Unisa is proud to announce that Professor Nokuthula Caritus Mazibuko has been appointed to serve on the National Dialogue Steering Committee, representing the Academia, Think-Tank and Research Sector.

Recently, South African President, His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa, in his capacity as Convenor of the National Dialogue, confirmed the nominations received from various social sectors to constitute the National Dialogue Steering Committee. This confirmation gives effect to the resolution of the first National Convention, held on 15 and 16 August 2025, which resolved that all identified social sectors should nominate representatives to serve on the steering committee.

Mazibuko serves in the Department of Sociology within the College of Human Sciences. Her appointment reflects both her distinguished academic profile and her longstanding contribution to research, public engagement, and policy-relevant scholarship.

The committee is entrusted with setting strategic priorities and coordinating the implementation of the National Dialogue process across the country. In this role, the committee plays a central part in shaping inclusive national conversations and guiding collective responses to South Africa’s key social challenges.

Mazibuko is an illustrious South African academic and researcher with extensive expertise in gender studies. She previously served as Unisa’s Head of the Institute for Gender Studies, where she made significant contributions to public understanding, advocacy, and community engagement around gender-based violence (GBV), particularly on domestic violence and femicide. She has been invited by government departments to provide expert input at public hearings on GBV and has consistently worked to translate academic research into meaningful community action and policy discourse.

Her strong academic grounding, combined with hands-on engagement in national GBV forums, positions Mazibuko to make valuable, evidence-based contribution to the National Dialogue, particularly in informing national strategies and policy submissions related to social justice and gender equality.

The National Dialogue Steering Committee will be inducted at Unisa’s Main Campus in Pretoria on 17 and 18 January 2026. Ramaphosa and South African Deputy President, His Excellency Paul Mashatile, will attend the induction session.

The university congratulates Professor Mazibuko on this significant national appointment and wishes her every success in this important role of serving the country.

* By Khabo Maduna, Communication and Marketing Specialist, College of Human Sciences