotho in 2017 and Mozambique in 2019, as part of the electoral team. In 2020, he won Season 8 of the South Africa’s Youth Leadership Reality Show, One Day Leader, hosted by the SABC. He has published many opinion editorials in several newspapers in South Africa.

Ms Nqophisa Diko is a Researcher at the Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation (IPATC). She is a doctoral candidate in International Relations at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. She obtained her Master of Social Science degree from North-West University in South Africa. Ms Diko has a great interest in the political economy of developing countries, decoloniality of economic and political relations, and BRICS studies. She has several journal articles and opinion editorials.

Dr Hlengiwe Phetha is a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation (IPATC). She holds a doctorate in International Relations and Political Science, from the University of Zululand in South Africa. Dr Phetha’s areas of interest are international relations, youth development, gender-based violence, corruption, and ICT. She has broadly published on peacekeeping and conflict resolution, South Africa’s foreign policy, and access to education and employment opportunities.

Dr Emmaculate Asige Liaga is a Researcher at the Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation (IPATC). Her research interests focus on the analysis of conflict and conflict resolution mechanisms and approaches, and peacebuilding in Africa.  Dr Asige has worked as a researcher in several countries and has widely published in accredited journals.

Dr. Mabutho Shangase is a Researcher at the Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation (IPATC). He also lectures in the Department of Politics and International Relations (UJ). He holds a Ph.D. in African Studies from the University of Edinburgh (UK). Dr Shangase has widely published and his research interests centre around the Post-Apartheid State, South African Public Policy, South African Political Economy, and Regional Integration.

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.

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.