Autism Through the Family Lens: Exploring the Quiet Sacrifices of Siblings

Ms Shubnum Mthembu’s master’s study brings siblings of autistic individuals into focus.

Autism is most often understood through the eyes of parents or the child who is diagnosed, but far less is said about the sibling who grows up alongside it.

This gap sits at the heart of Ms Shubnum Mthembu’s study, which brings into focus a perspective that is rarely centred, yet deeply felt within families.

Mthembu graduated with a Master of Social Science in Anthropology with her dissertation titled ‘Probing Experiences of Individuals with Siblings in the Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Anthropological Case of Cato Manor Durban’, under the supervision of Dr Nokwanda Nzuza. She is now preparing to pursue a PhD in Social Sciences, with a focus on Medical Anthropology. 

Based in Cato Manor, Durban, her work is shaped by the community she calls home. Alongside her studies, she contributes to a psychiatry research project through data analysis, writes for an anthropology newsletter, and is completing an internship that offers insight into academic life.

“I am interested in what people actually live through, not just what is written about them,” said Mthembu.”

Her study was sparked by a deeply personal encounter. A nail client who became a close friend began sharing what it meant to have a younger brother with autism - stories filled with love, but also exhaustion, resentment and a quiet sense of invisibility. “She carried so much,” Mthembu recalls. “And I realised there was very little space for that experience.”

It became clear that while autism is widely discussed, the sibling perspective is often overlooked. “They are often there for a lifetime,” she says, “yet they are rarely centred.”

Working with 12 adult participants between the ages of 18 and 35, Mthembu used interviews, participant observation and time spent in homes and community spaces to explore their lived realities.

What emerged was a complex picture of siblings as caregivers, protectors and informal advocates.

“They are not passive. They are often the ones explaining autism, managing situations and holding families together,” she explained.

Yet Mthembu found that the challenges they face are shaped not only by autism itself, but by structural realities such as limited healthcare, exclusion in education, poverty, and stigma. In some cases, autism is understood through spiritual frameworks, linked to ancestral displeasure or witchcraft, creating tension between cultural belief systems and biomedical explanations.

She recalls observing a young woman quietly redirect her brother’s behaviour during a family visit to avoid embarrassment, and another instinctively positioning herself between her sibling and curious strangers in a shop. 

“These are forms of care that are learned through experience. They are not taught, they are lived,” she shared.

Emotionally, siblings described a constant balancing act. There is deep love, but also fatigue, frustration and guilt. One participant shared that she lies awake worrying about who will care for her brother as their parents grow older. Another described feeling invisible within her own family, then guilty for wanting attention. 

“One participant said it felt selfish to admit but it was real,” she noted. Mthembu connected this to ambiguous loss, the grief of a relationship that does not follow expected norms.

Despite these challenges, there were also moments of profound connection. One participant described the joy of seeing her non-verbal sibling communicate using a picture card they had practised together. “It was a small moment, but such moments mean everything.” 

Many participants reflected on how these experiences shaped their sense of purpose, influencing career paths in healthcare, education and social work.

Cultural context added further complexity. Families often navigate both biomedical and traditional understandings of autism, sometimes seeking guidance from spiritual healers while also engaging with clinical systems. While meaningful, this can also intensify stigma, Mthembu said.

One participant recalled hearing her sibling described as ‘bewitched’, highlighting how deeply misunderstanding can affect families. In a community where identity is shared, the impact of disability extends beyond the individual.

Some of the most meaningful insights emerged outside formal interviews. During one visit, Mthembu shared, a conversation paused when a participant’s sibling became distressed. As they moved through everyday tasks, the participant began to open up more freely. 

“It showed me that people speak differently when they feel safe,” Mthembu added.

Her findings point to clear gaps: limited access to information in local languages, a lack of support for siblings and barriers to mental health care. 

“Siblings are expected to cope, but they are rarely supported,” she observed. 

Mthembu’s call is for more inclusive interventions, including sibling-focused support, community-based education and culturally responsive awareness initiatives.

Reflecting on her journey, Mthembu expresses deep gratitude. She credits her faith as her foundation, her family for their unwavering support and Dr Nzuza for guidance that shaped both her research and her growth. 

She is especially mindful of her participants. “They trusted me with their stories; I hope I have honoured them.”

And for the friend whose voice first brought this study into focus, her words remain central: “Your story made me see the gap, thank you. I hope this thesis is a small act of acknowledgement for everything you carry, and everything you have given not only to your brother, but to this research and to me.”

Words: Rakshika Sibran

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini

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Bridging the Gap for Students with Quadriplegia

Dr Yanga Futshane’s study reimagines support for students with quadriplegia.

Committed to contributing meaningfully to understanding people’s lived challenges and crafting practical, humane solutions, Dr Yanga Futshane’s PhD study explores how students with quadriplegia and their assistants experience daily life within selected Higher Education Institutions. Her thesis, 'Experiences of Students with Quadriplegia and their Assistants in Selected Higher Educational Institutions in South Africa', was supervised by Dr Sharmla Rama.

Futshane draws inspiration from her tenure at the Disability Support Unit, where she observed persistent barriers faced by students with quadriplegia. She notes that these challenges emerge at every stage of the university journey, from admissions and classroom participation to residence life and the transition back home.

Reflecting on these experiences, Futshane explains: “Watching students navigate these layered obstacles, often quietly and invisibly, was deeply affecting. I realised that rigorous, empathetic research could help surface their voices in ways that institutions must acknowledge.”

Her study takes a holistic view of the student journey, from admissions and registration to academic participation, assessments, residence life and transitions home. By centring both students and the assistants who support them, she captures the relational, logistical, and emotional dimensions of access that are often overlooked.

Futshane explains that the goal of her research is to turn lived experience into actionable insight. By identifying where and why breakdowns occur, and highlighting what works, she offers evidence-based recommendations to improve policy, strengthen support services, and make Higher Education more inclusive and dignified for students with quadriplegia and their assistants.

She describes her research as both a scholarly pursuit and a moral commitment - one that seeks to amplify student voices and co-develop strategies that reduce barriers, expand access, and affirm dignity.

“By bringing evidence and lived experience into the conversation, I hope to inform policy changes and everyday practices that make Higher Education genuinely inclusive,” she said.

One of her proudest moments was presenting at her first international conference, where constructive feedback helped refine her methodology. This experience also demonstrated her ability to integrate multiple theoretical frameworks and translate them into practical solutions.

Her findings provide clear evidence to guide universities and regulatory bodies in improving admissions processes, infrastructure planning, and student support services, helping to close the gap between formal commitments and real-world implementation. She recommends that accessibility be embedded in both new developments and existing infrastructure, supported by regular audits. The study also calls for transparent, rights-based processes for needs assessment and accommodation planning prior to enrolment, avoiding conditional or retractable offers.

Futshane further emphasises the importance of flexible assessment methods, accessible venues, and appropriate assistive technologies to support diverse student needs. Reliable wheelchair-accessible transport with predictable scheduling and clear communication is also critical, alongside improved co-ordination with municipal services.

She also highlights the need to empower disability support units to co-ordinate across institutional functions such as facilities, timetabling, transport, and examinations, with strong leadership oversight and accountability.

During her study, Futshane faced significant personal challenges. She struggled to maintain a social and personal life, as demanding deadlines and data collection often left her isolated and unable to recharge.

“My time with my son, who lives with a disability, was limited and often became task-focused rather than meaningful, which left me feeling conflicted,” said Futshane.

Despite these challenges, she credits her family for their unwavering support. They regularly checked in, helped with errands, meals, and travel logistics, and gave her the space she needed during intense periods of work.

“This support reinforced the importance of balance, boundaries, and well-being in sustaining academic success,” she shared.

She expresses her gratitude, saying: “Thank you to my family and friends for standing by me, for your patience and understanding, and for inspiring me to stay focused throughout my PhD journey.”

Post-PhD, Futshane aims to continue her social work practice and consulting, while advancing into academia through teaching and research. She encouraged her peers to remain committed to their goals, even in the face of challenges, and to pursue work that is both impactful and meaningful.

Words: Sinoyolo Mahlasela

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini

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UKZN Psychology Graduate Tackles Substance Abuse Among South African Youth

Ms Nolwazi Qwabe describes completing her master’s degree in Psychology at UKZN this year as her proudest achievement.

For Master of Social Science in Psychology graduate Ms Nolwazi Qwabe, academic success is closely tied to purpose, which is why this graduation is her “proudest achievement.”

Driven by a passion for understanding human behaviour and addressing pressing social challenges, Qwabe’s research shines a spotlight on the growing crisis of substance abuse among adolescents and youth in South Africa.

Her study, ‘Understanding Substance Abuse Amongst South African Adolescents and Youth: A Scoping Review’, explores the patterns, causes, and consequences of substance use, revealing a deeply complex issue that extends beyond individual behaviour to broader social realities. “I wanted to contribute to knowledge that can inform prevention and intervention strategies,” Qwabe explained, noting how exposure to addiction within communities motivated her to pursue this line of inquiry.

Qwabe’s findings paint a concerning picture. Substance abuse among young people is not declining, but increasing, with alcohol and cannabis identified as the most commonly used substances. A key insight from her research is the powerful role of peer influence, which emerged as the most dominant factor driving substance use, even among high-achieving students. “The desire to fit in and be accepted often outweighs awareness of the risks,” she noted.

Her research also highlights how substance abuse is shaped by multiple, interconnected factors. At an individual level, issues such as stress, low self-esteem, and emotional distress play a role. Within families, lack of supervision, parental neglect, and exposure to substance use at home contribute to vulnerability. At a societal level, poverty, unemployment, and the easy accessibility of drugs further compound the problem.

“These findings show that substance abuse is not just a personal issue but a societal one,” Qwabe emphasised.

The consequences are far-reaching. Psychologically, young people face depression, anxiety, addiction, and cognitive challenges affecting memory and decision-making. Socially, substance use is linked to poor academic performance, school dropout, strained relationships, and increased involvement in crime and risky behaviours. The ripple effects extend to families and communities, contributing to instability and stigma.

One of the most striking findings for Qwabe was that while many adolescents are aware of substances, they often lack a full understanding of the long-term consequences. This gap in knowledge, combined with environmental pressures, increases their vulnerability.

