Researchers

Phindile Lukhele-OlorunjuDirector of Research: Natural Sciences		Narnia Bohler-MullerDirector of Research: Social Sciences

Dr Sylvester Bongani Maphosa Chief Research Specialist and Head of Peace and Security Unit Dr Maphosa holds a PhD in Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (2009); an MA in Peace and Governance from Africa University, Zimbabwe (2005); a BEd Degree in Environmental Sciences from Solusi University, Zimbabwe (2002); and a Diploma in Education from the University of Zimbabwe, (1993). He has attended several courses in education in conflict modelling and mediation plus extensive experience in mixed-methods participatory action research (PAR) in fragile contexts. Dr Maphosa has interests in peace building and human security; conflict resolution and conflict prevention; peace, conflict and development; and, quantitative and qualitative evaluation of peace building models and practice in fragile contexts.		Dr Sehlare Makgetlaneng Chief Research Specialist and Head of Governance and Democracy Unit Dr Makgetlaneng holds a PhD in Political Science (with African Politics, Comparative Politics, Political Economy and International Relations as sub-fields) and Master of Public Administration from Atlanta University, USA along with Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Clark College. His research interests are African socio-political and economic transformation, African continental and Southern African regional integration, the role of political governance in Africa’s development and democracy, the centrality of Africa in South Africa’s international relations and cooperation; the US Africa Policy; and the relationship between the state and the ruling party in Africa.

Dr Thokozani Simelane Chief Research Specialist and Head of Science and Technology Unit Dr Simelane holds a PhD from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (2005) and is finalising his second Doctorate on Industrial Engineering through the Durban University of Technology (DUT). He has been recently listed in Marquis Who’s Who in Science and Engineering 2011–2012. He is a member of South Africa’s standing advisory committee on Intellectual Property Rights where he serves as member of the Patents sub-committee. His research interests are in complex system analysis; biodiversity and environmental management; science and technology; industrial engineering, intellectual property development and management; renewable energy and standardisation.		Vacant Chief Research Specialist and Head of Knowledge Transfer and Skills Development Unit

Ms Yazini April Research Specialist: Democracy and Governance Unit Ms April holds Masters of Arts in International Relations from the University of South Carolina in Columbia, USA (1996), and a Juris Doctorate of Law Degree from the John Marshall School of Law, Atlanta, Georgia, USA (2001). Her research interests lie in industrialisation and infrastructural development in South Africa, Southern African Development Community (SADC); and the African Union (AU).		Mr Nicasius Check Research Specialist: Peace and Security Mr Check is currently a PhD candidate in the Department of Politics at the University of Johannesburg. He holds a BA from the University of Buea, Cameroon and an MA in History from the University of South Africa (UNISA). His areas of interest are environmental insecurity; trans-border natural resource management; transitional justice; security architecture of regional economic communities (RECs); and conflict management and resolution.

Mr Neo Lekgotla laga Ramoupi Research Specialist: Knowledge Transfer and Skills Development Mr Neo Lekgotla laga Ramoupi is currently a PhD Candidate at Howard University in Washington D.C., USA. He is a graduate of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College campus. He holds MA History, Higher Diploma in Education (H.D.E.), History (Hons) and BA Political Sciences and History majors and a Certificate in Cultural Heritage and Museums from Michigan State University (MSU), USA. His research interests include African-centred education; curriculum and content in South African universities, the African Diaspora; African history and public history.		Mr Shingirirai Mutanga Research Specialist: Science and Technology Mr Mutanga holds an MSc in Geo-Information Science and Earth observation for environmental modelling and management, from a consortium of four universities namely Southampton (UK), Lund (Sweden), Warsaw Poland and ITC (Netherlands); and a Hons in Geography and Environmental Science from Midlands University, Zimbabwe. His research interests are in ecosystems transformation; complex social-ecological systems; land use; land cover; mapping; natural resources management; web GIS and database management.