Professor Tinuade Adekunbi Ojo
Professor Tinuade Adekunbi Ojo is the Director of the Centre for the Study of Race, Gender, and Class, an Associate Professor in the Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Johannesburg and Co-lead T20 South Africa Taskforce Four on Solidarity and SDGs. A distinguished feminist political economist, As a feminist political economist, her interdisciplinary scholarship explores a broad array of topics, including gender and politics, the gendered dimensions of trade and financial inclusion, sustainable development goals, digital transformation, international political economy, gender inequality, climate change, just transitions, governance and leadership, sexual health and reproductive rights (SRHR), women and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, gender-based violence, conflict resolution, migration studies, mental health and well-being, water rights, food security, and poverty reduction strategies. Her extensive publications on gender and development policy and the political economy of trade and aid in Africa and the Diaspora underscore her commitment to advancing knowledge and policy in these critical areas. Additionally, she serves as an editor, member of international and local associations, and peer reviewer for esteemed scientific journals, further contributing to the academic community.
Ms. Alison Nyaradzo Zuva
Ms. Alison Nyaradzo Zuva is a Research Coordinator at the Centre for the Study of Race, Gender, and Class and a PhD candidate in Politics and International Relations at the University of Johannesburg. Her academic and professional interests centre on leadership, politics, and the Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular focus on gender equality, gender inclusion, climate change, and the implications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. She is deeply committed to advancing inclusive development through research and policy engagement.
Ms. Lesego Mosweu
Ms. Lesego Mosweu holds a Master’s Degree in Politics from the University of Johannesburg and currently serves as a Research Assistant at the Centre for the Study of Race, Gender, and Class at the University. Her research interests include rural development, gender politics, traditional affairs, and social policy. She has been recognized for her academic excellence and commitment to student support, receiving multiple Tutor of the Year awards from the University of Johannesburg. In addition, she holds a Certificate in Organisational Leadership, reflecting her dedication to professional growth and leadership development.
Mashudu Mashiloane
Mashudu Mashiloane is a first-year PhD candidate in Political Studies, specializing in The Intersection of Governance and emerging technologies. Her research focuses on “Governance and the Integration of Fourth Industrial Revolution Technologies in Strengthening South Africa’s Health Systems”, a timely and impactful study aimed at addressing structural challenges within the country’s public health sector. She currently serves as a Research Assistant at the Centre for the Study of Race, Gender, and Class at the University of Johannesburg.
Ms. Mihlali Mahala
Ms. Mihlali Mahala is currently a Research Intern at the Centre for the Study of Race, Gender, and Class, and is pursuing her Master’s degree in Politics and International Relations at the University of Johannesburg. Her academic and research interests focus on Africa-China relations, global inequalities, capitalism, international political economy, and international law. She is committed to advancing critical scholarship on global power dynamics and the evolving role of the Global South in international affairs.
Mr Tshegofatso Manakane
Mr Tshegofatso Manakane is an undergraduate student in Development Studies at the University of Johannesburg and currently a research intern at the Centre for the Study of Race, Gender, and Class. His academic interests include identity politics, youth unemployment, and the gig economy. He is deeply passionate about social justice, inclusive development, and advancing policy-driven solutions to contemporary socio-economic challenges.
Post-doctoral fellows
Dr Cecy Edijala Balogun
Dr Cecy Edijala Balogun is currently leading a unit on Social Policy and Mobility Studies at the Centre for the Study of Race, Gender, and Class. She holds a PhD in Agriculture (Rural Sociology) from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. She is a prestigious scholar of the CODESRIA College of Mentors and Mentees (2019), the Gender Institute (2021), the Governance Institute (2021), WARIA (2021-2024), the Ife Summer Institute (2021), and the Bergen Summer Research School (BSRS) (2024). Her research interests span rural sociology, women and youth development studies, group dynamics, community development, and social and public policies. She has published several articles and contributed to several book chapters and books on issues of rural livelihoods, gender and women studies, youth studies, and social and public policies.