To address this, Qwabe advocates for a multi-level approach. Her recommendations include strengthening school-based prevention programmes, increasing parental involvement, expanding access to counselling and rehabilitation services, and creating community initiatives that provide young people with safe, engaging alternatives. 

“A collaborative effort between schools, families, communities, and government is essential,” she said.

Qwabe credits much of her success to the support she received from her UKZN supervisor, Professor Steven Collings, whose mentorship and constructive feedback played a key role in shaping her research. 

Looking ahead, Qwabe hopes her research will contribute to stronger policies, increased awareness, and more effective interventions. Ultimately, her goal is clear: to help build healthier communities where young people are supported, empowered, and able to reach their full potential.

Words: Lorna Charles-Wright

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini

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Dr Kershia David’s Journey of Motherhood, Loss, and Meaningful Research

Dr Kershia David’s compelling PhD shows alliances subtly sustain inequality, amid motherhood and loss.

Dr Kershia David’s graduation with a PhD in Psychology is more than an academic achievement; it is a deeply human story of resilience, loss and the powerful integration of motherhood and academia.

Her doctoral journey unfolded alongside one of the most transformative periods of her life: becoming a mother to triplets while navigating the emotional intensity of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). In the midst of this, she experienced the heartbreaking loss of one of her babies. “That period was one of profound vulnerability and transformation,” she reflects. “It reshaped my understanding of resilience and deepened the meaning of my work.”

Rather than pausing her academic journey, this experience became intertwined with it.

Balancing the demands of research, teaching and motherhood required a shift in perspective. “It was never about perfect balance,” she explains. “It was about integration and learning to be both a mother and an academic at the same time, even in the most demanding circumstances.”

A lecturer and programme co-ordinator in Psychology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), David’s academic work explores how inequality is not only structured but reproduced through everyday interactions.

Her PhD research, 'Emergence of Intergroup Alliance in an Interactional Three-group Game', was supervised by Professor Kevin Durrheim, uses an experimental three-player game to examine how alliances form under conditions of equality and inequality.

Her findings reveal a striking reality: inequality often persists not through overt force, but through subtle, strategic relationships.

“Alliances are not always used to challenge inequality,” she explains. “In many cases, they stabilise and reinforce it.”

Participants in middle positions, for example, tended to align with those in power, highlighting how everyday decisions and interactions can quietly sustain social hierarchies.

This insight has far-reaching implications for real-world contexts such as workplaces and communities.

It suggests that addressing inequality requires more than structural change but calls for a deeper understanding of how people relate, collaborate, and make decisions within those systems. 

She said being both a staff member and a student at UKZN created a unique space for growth.

This was especially the case as her PhD coincided with the transition to online learning during COVID-19, which required rapid adaptation.

“Navigating those demands while completing my PhD forced me to think critically, work flexibly and engage meaningfully with students under changing conditions.”

Throughout her journey, David was supported by a strong network. Her husband remained a constant anchor, her faith provided grounding and her supervisor’s mentorship offered both intellectual rigour and genuine care.

“He recognised the person within the pursuit of the PhD,” she says.

Completing her PhD within this context reflects endurance and purpose. For David, this milestone represents not only the fulfilment of a long-held dream nurtured by her parents, but also the life she has built alongside it.

Her message to other women navigating similar paths is: “There is no single way to do this. You do not need perfect conditions to pursue meaningful work. Progress may be complex, but it is no less valid.”

In holding together the roles of mother, academic and researcher, David’s journey is a reminder that strength is often found not in separation but in integration.

Words: Lorna Charles-Wright

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini

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Master’s Graduate Advances Research on Workplace Wellness in SA Organisations

Hearty celebrations as master’s graduate Ms Karen Ann Aaron’s research advances workplace wellness strategies for South African organisations.

Across South Africa’s workplaces, employees continue to navigate high levels of stress, burnout and psychological strain, often in environments where support systems are uneven or difficult to access.

These realities shaped the master’s research work of Ms Karen Ann Aaron, who graduated with a study examining workplace wellness interventions in the Global South context.

Her dissertation: ‘A Systematic Review of Workplace Wellness Interventions in the South’, was completed under the supervision of Professor Johanna Hendrina Buitendach and contributes important insight into how organisations can strengthen employee wellbeing in resource-constrained settings.

Aaron’s interest in the topic developed through her professional engagement with employees experiencing stress and burnout in workplaces where support services were often fragmented or underused.

“I was inspired by working with employees facing stress, burnout and psychological distress in resource-constrained workplaces, where support services were fragmented or underused,” she explained. “While global evidence on wellness is well developed, South African research was limited and scattered, making it difficult for organisations to make context-appropriate decisions.”

Aaron’s systematic review brought together existing research across sectors to identify patterns shaping the success of workplace wellness interventions. One of the most striking findings was the contrast between public and private sector approaches to employee well-being.

“Public sector programmes tended to be narrow and reactive, with low utilisation due to mistrust, stigma and poor communication, whereas private sector programmes were generally broader, more proactive, and better resourced,” she said.

Across both sectors, leadership commitment and employee participation emerged as critical factors influencing programme effectiveness. “Leadership commitment, stakeholder involvement, and context-sensitive design consistently emerged as key success factors.”

Aaron emphasised that workplace wellness interventions cannot simply be transferred from high-income settings into South African organisations without adapting them to local realities. “Because of these unique conditions, wellness models developed in high-income countries cannot simply be copied and applied,” she said. “Examining programmes within the South African workplace enables the design of locally relevant, culturally sensitive interventions that genuinely reflect employees’ contexts and needs.”

Her research highlights the importance of moving beyond reactive employee assistance programmes (EAPs) towards more integrated wellness strategies that address organisational culture as well as mental and physical health.

“It encourages organisations to move beyond purely reactive EAPs and adopt integrated wellness strategies that combine mental health support, physical health promotion, organisational culture change, and strong communication,” she explained.

One unexpected finding during the study was the persistent under utilisation of public sector wellness services, even where employees reported high levels of stress. “Barriers such as stigma, mistrust and limited confidence in confidentiality were repeatedly reported across studies and departments,” Aaron said.

At the same time, examples from the private sector demonstrated how proactive leadership and accessible programme design can strengthen participation and impact.

Aaron credits her postgraduate studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) for shaping her interest in workplace mental health and psychosocial risk, and with providing the research foundation needed to synthesise fragmented evidence across sectors.

“My studies at UKZN deepened my interest in workplace mental health, burnout, and psychosocial risk, and provided a strong foundation in research design and theory in industrial and organisational psychology,” she said.

Aaron is also an active volunteer at the Society for Industrial and Organisational Psychology with (SIOPSA). In 2025, she was awarded the national Emerging Industrial and Organisational Psychologist of the Year.

“My contributions include facilitating and speaking at national conferences on coaching, multigenerational workforces, and workplace wellness, leading the Wellness/Coaching Interest Group, establishing a national support line for IOPs, and driving a community development project in Eldorado Park. These experiences have deepened my commitment to creating meaningful impact in the field,” Aaron said.

As she graduates, she hopes her research will support organisations and policymakers in building more responsive workplace wellbeing systems.

Aaron also acknowledged the role of her family and mentors in supporting her academic journey.

“I would like to thank my family, especially my husband, Vaughn Jankey, for his constant support and willingness to take on family responsibilities,” she said. “I am deeply grateful to my parents, David and Shanti Aaron, whose love and example ground everything I do.”

Words: Lee Rondganger

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini

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A Journey of Resilience for Deaf Graduate Dedicated to Professional Advocacy

Advancing inclusion for Deaf communities is a passion for Ms Londeka Phakathi as she graduates with a Bachelor of Social Work degree.

Access to services often depends on whether people are understood. For Ms Londeka Phakathi, graduating with a Bachelor of Social Work degree represents more than an academic achievement.

It marks the beginning of a professional journey shaped by a commitment to improving access and inclusion for South African Sign Language (SASL) users and other marginalised communities.

Phakathi chose Social Work after recognising how communication barriers affect many Deaf people seeking support.

“I have always wanted to help people, especially those who feel unheard and unsupported, like many Deaf individuals,” she said. “Growing up as a South African Sign Language user, I saw the barriers that exist in accessing services. That inspired me to be part of the change.”

Studying in a demanding professional programme required determination and strong support networks. She credits SASL interpreters, lecturers and the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) disability support structures for helping her navigate academic life successfully.

“The most important support systems were SASL interpreters, supportive lecturers, and the Disability Support Unit at the University,” she said. “My peers also played a big role by being patient, inclusive and willing to learn.”

Support from her family and community also helped sustain her motivation throughout her studies.

“In addition, my family and community gave me emotional support and encouragement, which helped me stay focused and strong throughout my studies.”

One of the most challenging parts of the degree was the research module, which required adapting new learning strategies to engage with complex academic material. Her lecturer in the Discipline of Social Work, Dr Bongane Mzinyane, said her determination stood out during this period.

“As her lecturer, I remember her for her participation, with the help of her SASL interpreter, and her willingness to learn and succeed in the social work programme,” said Mzinyane. “I remember how she navigated her research module differently, where she had to adapt her methods of data collection in order to thrive.”

Phakathi said the experience strengthened her independence and confidence as a student.

“I had to adapt by finding new ways to understand the content, such as using visual learning, asking more questions, and working closely with interpreters,” she explained. “This experience taught me resilience, problem-solving and independence.”

Mzinyane believes her achievement highlights the importance of representation within the profession.

“I believe such determination as hers is required in the field of social work,” he said. “It shows that social work as a field is inclusive and requires a diversity of differently abled people to be represented as professionals.”

Her experience reflects the importance of ensuring that Social Work continues to reflect the diversity of the communities it serves.

“It is important because communities are diverse, and services should reflect that diversity,” Phakathi said. “Having social workers from different backgrounds, including Deaf professionals, improves accessibility and understanding.”

She believes representation also helps strengthen trust between practitioners and the communities they support.

“It helps build trust with clients who may feel excluded or misunderstood. Diversity strengthens the profession and ensures that no one is left behind.”

Reflecting on her time at UKZN, Phakathi said the experience strengthened both her confidence and her professional identity.

