UKZN Population Studies Lecturer Mr Mohammed Vawda seen performing one of his comedic acts. UKZN Academic Leads Double Life - Comedian and Researcher
UKZN Population Studies Lecturer Mr Mohammed Vawda is leading an exciting double life. By day, Vawda is a Population Scientist specialising in quantitative research, statistics, health economics and demography while by night he is a successful stand up comedian in his own right.
‘My mum was the first to introduce me to the stage at a very young age. She encouraged me to follow my passion, that is, to make people happy and see the brighter and funnier side of life. My dad was naturally hilarious and inspired me in his own way. Wherever he went people smiled and felt the warmth that he spread through his humour. People showed their happiest and best side to him and I thought that was amazing. I take these lessons with me on stage and attempt to break down people’s barriers and prejudices, allowing a certain level of comfort and openness,’ said Vawda about his life in comedy.
For Vawda, every day brings inspiration in which the two fields of academia and comedy overlap. ‘They are both structured and I enjoy the ability to switch roles between being professional and being intellectual.’
‘Being an academic comes with much pressure to publish, present papers at conferences, teaching, community engagement, participating in research projects and loads of administration but I would like to participate in health research, complete my PhD and continue teaching.’
Growing up in a household that deemed education to be of great importance, Vawda developed a passion for learning and educating. ‘It was a bit later on that I understood that being an academic is a huge responsibility and that was what I needed to do. I understood that as an academic you have a greater influence on creating awareness, making policy recommendations and, most importantly, sharing knowledge to mould the future generations.’
‘This is who I needed to be and what I am passionate about doing. Having a background in research, working at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), has given me the abilities and skills to move forward faster, academically. It is a passion to upskill students and create an environment conducive to knowledge development,’ he said.
Vawda developed the ability to influence change within individuals and contribute meaningfully in academia and the greater sphere. He also taught at universities in Germany to enhance his experience and capacity at an international level.
Vawda performs at all theatres around Durban and plans to continue making South Africans laugh.
To find out more about where Vawda will be performing next, follow him on his social media pages:
Instagram: mo.vawda
Facebook: Mohammed Vawda