“My time at UKZN helped me grow both personally and professionally,” she said. “It strengthened my identity as a Deaf social worker who is proud to use South African Sign Language and represent my community in the profession.”

As she prepares to enter the field, she hopes to work closely with the Deaf community while also supporting broader community development initiatives.

“I am most passionate about working with the Deaf community, advocating for equal access to services, and raising awareness about communication barriers,” she said. “I am also interested in community development and working with vulnerable groups to promote empowerment and inclusion.”

She had a message for other SASL users considering university study: “Believe in yourself and do not let your challenges define your future. Your voice matters and your presence in Higher Education is important.”

Phakathi thanked those who supported her throughout her academic journey.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my supervisor and lecturers for their guidance, patience and support throughout my journey,” she said. “This achievement is not mine alone. It is shared with all of you.”

Words: Lee Rondganger

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini

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Inside the Organised Networks Behind Vehicle Crime in Durban

Decoding Durban’s car crime syndicates is the focus of Dr Lennox Luzipo’s PhD.

The organised nature of motor vehicle crime is not new, but how it operates is less understood. PhD graduate Dr Lennox Luzipo looked beyond assumptions to examine the sophisticated, co-ordinated and evolving methods behind these crimes, using insights from incarcerated offenders.

His study, ‘Organised Nature of Modus Operandi on Motor Vehicle Robberies and Thefts in Berea, Durban, from the Incarcerated Offenders’ Perspectives’, examines how these crimes have developed in the Berea area.

“In simple terms, the organised nature refers to how sophisticated, co-ordinated, and advanced these crimes have become rather than being spontaneous. This involves a complex interplay of methods including the use of illicit driving techniques, technological tools, advanced surveillance, and the tactical exploitation of vulnerabilities,” explained Luzipo.

To understand this shift, he went directly to those involved. “It was essential because these individuals are the actual perpetrators.”

Through in-depth interviews, Luzipo found that offenders are not using a single, uniform approach when targeting motor vehicles. Instead, they employ highly calculated, victim-specific strategies that differ drastically depending on the nationality of the target.

For victims, this often involves what he describes as “aggressive, physical confrontations, such as stalking and boxing in the victim’s car to force a stop,” reflecting opportunistic conditions in everyday traffic.

However, when targeting foreign nationals, offenders shift tactics entirely. These crimes involve a sophisticated, multi-staged operation where victims are lured and trapped using fake police vehicles, followed by intense digital psychological warfare, including threats designed to force compliance.

This distinction challenges conventional thinking, he found, noting that these crimes are not purely opportunistic but reflect deliberate planning, where offenders “rationally plan to minimise resistance and maximise control over high-value targets.”

His research also highlights how offenders adapt to increased vehicle security. While measures such as alarms and immobilisers reduce basic theft, they have led to more violent crimes. Offenders respond by using “counter-technologies such as reprogrammed key fobs,” demonstrating how criminal methods evolve alongside prevention strategies.

Supervised by Professor Matshepo Matoane, his study further shows that these practices are shaped by both environment and learned behaviour. “These advanced strategies are not improvised; they are learned behaviours transmitted within criminal networks that thrive in areas with weak social controls,” he shared.

Beyond tactics on the ground, Luzipo’s research reveals a deeper level of organisation within criminal syndicates. One of the most concerning findings is the deliberate infiltration of law enforcement structures.

He found that syndicates systematically transform police officers from ‘capable guardians’ into criminal informants, using calculated, trust-building strategies to gain access to sensitive information. 

“This allows offenders to control the very entity meant to stop them.”

Despite this, offenders do not operate without fear. Luzipo notes a sense of ongoing tension, where they experience a “dual reality - relying on corrupted detectives while remaining anxious about the uncorrupted elements of the police force.”

“Socio-economic conditions directly influence criminal behaviour, with offenders actively identifying and exploiting weaknesses in their surroundings. Offenders are not passive or reactive, but strategic actors who adapt, learn and exploit both technological and systemic gaps,” he contends.

Recommending stronger collaboration between police and communities, public awareness campaigns, enhanced law enforcement training and the use of technology to improve vehicle security, Luzipo’s research calls for a shift in response, emphasising the need for comprehensive strategies rather than isolated interventions. 

“By addressing the root causes of these crimes and fostering a collaborative approach among all stakeholders, it is possible to enhance public safety and contribute to a broader understanding of organised crime dynamics in South Africa.”

Words: Rakshika Sibran

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini

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Understanding Gender-Based Violence Through Indigenous Knowledge Systems

UKZN staffer, Dr Hleliwe Khumalo, whose doctoral research tackles GBV using traditional community knowledge.

What if the answers to gender-based violence (GBV) already exist, but are unevenly remembered?

This was the starting point of University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) staffer Dr Hleliwe Khumalo’s doctoral study in Community Development, ‘The Influence of Place in the Use of African Indigenous Knowledge Systems as a Mechanism for Addressing GBV: Case Studies of KwaNgcolosi and Umlazi’, supervised by Professor Yanga Zembe and Professor Maheshvari Naidu.

Where responses to GBV are sometimes framed through imported models, Khumalo instead turned to African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIKS), understood as lived, inherited, and evolving practices rooted in land, community, and ancestral knowledge.

For her, the question was both personal and political: why are communities so often described as sites of violence, but rarely as sources of solutions?

Her research traced this question back to place. In rural KwaNgcolosi, indigenous practices remain more visible, sustained through land-based ties and collective memory. In peri-urban Umlazi, shaped by mobility and urbanisation, that memory is more fragmented. What emerged in her findings is not a simple rural-urban divide, but a shifting landscape where knowledge is preserved, adapted or quietly lost.

AIKS, as Khumalo explained, is not abstract. It lives in practices: mentorship of young men by izinduna zezinsizwa, the moral formation embedded in imidlalo, and the work of amaqhikiza and onomehlo in guiding young women and addressing unintended pregnancy. These are not symbolic traditions, but functioning systems of accountability, mediation and social regulation. Yet she found their effectiveness to be uneven. In KwaNgcolosi, participants could recall historically grounded interventions with clarity. In Umlazi, many struggled to distinguish indigenous practices from contemporary ones. Khumalo read this not as absence, but as erosion and a deeper process shaped by what she describes as ongoing “re-colonisation,” where globalisation and dominant knowledge systems displace local ways of knowing.

At the same time, she is careful not to romanticise tradition, acknowledging that some of the same systems that regulate behaviour also reinforce patriarchal authority. This tension became one of the most difficult aspects of her research: how to honour indigenous institutions while critically examining the ways they may silence or subordinate women.

Her proposed framework addresses this balance. Beginning with participatory engagement, communities are encouraged to “excavate” their own knowledge systems, followed by critical filtering through feminist and decolonial lenses. What remains is then tested, refined and returned to communities as contextually grounded interventions - an approach that aligns with broader development goals around gender justice, community empowerment and locally driven solutions.

For Khumalo, the implications are practical. Her study argues that national policy responses, including those addressing GBV, must move beyond generic frameworks to support community-led, culturally resonant strategies. This includes working with traditional leaders, healers and women’s groups - not as symbolic stakeholders, but as co-creators of knowledge.

As a lecturer in Development Studies, she described her commitment as one shaped by both scholarship and accountability to the communities she studies.

“Do not assume that solutions must come from outside the community. Learn to listen deeply and question whose knowledge counts as legitimate,” is her advice to emerging researchers.

The study is also marked by collaboration and recognition.

As her supervisors note: “We applaud Hleliwe on a study that is rich and unique. Hleliwe was also a recipient of the Andrew W Mellon Spatial Humanities Project Scholarship. Her study was funded as it dovetailed with the space and place focus of the project and entanglements of spatialised identity and cultural enactments, and Hleliwe was able to excavate African indigenous knowledge frameworks in the context of GBV. Her study is therefore both empirically and theoretically rich.”

Supported by this Scholarship and UKZN’s Talent Equity and Excellence Acceleration Scholarship, the research is as much about restoration as it is about analysis. It asks what it means to remember differently and what might change if communities are trusted to lead.

Khumalo is profoundly grateful for the funding and support of her PhD. She thanked her supervisors for their guidance, belief in her and constructive criticism. In addition, she gives thanks to her colleagues, participants, izinduna, omama, izangoma and community members of KwaNgcolosi and Umlazi, as well as family and friends, for their love and patience.

Words: Rakshika Sibran

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini

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Master’s Cum Laude Graduate Explores How Complex Trauma Shapes the Developing Brain

Ms Nauratha Singh has bagged her Master’s in Psychology cum laude.

Understanding how prolonged trauma affects children requires searching beyond behaviour and into the biological changes that shape development.

This insight guided the master’s research of Ms Nauratha Singh, whose study examined the neurobiological effects of complex traumatic stress disorder in children and adolescents.

Her dissertation, achieved cum laude, was completed under the supervision of Dr Sachet Valjee and contributes to growing international debates about how complex trauma should be recognised and treated.

Singh’s interest in the topic emerged from her engagement with ongoing diagnostic discussions within psychology, particularly differences between major global classification systems.

“The World Health Organization’s (WHO) International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11) recognition of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a distinct diagnosis, in contrast to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR’s) positioning of these features within PTSD, highlighted a critical conceptual gap,” she explained. “This distinction raised important questions about whether existing frameworks sufficiently capture the developmental and neurobiological complexity of prolonged trauma, especially in children and adolescents.”

Working within the South African context strengthened the urgency of these questions. Many young people are exposed to sustained interpersonal adversity, yet the biological effects of trauma are often overlooked in everyday responses to behaviour.

“Understanding the neurobiological impact of complex trauma allows us to move beyond viewing behaviour as merely symptomatic,” said Singh. “It ultimately reframes intervention from managing behaviour to supporting neurodevelopmental recovery.”

Through a scoping review of international research, Singh identified consistent patterns in how trauma affects developing brain systems. Her findings highlighted disruption within fronto-limbic circuitry, including increased activity in threat detection regions and reduced regulation from prefrontal areas.

“This creates a neurobiological environment characterised by both hyperarousal and dissociation,” Singh explained. “Together, these findings reinforce the conceptualisation of complex trauma as a neurodevelopmental condition, rather than solely a psychological one.”

Recognising these biological changes can reshape how professionals respond to children affected by trauma. Singh emphasises that behaviour often reflects adaptation rather than defiance.

“When professionals understand that trauma alters brain development, responses such as aggression, withdrawal or inattention are no longer seen as defiance, but as neurobiologically mediated adaptations,” she said.

Her research also highlighted the long-term nature of trauma’s effects on the brain, including lasting changes to structure, connectivity and neurochemistry.

“The evidence suggested that chronic childhood trauma does not simply influence emotional functioning in the short-term, but can produce lasting alterations in brain structure, connectivity, and neurochemistry,” she noted.

Singh credits her postgraduate training at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) with strengthening her interest in trauma-related mental health research, particularly through engagement with diverse clinical populations and locally grounded scholarship.

“This intersection of theory, research and practice ultimately solidified my interest in trauma as a field requiring both scientific depth and contextual sensitivity,” said Singh.

She acknowledged the important role her family played in supporting her academic journey.

“I would first like to thank my mother, who championed my dreams and has been the foundation of this journey,” she said. “Her sacrifices, strength and example have shaped my worldviews and continually fuelled my ambitions.”

She also thanked her sisters, Gishatha and Hemlata, for their encouragement throughout her studies.

“This journey would not be possible without you,” she added.

Singh further credited the academic guidance of her supervisor, Dr Valjee, whose mentorship helped shape both the research and her broader engagement with trauma scholarship.

“His contributions to the field of trauma not only shaped this work, but inspired my own pursuit of meaningful, impactful research,” Singh said.

She hopes her work contributes to improving how complex trauma is recognised within South Africa’s support systems for young people.

“I hope this research contributes to a growing recognition of complex trauma as a distinct and developmentally significant condition within the South African context,” she said. “Ultimately, the goal is to enhance the capacity of systems such as schools, hospitals, and communities to respond in ways that are both humane and effective.”

Words: Lee Rondganger

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini

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Twin Sisters Graduate Together, Committed to Serving Communities

Twinning is winning! Sisters, Ms Silungile and Lungiswa Hlongwane, celebrate their Bachelor of Social Work degrees.

Some academic journeys are shared in ways that make the destination even more meaningful.

For twin sisters Ms Silungile and Lungiswa Hlongwane, graduating with Bachelor of Social Work degrees from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) represents a milestone shaped by mutual support, family encouragement, and a shared commitment to serving communities across South Africa.

From primary school through to university, the sisters progressed side by side. Their shared journey became a source of strength during demanding academic years that combined coursework, professional placements, and emotionally challenging fieldwork experiences.

“Completing this journey with my identical twin sister has been one of the greatest blessings of my life,” said Silungile. “At UKZN, we motivated one another during difficult times, studied together, and celebrated each milestone side by side. Doing it together meant we never carried the stress alone.”

Lungiswa echoed this reflection, describing how their partnership shaped their resilience and determination.

“We’ve been one another’s best support system, supporting one another during difficult times, sharing knowledge, and celebrating small wins together,” she said. “Having someone who fully understands the stresses and demands of the course made the journey less overwhelming.”

Their decision to pursue Social Work was rooted in a shared desire to contribute meaningfully to society. Silungile’s interest developed from values shaped within her family and a commitment to supporting disadvantaged communities.

“I developed a strong desire to understand people’s struggles, particularly those in disadvantaged communities, and I wanted to be part of finding solutions,” she said. “Social work felt like a calling in which I could combine empathy, knowledge, and action to effect meaningful change.”

For Lungiswa, early awareness of inequality within her community strengthened her determination to enter a profession focused on advocacy and social justice.

“I became aware of the numerous socio-economic issues that individuals and families in my neighbourhood face, such as poverty, inequality, and a lack of access to basic services. I wanted to help disadvantaged people, advocate for social justice, and bring about constructive change.”

Throughout their studies, both graduates benefited from extensive fieldwork placements that shaped their understanding of professional practice. Working at the Department of Social Development and the King Dinuzulu Hospital Complex provided exposure to real life social challenges and strengthened their commitment to the profession.

“These experiences exposed me to the difficulties that people with mental illnesses face daily,” said Silungile. “Witnessing the impact of social work interventions in people’s lives confirmed that this is the path I was meant to take.”

Similarly, Lungiswa described how engaging directly with clients strengthened her confidence as a future practitioner.

“Engaging with individuals facing real-life challenges allowed me to apply theory into practice, develop empathy, and strengthen my professional skills,” she said.

Their lecturer in the Discipline of Social Work, Dr Bongane Mzinyane, said the twins’ commitment and consistency stood out during their studies.

“They have navigated their entire academic journey together until the finish,” Mzinyane said. “Throughout their fourth year, they were recognised for their consistent attendance, active participation, and high academic performance. It is heartening to see them both entering the profession as qualified social workers.”

Silungile credits both family support and her sister’s presence for helping her remain focused throughout the programme.

“Being aware of my parents’ sacrifices for our education pushed me to maintain discipline and focus. My twin sister kept me accountable and motivated to maintain high standards throughout my academic journey.”

Lungiswa also reflected on the emotional demands of Social Work training and the importance of support systems in navigating these challenges.

“Experiencing difficult client situations was emotionally draining at times,” she said. “However, my resolve to succeed, passion for the profession, and the support of my twin sister, family, and lecturers kept me on track.”

Both graduates hope to contribute meaningfully to strengthening access to services within underserved communities. Silungile has developed a particular interest in mental health support and community development work within public health settings.

Lungiswa similarly hopes to support individuals and families facing structural barriers that affect wellbeing and opportunity.

For the Hlongwane family, the twins’ graduation represents more than academic success. As first-generation graduates and the first twins in their family to reach this milestone together, the achievement carries deep personal meaning.

“My twin and I see it as proof that we can carry each other to the finish line,” said Silungile. “This moment symbolises hope, resilience and the power of dreams.”

Words: Lee Rondganger

Photographs: Sethu Dlamini

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Master’s Study Explores the Hidden Emotional Cost of Child Neglect

Ms Tarryn Joubert’s master’s research uncovers the silent scars of child neglect and mental health.

Nine years of persistence and a deeply personal calling to be a voice for children whose pain was so often overlooked shaped Ms Tarryn Joubert, a Johannesburg-based single mother whose master’s dissertation, ‘Unseen Wounds: Exploring the Nexus of Child Neglect on Mental Health and Psychological Well-Being’, culminated in a meaningful study under the supervision of Dr Sachet Valjee.

Her journey into psychology was anything but direct, and, as she reflected, it often took someone else to recognise her potential before she fully embraced it. “I was unable to begin my studies immediately after completing matric, but this ambition remained a consistent and motivating force throughout my life,” she said. 

That determination eventually met opportunity when she received support to return to her studies. “After many years of sustained effort, perseverance and commitment, I have reached a significant milestone.”

Her research was rooted in lived experience. Working directly in a child-focused environment, Joubert encountered children affected not only by visible abuse, but by something far quieter - neglect. What stayed with her were the invisible wounds: emotional and developmental harm that rarely announced itself but shaped many aspects of children’s lives.

“I observed the profound and often less visible challenges associated with neglect,” she said.

It was this silence that gave her study its title. Neglect, she explained, carried no obvious markers. “Its indicators are less overt, and the impact is often underestimated or ignored altogether.”

Her findings painted a sobering picture. The absence of consistent care disrupted emotional development, often leading to anxiety, depression and fragile self-worth. Over time, children could begin to internalise that absence, developing negative self-beliefs and interpreting lack of care as something inherent to themselves.

Even more concerning was how easily neglect was missed: it was often “chronic, cumulative and frequently unreported,” unfolding slowly, quietly and often invisibly over time rather than through a single defining moment.

Yet within that reality, she also saw points of intervention. Teachers, she noted, were often the first to notice subtle shifts such as fatigue, withdrawal, hunger or learning difficulties. Families and communities, too, played a critical role in noticing and responding early. 

“Early intervention can change everything,” she reflected.

The research, she said, changed her understanding not only of child development but of long-term mental health itself. She reflected on how deeply neglect could echo into adulthood, contributing to depression, anxiety, trauma-related difficulties and strained relationships.

Still, she remained hopeful. “These outcomes are not fixed. With appropriate support, children could recover, rebuild and regain developmental ground once thought lost. Even one stable, caring relationship could shift the trajectory of a child’s life entirely,” she added.

For Joubert, the message became clear: neglect was not a lesser harm simply because it was unseen. It was deeply formative, shaping how children understood themselves and the world around them across their entire lives.

Looking ahead, she hopes her work will help shift responses away from reaction and toward prevention, grounded in compassion, early recognition and collective responsibility rather than individual blame.

Behind her achievement has stood a circle of support she never took for granted. She spoke with deep gratitude for her family, her supervisor, her partner and her son. “Your patience, love and unwavering support carried me through,” she said.

Words: Rakshika Sibran

Photograph: Supplied

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A Closer Look at Social and Structural Realities of Repeat Pregnancy for Young Mothers

Insightful PhD study by Dr Eunice Kyabaishiki looks at young mothers navigating realities of repeat pregnancy.

Dr Eunice Kyabaishiki’s doctoral research in Population Studies, ‘Repeat Pregnancy and Contraceptive Use: The Experiences of Teenage Mothers in King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa’, moves beyond statistics.

It centres the lived realities of young mothers navigating complex social and structural constraints.

A researcher deeply interested in how young women manage the challenges of daily life, Kyabaishiki’s work is grounded in a clear purpose: to give young women a voice and to ensure their experiences shape policy and practice. That focus was sharpened during her fieldwork. ‘It became clear that numbers alone cannot fully explain these experiences,’ she said.

While research often points to risk factors such as early pregnancy or multiple partners, Kyabaishiki found these explanations incomplete.

“These findings did not explain why young women experience repeat pregnancies or how they manage their situations,” she noted. 

Instead, she turned her attention to what happens after the first pregnancy - how young mothers navigate stigma, relationships, contraception and survival in rural contexts where services are limited.

Some of the stories she encountered were disarmingly simple. One young woman shared, “I wasn’t even aware that I was pregnant.” Others revealed far more difficult realities. One participant spoke of coercion and being rejected by her family, forcing her to live alone in a shack. For Kyabaishiki, these moments underscored a deeper truth: repeat pregnancy is often shaped by unequal circumstances rather than individual choice.

Supervised by Professor Pranitha Maharaj, her findings show that inconsistent contraceptive use is rarely about carelessness. Missed clinic appointments, severe side effects, misinformation from peers and lack of transport all played a role. Service disruptions during and after COVID-19 made access even harder.

“Consistency is not just about knowledge; it is shaped by everyday realities,” Kyabaishiki explained.

The study also challenges common assumptions about autonomy. Many young women understood contraception and tried to use it, but their choices were often constrained by partner pressure, financial dependence, stigma and fear of judgment at clinics. In some cases, decisions were influenced by economic insecurity, including reliance on social grants. 

“Repeat pregnancy is not just about individual behaviour; it’s shaped by social and economic conditions where young women are making decisions within constraints,” she added.

Health services, participants said, are experienced less through infrastructure and more through interaction. Being treated with respect, having privacy and receiving clear, honest information made a difference. While some nurses were supportive and encouraging, others were dismissive or harsh, discouraging young women from returning.

These pressures are often most visible in everyday decisions. A young mother may have to choose between paying for transport to a clinic or buying food and nappies. Childcare responsibilities can make returning to school difficult, especially without support. Over time, poverty, disrupted education and limited options begin to reinforce one another.

Some stories stayed with Kyabaishiki long after the research ended. One young mother described dropping out of school after her second pregnancy - “how quickly opportunities can be lost,” she reflected. 

Another account was more troubling: a participant was forced out of her home after a pregnancy resulting from sexual abuse by a family member. Her investigation revealed not only vulnerability, but also how “those meant to protect young girls can sometimes be the source of harm.”

The emotional weight of early motherhood also emerged strongly. One participant spoke about feeling overwhelmed to the point of wanting to harm herself. Others described initially rejecting their pregnancies, only to later develop a sense of acceptance and care. These layered emotional journeys, Kyabaishiki noted, are often missing from policy conversations.

Her message to policymakers is clear: repeat teenage pregnancy is not simply a behavioural issue, but a structural and relational one. Addressing it requires more than awareness campaigns. It calls for youth-friendly services that are respectful and accessible, better information around contraception, support for young mothers to stay in school and meaningful engagement with families and partners.

Kyabaishiki is grateful to the young women who shared their stories “so openly,” as well as healthcare workers who supported the study. She also credits Maharaj’s guidance, particularly during the challenges following COVID-19, as well as the support of her sister, Jane Busingye, her children, family and friends.

Support from Walter Sisulu University and the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) made the work possible, but, as she reflects, it was faith that sustained her. She gives thanks to “God, Jehovah Shalom - the Lord is Peace,” for carrying her through the journey.

Words: Rakshika Sibran

Photographs: Sethu Dlamini

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How a Double Setback Paved the Way for Impressive Academic Success

Celebrating his PhD, Dr Tanaka Jere’s research centres indigenous knowledge in community development.

What once felt like rejection has become the foundation of Dr Tanaka Jere’s academic success. Graduating with a PhD in Sociology, Jere’s journey is one of resilience, faith, and a commitment to knowledge that uplifts communities.

In 2023, Jere faced a double setback with a withdrawn PhD supervision offer from another institution and a declined application to UKZN after applying outside his discipline.

“At that moment, it felt like doors were closing,” he reflects.

Yet this turning point became a redirection. Reapplying within sociology opened the path to his doctoral journey, one he believes was divinely aligned with his purpose.

Completing his PhD in just four consecutive semesters, from March 2024 to December 2025, Jere approached his studies with discipline and intention.

“I treated the PhD like a full-time mission,” he says.

Despite financial pressures, visa challenges and his responsibilities as a UKZN lecturer and honours supervisor, he maintained a structured routine centred on daily progress. Support from UKZN, within the Sociology discipline, played a crucial role in sustaining his momentum.

Jere’s research, ‘Indigenous Knowledge and Medicinal Plants for Community Development: Governance, Livelihoods and Well-being in Amadiba, Eastern Cape’, explores the vital role of indigenous knowledge systems in shaping sustainable communities. Conducted in Nyavini village near the Mthentu River mouth, his fieldwork revealed a deeply interconnected worldview where health, land, spirituality and livelihoods are inseparable.

Drawn to the Amadiba community after attending a conference on indigenous knowledge and African thought, Jere found not only willing participants but custodians of rich, generational wisdom.

“Community members demonstrated extensive knowledge of medicinal plants and conservation practices,” he says. “Their openness and trust shaped the depth of my findings.”

At the heart of his research is a call for sociology to recognise and centre indigenous knowledge (IK) as a legitimate and vital epistemology.

Jere argues that without this inclusion, the discipline risks perpetuating historical inequalities.

His work highlights how IK continues to play a critical role in healthcare, cultural preservation, and livelihoods, while often co-existing alongside scientific systems in what he describes as “knowledge pluralism”.

One of his most profound insights was the intrinsic link between well-being and land. For the Amadiba community, access to natural resources is not only economic but deeply cultural and spiritual. This challenges dominant narratives that position modernisation as a replacement for tradition.

Born in rural Chirumanzu in Zimbabwe, Jere’s path to academia was not without hardship. Losing his father at the age of six and navigating life as a foreign student, he faced ongoing financial and visa-related challenges. Yet these experiences forged his resilience.

Inspired by his mother’s words, a reminder that his persistence would one day pay off, he committed to his goals.

Faith and music became pillars of strength throughout his journey. Through prayer and song, he found balance and endurance during difficult moments.

He dedicates this achievement to the elders, leaders, herbalists and indigenous knowledge custodians whose wisdom profoundly shaped his research.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my family for their unwavering support, to my supervisor, Dr Nelly Vuyokazi Sharpley, for her invaluable guidance and to Ambassador Smuts Lulama Ngonyama for the trust he placed in me. Their encouragement carried me through challenges, fortified my determination, and reminded me that no journey is ever walked alone,” he added. 

Sharpley praised Jere’s work as “exceptional in both pace and depth,” highlighting his disciplined approach and the intellectual strength of his research. She noted that his community-engaged study not only reflects methodological and ethical rigour but also makes an important contribution by positioning indigenous knowledge as a legitimate and valuable sociological framework.

For Jere, this graduation is more than an academic milestone. “It represents fulfilment, restoration and purpose,” he says. His message to others is clear: rejection is not the end but often the beginning of something greater.

Words: Lorna Charles-Wright

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini

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Understanding Child Malnutrition in Households Receiving Child Support Grants

All smiles for master’s graduate Mr Lutho Mbabane who has researched child malnutrition in households receiving child support grants.

At just 23, Mr Lutho Mbabane is already demonstrating how personal experience can shape purposeful scholarship.

Hailing from Mount Ayliff in the Eastern Cape, Mbabane is the first in his family to attend university, a milestone he describes as far more than an academic achievement.

“This journey has been deeply personal,” he reflects. “It represents a break from generational poverty and a step toward creating opportunities beyond my circumstances.”

His academic path has been remarkably focused and fast-paced.

After completing his undergraduate degree in 2023, he went on to complete his honours degree in 2024 and his Master’s degree in Sociology in 2025, finishing the latter within one year.

This momentum was not accidental. Coming from an underprivileged background, Mbabane was acutely aware of the financial pressures that can interrupt academic journeys.

“I was motivated by both purpose and urgency,” he explains. “Extending my studies over a longer period could have made it difficult to continue. I wanted to make the most of every opportunity while staying grounded in my research focus.”

That focus is rooted in lived experience.

His master’s study, ‘Exploring Mothers’ Perspectives on Child Malnutrition Among Households Receiving a Child Support Grant’, took him into the rural Dwesa-Cwebe community, an environment similar to the one he grew up in.

“I wanted to understand how mothers define and experience child malnutrition, how the child support grant assists them and where it falls short,” he says.

The research was both academically rigorous and emotionally resonant. Engaging with mothers whose realities mirrored aspects of his own upbringing required a careful balance between personal connection and academic objectivity. Yet it was precisely this connection that deepened the impact of his work.

His findings paint a sobering picture. While the Child Support Grant plays a vital role in supporting families, it is often insufficient to meet children’s nutritional needs. High food costs, unemployment and large household demands continue to place strain on already vulnerable families.

“What stood out is that the issue is not a lack of awareness,” Mbabane explains. “Mothers understand what nutritious food is, but they don’t always have the means to provide it consistently.”

For Mbabane, these insights highlight a broader reality: child malnutrition is not simply a household issue but a structural one, shaped by poverty and inequality in the Eastern Cape.

Mbabane’s supervisor, Dr Nelly Vuyokazi Sharpley described Mbabane as “a genuinely original researcher whose intellectual curiosity and quiet dedication set him apart,” noting that despite the emotional and academic demands of his study, he remained focused and resilient. She added that his work holds significant value for addressing child malnutrition challenges in the Eastern Cape.

He has registered for a PhD in Sociology and remains committed to using research as a tool for change. “I hope my work brings visibility to these lived realities and contributes to more responsive, context-specific interventions,” he says.

His message to others, especially those from similar backgrounds, is clear and powerful: “Your background is not a barrier, it is your greatest strength. Higher Education can turn personal challenges into real contributions for your community.”

Words: Lorna Charles-Wright

Photograph: Supplied

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Study Calls for Stronger Mental Health Support for Young Men

Ms Martha Moagi’s dynamic master’s research breaks the silence on men’s mental health stigma and support gaps.

Understanding how young men experience mental health is critical in building more inclusive and responsive support systems in South Africa.

This focus shaped the master’s research of Ms Martha Moagi, whose dissertation: ‘Young Men’s Perceptions of Mental Health: A Scoping Review’, explored how social expectations, stigma and access barriers influence whether young men seek help. The study was completed under the supervision of Mrs Adelaide Nozipho Ndlazi.

Moagi’s interest in the topic began during the early stages of her research journey when the focus area was suggested by her supervisor. As the study progressed, the importance of the issue became increasingly clear.

“My supervisor proposed focusing on men’s mental health, and as I was conducting the study, I developed an immense interest in men’s mental health and realised that it is something often overlooked, and men end up suffering in silence,” Moagi said.

Her research highlights how social expectations surrounding masculinity continue to shape the way young men respond to emotional distress and whether they feel able to seek support.

“In the South African context, most men are raised in households and communities that subscribe to masculine norms; thus, speaking about mental health challenges or struggles is not normalised, she said. “Young men are stigmatised for seeking mental health care because men are perceived as emotionally strong compared to women.”

Through her review of existing research, Moagi identified how these expectations influence attitudes toward professional support. In some cases, participants described counselling and therapy as inconsistent with cultural expectations of masculinity.

“A participant from the reviewed articles strongly opposed professional mental health care, describing it as un-African and unmanly. For the average African male, there is no need to seek mental help because that is not how they were raised,” Moagi said.

Her study identified several barriers that prevent young men from accessing support services, including stigma, cost, limited mental health literacy and social expectations that encourage self-reliance rather than help seeking. “Yes, namely stigma, cost of services, mental health literacy, sociocultural factors, perceptions of mental health, ineffective coping mechanisms, and self-reliance,” Moagi explained.

Moagi believes that improving awareness around these barriers can help families, educators, and health professionals respond more effectively to the needs of young men.

“It will aid educators, families, health professionals and the larger public to shift their perceptions around men’s mental health,” she said. “It is possible and normal for men to grapple with mental health challenges and to support men accordingly without stigmatising them.”

Her research also highlights the experiences of young men within university environments, where stigma continues to discourage help-seeking despite increasing awareness of student mental health needs.

“Young male students grapple with mental illness and challenges in silence and are often afraid to seek help due to the stigma around mental health. The study looked into these challenges so that our perspectives can change and create a conducive environment for young male students,” Moagi said.

Moagi hopes her work will contribute to strengthening conversations around men’s mental health both locally and across the continent.

“I hope that my research reaches as many individuals as possible in Africa and beyond, educating people about the benefits and risk factors of men’s mental health,” she said. “I believe that this study will encourage men to take care of their mental health and seek the necessary help.”

Reflecting on her postgraduate journey, she thanked those who supported her work throughout the process.

“I would like to thank my supervisor, Mrs Ndlazi, for suggesting this vital focus area and for her unwavering support throughout my studies at UKZN. I would also like to thank my family and friends for constantly believing in me and supporting me throughout my studies.”

Words: Lee Rondganger

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini

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Master’s Graduate Investigates How Anxiety Shapes Learning Among Adolescents

Novel research by master’s graduate, Ms Shannon Mayo, examines how anxiety shapes learning among adolescents in KZN.

Understanding how anxiety affects young people’s ability to learn is critical in a province where many adolescents face persistent social and economic pressures.

This question shaped the master’s research of Ms Shannon Mayo, whose study examined the relationship between anxiety and cognitive functioning among adolescents in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Her dissertation, supervised by Dr Adele Munsami, contributes locally grounded evidence to an area often dominated by research from high-income countries.

Mayo’s interest in the topic grew from a concern about the mental well-being of young people navigating demanding environments during a critical stage of development.

“I was drawn to the question of whether anxiety was translating into real cognitive consequences in a population navigating uniquely demanding social and economic circumstances,” Mayo explained.

Her study analysed data from 945 adolescents aged 13 to 19 in peri-urban eThekwini and found notably high levels of anxiety symptoms, particularly at the mild end of the spectrum. At the same time, the findings challenged assumptions drawn from widely used psychological theory.

“Perhaps the most significant and theoretically surprising finding was that there were no statistically significant associations between anxiety symptoms and cognitive performance across any of the subtests,” she said.

Instead, the research suggested that broader socioeconomic and environmental pressures may play a stronger role in shaping cognitive outcomes for adolescents in this context.

“This suggests that socioeconomic and environmental factors, rather than anxiety per se, may exert a more substantial influence on cognitive functioning in this population,” she noted.

These findings have important implications for how schools, families and health professionals respond to adolescent mental health challenges. Mayo argues that support strategies must reflect the realities young people face rather than relying only on imported frameworks developed elsewhere.

“Too often, mental health frameworks and educational support strategies are imported from high-income settings and applied without adaptation,” she said.

Her research highlights the importance of strengthening learning environments alongside expanding access to mental health support. It also points to the need for culturally responsive assessment approaches that better reflect how anxiety is experienced and expressed among South African adolescents.

Conducting the study required careful engagement with methodological questions related to working with existing longitudinal data and internationally developed measurement tools.

“These challenges reinforced my conviction that culturally adapted assessment tools are urgently needed in South African research contexts,” Mayo explained.

Mayo credits her postgraduate training at UKZN with shaping her commitment to contextually grounded research and socially responsive psychological practice.

“Studying within a South African institution with a strong commitment to Africanisation and social justice challenged me to think critically about whether psychological theories translate meaningfully into the contexts I care about,” she said.

As she graduates, she plans to apply the insights from her research in clinical work with adolescents while contributing to the development of school based mental health programmes in the province.

“I hope to work with adolescents in culturally responsive ways and contribute to school-based mental health programmes that integrate both anxiety management and academic support,” she said.

Her work highlights the importance of locally generated evidence in shaping interventions that respond effectively to the realities facing young people in KZN today.

Words: Lee Rondganger

Photograph: Supplied

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PhD Study Focuses on Establishing a Model for Small Harbour Development

A proud moment as Dr Mashimane Maphumulo receives his PhD.

Driven by both the limitations of Operation Phakisa’s small harbour development initiatives and a deep desire to contribute meaningfully to his hometown of Port Shepstone, Dr Mashimane Maphumulo has achieved a significant academic milestone.

Maphumulo recently graduated with a PhD that investigates the establishment of a model for small harbour development, an area of critical importance in South Africa’s ocean economy. His study 'Towards a Model for Creating a Small Harbour - An Ocean Economies Initiative: The Case of Ray Nkonyeni Municipality KwaZulu-Natal', supervised by Professor Mandla Masuku, aims to support both government and private developers, particularly in light of the fact that no new small harbours have been developed in the country since the 1950s. This is despite their immense potential to stimulate local economic growth and improve livelihoods in coastal communities.

To ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach, the study brought together multiple stakeholders, including national and local government representatives (with the exception of the provincial government, which opted not to participate), as well as local fishing cooperatives, business forums, ratepayers’ associations, and civic organisations.

“Understanding that my study is the first of its kind in South Africa, it will serve as a blueprint for small harbour development,” said Maphumulo. “The findings highlight the plight of fishing communities, who remain under-serviced and have limited access to markets for their produce.”

The research also uncovered key systemic challenges, including difficulties in financing small harbour projects and fragmentation in government processes, particularly around joint land ownership procurement, which often delays project implementation and, ultimately, service delivery.

Maphumulo noted that one of the major challenges he encountered was the scarcity of existing data, as the field remains largely under-researched in South Africa. “There is a significant dearth of data, making this the only academic study of its kind in the country,” he explained.

Data collection was also costly and time-intensive, requiring extensive travel to engage participants meaningfully, as virtual platforms were insufficient for building relationships and gathering rich insights. In addition, he had to personally cover high editing costs.

Despite these challenges, the journey was marked by several rewarding moments. These included the publication of his research article, invitations from Ugu District Municipality to serve as a keynote speaker at the Ocean Economy Seminar, and participation in the handover of the small harbour development framework document with Ray Nkonyeni Municipality and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.

Maphumulo shared that the experience revealed new strengths and capabilities, “although the journey was challenging at the outset, discipline and time management proved to be key. “

He stated that his family’s prayers and their understanding gave him the drive he needed, “My friends kept me motivated, entertained my ideas, and even contributed their own. They were an incredible support structure,” he said.

Looking ahead, he plans to continue publishing and transition into academia. His broader goal is to contribute significantly to the body of knowledge within his field - so far, he has published four journal articles and a book chapter in areas “beyond my PhD study”.

Offering advice to aspiring PhD candidates, Maphumulo emphasised purpose over recognition, saying, “Do not be driven by the desire for certification. Focus on conducting impactful research.”

Words: Sinoyolo Mahlasela

Photographs: Sethu Dlamini

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Cum Laude for Research Highlighting Single Mothers’ Role in Driving First Generation Student Success

A standout achievement, Ms Nqobile Mkhize celebrates her BA Honours degree, awarded cum laude.

The research topic, ‘An Exploratory Study of the Lived Experiences of Single Mothers Raising First-generation Students in South Africa: A Case of Inanda’, achieved cum laude, was undertaken as part of a BA Honours degree by recent graduate, Ms Nqobile Mkhize.

Mkhize was funded by the College of Humanities (CHUM) Honours bursary to examine single motherhood and first-generation studentship. Her interest in the topic stems from what she describes as the unfinished business of gender emancipation and total liberation in South Africa.

She notes that Black women continue to exist in challenging household conditions, where they are often left to shoulder the unpaid labour of care while also confronting a commercialised public system that limits their ability to afford Higher Education (HE) for their children. These persisting conditions motivated her to conduct this research.

Mkhize’s study focuses on understanding how single mothers living in Inanda shape the persistence and resilience of their children who are first-generation university students. Existing research has largely focused on the challenges first-generation students face when transitioning into Higher Education Institutions, the factors that affect their success, and often views students from single-parent households through a deficit lens.

“My study adopts a Black feminist lens, viewing the care work that single mothers provide in support of their children’s academic journeys as a form of labour - not just an act of love, but a powerful force that influences the persistence and resilience of first-generation university students,” she said.

Mkhize’s study provides valuable insights for policymakers, Higher Education Institutions, and educators working with first-generation students by highlighting the strengths within their family backgrounds. It also contributes to decolonial discourse by discouraging approaches that focus only on students while ignoring their social contexts, as this risks reproducing the very inequalities that the education system seeks to dismantle. Her work contributes to clinical and applied sociology by advocating for interventions that recognise and support the care work provided by single mothers in shaping academic resilience.

Reflecting on her journey, Mkhize highlights a memorable moment during her honours year:

“The most interesting moment of my research was when I received an award at the Professor Fatima Meer Memorial Lecture, held last year at Howard College. This was more than just an award - it symbolised the contribution my work makes in situating the lived experiences of Black single mothers within existing scholarship on first-generation university students. It also reflects Professor Fatima Meer’s commitment to social justice, community engagement, and advancing the field of sociology,” she said.

One of the challenges she encountered during her research was ensuring appropriate support for participants, given the sensitive nature of the study.

“I had to find a social worker or therapist to refer participants to during interviews if needed. Fortunately, the Inanda Community Health Clinic (ICHC) was willing to collaborate and provided access to their facilities for referrals,” she explained.

Mkhize thanked her support system: her family, who supported her financially and emotionally. “My friends were equally supportive - we often vented to each other about how frustrating things could be, and they were understanding, especially since they were also completing their honours degrees at other institutions,” she added.

Advising her peers, she said, “Postgraduate study is worth it if you are curious, self-motivated, and clear about your goals. It’s not just the next step - it is intense and challenging, and there will be times when you feel like quitting. So, pursue it because you are genuinely interested.

“It also requires time management, resilience, critical thinking, and the ability to deal with uncertainty - but it opens many doors.”

She sends a message of gratitude, saying “I am very grateful to my family and friends. I don’t think I would have made it this far without their support. I dedicate this achievement to them and thank them for believing in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself.

“In isiZulu, we say: Izandla zidlula ikhanda.” Which means, hands surpass the head (an expression of deep gratitude).

Words: Sinoyolo Mahlasela

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini

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Summa Cum Laude Study Explores Mental Health as a Key to Civic Responsibility

Going for gold: Ms Fanelesibonge celebrates summa cum laude Honours, reflecting excellence in her journey.

“We agree on what we want as a society, but how people reason internally and behave often diverges from that.”

For Ms Fanelesibonge, that tension is not just an academic idea, it is lived. Graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Development Studies, her story is less about a straight line to success and more about interruption, reflection and a deliberate return to purpose.

“I used to tell everyone I was going to be President,” Fanele said, recalling a younger version of herself who would run through her high school corridors announcing it to anyone who would listen. That instinct behind it - to lead, to change, to question - has never left.

Much of that grounding came through her work with The Salvation Army, where she served from corps level to territorial structures as part of the TRIBE National Youth Board. “It taught me to be passionate and conscientious. It gave me a sense of responsibility - to people, to community and to values I would later interrogate more critically.”

In 2023, everything paused. A period of mental burnout led to hospitalisation and forced her to step away from the very work that had defined her. It was, by her own account, a breaking point. With support, she began the slow work of rebuilding. 

“The greatest takeaway was self-care and learning to only pour myself into things I truly believe in.”

She describes that period as deeply reflective - a time of constant evaluation, of asking difficult questions about herself and the world around her. That introspection would soon be tested again.

Shortly after, her uncle was killed - accused of his murder are young people. The loss was devastating. But what unsettled her even more was the consciousness it left behind. “I understood they are victims of the realities they grew up in,” Fanele said.

It was not an easy conclusion, but it shifted her thinking. The issue, for her, was no longer only about individual actions, but about the conditions that shape how people think, reason and behave.

That realisation, alongside her earlier work and her own mental health journey, became the basis of her research ‘Mental health as a Determinant of Civic Responsibility and Social Solidarity’. At its core is a simple but probing question: if people are not well internally, how can they participate meaningfully in society?

Her academic path was not without disruption. The same year she experienced burnout and loss, she failed what was meant to be her final undergraduate year. She returned the following year and completed her degree, carrying with her a different perspective, one that would ultimately shape the focus and depth of her work.

In 2024, she also became a ONE Campaign Africa Champion, advocating for policies addressing extreme poverty and preventable diseases. As a champion, she participated in high-level spaces including the African Union Summit, the Africa Business Forum and the G20. Yet even in those spaces, a question persisted: where exactly is the breakdown?

“Policies sound good. Leadership in Africa seems to be working,” said Fanele. But in comparing conversations across civil society platforms and governance spaces, she observed a deeper disconnect - that society has been conditioned to believe governance will deliver, rather than recognising the need for collective effort and responsibility.

“We’re choosing the better devil,” she explained plainly, reflecting on electoral behaviour and the limits of civic engagement across contexts. An academic exchange to the Czech Republic gave her space to explore these ideas further. Immersed in the country’s history of social movements, she began thinking about how change actually happens, not from the top down, but from within communities.

Her proposed approach is intentionally small-scale. She speaks of “experimenting” - starting with a defined group, focusing first on mental health, then building a shared sense of identity and values. The goal, she believes, is to observe whether internal healing can translate into improved civic behaviour. 

“My journey with mental health has reaped that. I hope it evokes the same in others.”

She is immensely grateful to her mother, a South African Police Service (SAPS) sergeant raising four children, who has funded her education from undergraduate level to now. “She stretches everything to make sure we do not lack.” 

Despite graduating summa cum laude, Fanele has not secured funding to continue her research. 

“I have come to accept that my life (and that of my siblings) will continue to be evidence not only of the legacy of my mother’s strength, perseverance and resilience but also of God’s grace.”

“I can’t be President,” she declares. It reflects a shift from her childhood belief that change happens through holding high office, to a more grounded understanding shaped by lived experience: that real transformation depends on how people think, cope and relate to one another. 

What now drives her is a commitment to understanding people more deeply: how they heal and how, together, they might begin to live up to the society they say they want.

Words: Rakshika Sibran

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini

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PhD Study Encourages More Inclusive Perspective on Tradition and Sexuality

Moving with the times: Dr Zwanani Jeza challenges cultural normalcy.

A personal experience, fuelled by determination to challenge misconceptions, prompted dialogue and introduced evidence-based perspectives into spaces where such discussions are often avoided.

Through his study, Dr Zwanani Jeza explored cultural views among Izangoma in the Ugu District of KwaZulu-Natal within a broader Nguni cultural context.

Titled 'Can a gay man be the heir of the family and burn incense (impepho) to communicate with the ancestors? An Anthropological Study on Cultural Views of Izangoma in the Ugu District, KwaZulu-Natal', his thesis, completed under the supervision of Dr Lungile Zondi, focused on cultural and spiritual understandings of gay men as heirs in Zulu families, particularly in relation to ancestral rituals.

“My research is expected to benefit society by fostering meaningful dialogue around the acceptance of homosexuality in rural communities, where discussions on sexuality are often shaped by deeply embedded cultural and religious norms.

“By challenging prevailing social narratives that position homosexuality as incompatible with tradition, the study encourages communities to reconsider these assumptions and engage with the topic from a more inclusive and informed perspective,” said Jeza.

Jeza highlighted the importance of creating safe spaces for individuals living in rural areas who identify as gay, contributing to efforts aimed at challenging restrictive social constructs and promoting social cohesion.

He noted that many attitudes toward homosexuality are influenced by limited information and culturally mediated interpretations, rather than direct engagement with lived experiences.

Additionally, the study underscores that aspects of indigenous knowledge, particularly those related to rituals and cultural practices, remain largely undocumented.

He said: “By documenting these perspectives, the research contributes to the preservation and expansion of indigenous knowledge systems, ensuring that diverse understandings of sexuality and culture are recorded and critically examined within academic and community contexts.”

Jeza understood that the topic itself is highly sensitive, as it addresses issues that many societies are reluctant to discuss or may not accept within African traditional or religious frameworks.

Conducting research on homosexuality in rural communities therefore proved challenging, as some community members were hesitant to participate due to cultural, traditional or religious beliefs.

He shared that “this limited openness and honest engagement make participant recruitment particularly difficult. At times, this challenge was so discouraging that I considered abandoning the study,” Jeza said.

He noted that one of his most significant milestones was the endorsement of his research proposal by the Higher Degrees Committee, which marked formal approval to proceed with his doctoral study.

In addition, publishing an article derived from his thesis further strengthened his academic identity and validated the relevance of his research within the broader scholarly community.

Although balancing family, work and studies was not without its challenges, Jeza stated that working as a lecturer played a significant role in helping him cope, as it kept him academically engaged and disciplined, while also reinforcing his commitment to completing his studies.

He said friends and family provided him with invaluable emotional support throughout his journey.

“Their unwavering support played a crucial role in sustaining my resilience and motivation throughout my academic journey,” added Jeza.

His plans are to continue advancing his academic journey and intends to publish more scholarly articles, enrol in a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education (PGDip), and pursue an MBA in the future.

He extended heartfelt gratitude to his late grandmother, whose memory continues to inspire him.

“I am also deeply thankful to my mother, father, siblings, cousins and aunts, who have always had my best interests at heart. Your unwavering financial and emotional support, along with your belief in me, made this journey possible.”

Words: Sinoyolo Mahlasela

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini

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“When the Baby Sleeps, I Study”

The struggles of young motherhood and education in Inanda is captured in Ms Samkelisiwe Ndlovu’s master’s study.

For many of the young women in Inanda, north of Durban, education does not pause for motherhood - it happens in between. 

That lived reality is at the centre of Ms Samkelisiwe Ndlovu’s master’s research: ‘A Qualitative Study of the Intersection of Early Motherhood and Educational Aspirations: A Study of Young Women’s Experiences in Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal’.

Her study, supervised by Professor Pranitha Maharaj, traces how young mothers navigate classrooms, kitchens, and childcare simultaneously, often in the same hour.

“In their daily lives, young mothers juggle childcare, household duties, and studies. For these women, the identities of ‘student’ and ‘mother’ are not isolated but are lived simultaneously,” she explained.

The reality, she says, is a delicate and often exhausting balance.

These are students attending night classes, relying on informal childcare, and studying in fragments of time while carrying what she describes as a constant “cognitive load” of caregiving. The pressure is not only practical, it is emotional.

She notes, “They manage emotional strain like guilt and isolation often through ‘time management and peer networks,’ and by depending on family support for childcare.”

But according to Ndlovu, behind the daily logistics is something deeper: resilience that is not abstract, but necessary. In this context, resilience is far more than a conceptual term; it is a vital survival tactic.

Her research determined that many of the women describe early motherhood as a stop-start educational journey shaped by ‘time poverty’ and financial strain. School fees become transport money. Study time becomes childcare time. Academic progression is often delayed or interrupted entirely.

Yet even in interruption, education remains central. “Motherhood serves as a powerful motivator. For many participants, education is no longer just personal advancement; it becomes a ‘Motherhood Mandate’, a pathway to stability for their children,” Ndlovu found.

One participant, Nonhle (22), describes what she calls an uphill battle: the constant tension between ambition and survival. “Is it even worth trying?” is her reflection when obstacles feel relentless. Her experience captures how aspirations are not lost, but held under pressure, noted Ndlovu.

Another participant, Thobeka (23), frames her journey differently. Her motivation is her daughter: she wants her child to know that “her mom did not give up.” For Zonke (19), the goal is simpler but equally powerful - to show that women can be ‘strong and independent’.

“These stories show that their children are not barriers to their dreams, but the very reason those dreams exist,” Ndlovu said.

She added that the weight they carry is not only personal. In Inanda, young mothers also face layered social expectations from cultural norms around early motherhood, to judgment from communities, to pressure within households where domestic labour is prioritised over education.

She explained, “There is a heavy cultural demand to be a ‘good mother’, where self-sacrifice is often expected and education is sometimes viewed as secondary or selfish.”

Support systems can make the difference between staying in school or dropping out. Grandmothers often provide what she calls an “intergenerational safety net,” while peer networks, including WhatsApp groups, offer emotional and practical survival tools. But support is often conditional, and sometimes fragile.

When it comes to partners, Ndlovu found that the picture is mixed. Assistance may come with what she describes as a “provider trap”, where financial support can limit autonomy or educational priority.

At the structural level, socio-economic conditions shape nearly every decision. “Financial hardship is the most direct obstacle, forcing young mothers into a ‘zero-sum’ reality where survival needs outweigh education costs,” she explained.

In some cases, she says, motherhood becomes one of the only available routes to recognised adulthood in contexts where opportunities are limited.

Still, the study is not defined by constraint alone.

Many participants actively construct ways forward through strict routines, shared childcare, informal study groups, and determination to complete their studies “in the smallest available windows of time.”

For some, staying in education becomes an act of resistance. For others, it becomes a blueprint for what comes next, often in the form of returning to their communities as professionals who understand the struggles they once experienced.

Across all narratives, one thread remains constant: education is not abandoned, but reworked.

As Ndlovu reflects, the young women in her study are not defined by early motherhood alone. They are navigating profound emotional guilt and physical exhaustion, while still holding onto the belief that education remains the most stable pathway toward change, not only for themselves, but for the next generation.

Words: Rakshika Sibran

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini

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What Durban’s Street-Involved Youth Want Us to See

Ms Naledi Molife who graduated with a Master’s in Criminology and Forensic Studies.

Ms Naledi Molife says of herself: “I am a young woman who is full of dreams and hopes, driven by the desire to make my parents proud, while also fulfilling my own sense of purpose and ambition.”

That sense of purpose now sits at the centre of her master’s study in Criminology and Forensic Studies, ‘Navigating Life on the Streets: Exploring Crime, Victimisation, and Support Among Homeless and Street-Involved Youth in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal’, supervised by Dr Nomakhosi Sibisi.

Her path to the topic was not immediate. With the guidance of her supervisor, Molife began exploring possible areas of focus, reading widely and paying attention to what was unfolding around her. What became clear was difficult to ignore. Durban, she observed, is a rapidly urbanising city where inequality is increasingly visible, particularly in the growing number of young people surviving on the streets.

“What struck me the most was the disconnect between public perceptions and the underlying structural conditions that drive youth to street life,” Molife explained.

Too often, she found, these young people are viewed through a narrow lens - one shaped by stigma and criminalisation, while their lived realities remain unheard. Her study became an attempt to close that gap, using the voices of street-involved youth themselves.

Molife conducted in-depth, one-on-one interviews with 20 young people between the ages of 18 and 27, based in Albert Park and the Payless Shelter (now known as Kickstart). In her research, she set out to understand how these young people experience crime, victimisation and survival in their everyday lives.

Their stories were all eye-opening - each one different, yet connected.

Six themes emerged in her research. The first traced the pathways into homelessness: family neglect, abuse and violence, peer influence, substance use, poverty, and unemployment. The second revealed the extent of victimisation, including physical violence, sexual exploitation, harassment and deep emotional and psychological harm.

The study also showed how some young people become involved in crime - not as a simple choice, but often as a means of survival. This is closely tied to a fourth theme: the overlapping personal, social and structural pressures that shape such involvement. The fifth theme examines the impact of these experiences on mental health, physical wellbeing, relationships and the ability to navigate daily life. The final theme turns to support systems, both formal and informal and how young people make use of them.

Across all six, one reality stands out: life on the streets is marked by contradiction.

“Street-involved youth navigate a highly complex and often hostile environment, where the boundaries between victimhood and criminalisation are blurred. Some engage in unlawful activities, but these actions are frequently driven by necessity rather than intent. At the same time, they remain deeply vulnerable, exposed to violence, exploitation and discrimination,” Molife said.

In response, she said, they adapt. Many form close peer networks for protection, share resources and create informal systems of support. In spaces where formal structures fall short, these relationships become essential. Molife recalled how, during her fieldwork, this sense of solidarity became visible in unexpected ways. At first, some young people showed little interest in participating. But once they understood that the work was part of a scholarly study, they would agree to take part and even recruit one another. 

To Molife, it was a small moment, but one that spoke to trust, dignity and a desire to be heard.

What stayed with her most, however, was not only the hardship, but the resilience. Despite experiences of neglect, abuse and instability, many participants spoke with an enduring sense of hope. Their stories challenged her own assumptions. 

She reflected, “It highlighted the importance of recognising street-involved youth not merely as passive victims, but as individuals with agency, strength, and aspirations.”

According to her research, KwaZulu-Natal’s high levels of unemployment, persistent poverty, and inequality continue to shape the conditions in which youth homelessness emerges. These pressures are often intensified by domestic violence, substance abuse and limited access to education and social services. Molife also determined that urban migration adds another layer, as young people come to cities like Durban in search of opportunity that often remains out of reach.

Importantly, Molife noted, not all young people on the streets come from the same background - some arrive there from relatively stable economic homes, complicating common assumptions about who is affected.

A key finding, however, was that support systems do exist. Shelters, non-governmental organisations and outreach programmes provide food, temporary accommodation, healthcare, and counselling. Yet, she found that gaps remain. Many services are under-resourced, and long-term pathways such as reintegration into families, education or employment are limited. Formal systems are sometimes experienced as inaccessible or even stigmatising, which pushes young people to rely more heavily on peer networks and community-based support.

Molife recommends addressing these challenges through co-ordination between communities, organisations and government, with approaches that recognise both immediate needs and deeper structural realities.

She expressed deepest gratitude to the young people who participated in her study, appreciating their willingness to share painful, personal experiences with honesty and courage.

“Many of them had little reason to trust, but chose to speak anyway. This master’s study was not only an academic endeavour, but also a reflection of a collective effort to bring visibility to marginalised voices. Behind the statistics, the labels, and the assumptions are young people navigating difficult realities - often with far more strength, complexity and hope than they are given credit for.”

Words: Rakshika Sibran

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini

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Motherhood in Prison and the Strain of Absence

Thumbs up to UKZN staffer, Mr Kaya Macetyana.

A child arrives at a prison gate to see their mother and leaves with more questions than the visit could answer.

For University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) staffer, Mr Kaya Macetyana, this reality sits at the centre of his master’s study, ‘The Effects of Imprisonment on the Mother-Child Relationship in KwaZulu-Natal: Westville Correctional Centre’, completed under the supervision of Dr Londeka Ngubane.

Originally from Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape and raised partly in Isithumba in KwaZulu-Natal, Macetyana describes himself as “a hard worker, passionate about education and a very determined individual.” His academic journey at UKZN reflects that consistency - guided by a deep interest in social justice and the realities shaping people’s lives.

His research was shaped by both observation and proximity to social realities. Drawn to Westville Correctional Centre, one of the largest correctional facilities in the country, he wanted to understand the experiences of incarcerated women, particularly mothers separated from their children. At the same time, he was noticing broader social patterns in Durban. 

“I had so many questions, and I thought if I went to the correctional centre, I would find answers.”

What he found instead were layered accounts of separation that extend far beyond imprisonment itself.

“This is a study that triggered quite a lot of emotions. Participants were not only sharing their opinions on social issues but they were reflecting on their own lived experiences.”

A clear pattern emerged: relationships between mothers and children are frequently weakened and, in some cases, fractured by incarceration. He revealed that many mothers do not have strong relationships with their children outside the correctional centre. “Even where programmes exist to maintain contact, they are not as effective as mothers and children would wish them to be,” he said.

For some, the separation becomes irreversible. “They could not have a bond, because the children were not familiar with them, they are seeing people they do not know.”

For children, said Macetyana, the disruption begins immediately and compounds over time. Detachment, financial strain and disrupted caregiving arrangements appear repeatedly in the findings. These challenges are intensified by structural conditions: limited visitation hours, long travel distances and a lack of accessible support programmes for children of incarcerated mothers.

Even maintaining contact becomes a logistical and emotional burden. “For them to come to a correctional centre, they would have to have a good budget. Where there is no one financially stable, it becomes a major issue. In some cases, caregivers avoid bringing children altogether into environments that feel unwelcoming, leaving visits irregular or non-existent,” Macetyana explained.

Sadly, some of the most difficult accounts came from mothers trying to maintain presence from inside the system. “Whenever they make an effort to check on their children, they would be told that their children are not around. Some guardians would even block them to cut them off.”

The result is not just separation but sustained uncertainty and a lack of information, access and reassurance.

Macetyana added that beyond the prison walls, stigma deepens the rupture. He said that children of incarcerated mothers are often reminded of their circumstances within schools and communities. Economic hardship further compounds vulnerability, sometimes contributing to cycles of offending, with participants describing return imprisonment driven by the pressure to provide for their children.

At the centre of his study is a call for systems that do not only manage incarceration, but consider its relational consequences.

He points to specific, practical changes, such as visitation rooms being improved to be more welcoming and child-friendly. He envisions spaces where children can play, rest and connect without distress. He also highlights transport support and extended visitation hours as essential interventions to reduce barriers to contact.

“Ensure that when children visit, they do not leave the centre frustrated but with happiness that they met their mother.”

For Macetyana, the study is not only about absence but about what systems allow to remain broken and what might still be rebuilt. Now registered for a PhD at UKZN, he gave thanks to his supervisor, colleagues and family. 

“I would not be where I am today without your support and prayers.”

Words: Rakshika Sibran

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini

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