Email Address: cbalogun@uj.ac.za
Dr. Beauty Shiviti
Dr. Beauty Shiviti is an accomplished academic and researcher in the field of Political Science, with a PhD from the University of Johannesburg. She is currently the Head of Leadership, Innovation and Technology unit at the Centre for Study of Race, Gender, and Class. Her doctoral research focused on the role of women as political actors within the Ekurhuleni Municipality, reflecting her deep commitment to gender equity and inclusive governance. With extensive experience in higher education, Dr. Shiviti has served as a lecturer at Milpark Education and previously held academic positions at Damelin College and PC Training and Business College. Her teaching expertise spans business communication, leadership, and governance, underscoring her interdisciplinary approach to education. A published author and sought-after keynote speaker, Dr. Shiviti actively contributes to scholarly research and policy discourse. She holds professional registrations and has completed accredited short courses in assessment and facilitation, further demonstrating her dedication to academic excellence and capacity-building. Her work continues to advance the fields of education, leadership, and public policy.
Email Address: bshiviti@uj.ac.za
Dr. Anthonia Folasade Ibitoye
Dr. Anthonia Folasade Ibitoye is a distinguished early career researcher and a feminist who is interested in the emancipation of women’s rights to foster social and economic development. She is currently the Head of Economic Inequality and Disparity Unit at the Centre for the Study of Race, Gender, and Class of the University of Johannesburg. With a PhD in Applied Languages, she has amassed an impressive academic portfolio, including master, and bachelor’s degrees in English, as well as postgraduate diplomas in Education and Advertising, and Public Relations. A seasoned lecturer with 10 years of teaching experience, Dr. Ibitoye is also a dedicated member of various professional organizations, including the Red Cross Society and the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, the International Association of Language Educators (IALE), English Scholars Association of Nigeria (ESAN), and Nigerian Institute of Management.
Email Address: aibitoye@uj.ac.za
Dr. Ibrahim Steven Ekyamba
Dr. Ibrahim Steven Ekyamba is the Head of the Politics and Racialized Identity Formation Unit at the Centre for Study of Race, Gender, and Class at the University of Johannesburg. He serves as a visiting lecturer at the University of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He is also a Research Associate at the African Centre for the Study of the United States at the University of Pretoria (ACSUS-UP). Dr. Ekyamba’s research interests are deeply rooted in the areas of conflict, peace, and security studies, migration, democracy, elections, and governance. His expertise extends to Africa’s multilateral relations, where he offers significant insights into the political and security dynamics across Western, Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa. Furthermore, Dr. Ekyamba’s regional expertise encompasses the United States, China, and Eastern Europe, positioning him as a scholar with a broad and impactful understanding of global political landscapes. His work not only contributes to the academic community but also provides valuable perspectives on pressing geopolitical issues, particularly in regions that are pivotal to global security and international relations.
Email Address: ibrahime@uj.ac.za
Research Associates
Dr. Olayinka Ajala
Dr. Olayinka Ajala is an Associate Professor in Politics and International Relations at Leeds Beckett University, UK. With a deep passion for understanding the critical issues like terrorism, counter-terrorism strategies, resource conflict, and the intersection of climate change with security, Dr. Ajala has built an impressive career that bridges academic research, practical consultation, and media analysis. He has a Masters degree in Globalisation and Development from the Institute of Development Studies at the University of Sussex and a Ph.D. in Politics from the University of York. Beyond his research, Dr. Ajala is a regular media analyst for prominent international outlets like the BBC and CNN, where he provides insights into African political and security issues. Additionally, he has consulted for organizations like the UK Ministry of Defence, the European Asylum Support Office, and currently the African Union, offering his expertise to help shape policy and responses to security challenges. With a deep commitment to both academic rigor and real-world application, Dr. Ajala continues to influence both scholarly discourse and practical policymaking in Africa’s political landscape. His work not only sheds light on the complexities of African security but also offers solutions for fostering peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region.
Professor Karen Carpenter
Professor Karen Carpenter is Professor of Gender, Sexuality & Psychology. She is a Psychologist and Florida Board Certified Clinical Sexologist. Professor Carpenter is currently the Coordinator of the Sexual Harassment Complaints Unit (SHCU) at the UWI Mona, and has been the Director of the Caribbean Sexuality Research Group (CSRG) free, public clinic for over 15 years. She is the Editor of Interweaving Tapestries of Sexuality & Culture Volume 1 & the upcoming Volume 2; author of Love & Sex: The Basics, Questioning Caribbean Jewish Identity, and co-author of Language, Race & the Global Jamaican. Her research interests include gender & human sexuality; psycholinguistics; phenomenology.
Dr. Tolulope Adeogun
Dr. Tolulope Adeogun is a Senior Lecturer in International Relations at Precious Cornerstone University, Nigeria, and Research Associate at Research Centre for the Study of Race, Gender and Class, University of Johannesburg, South Africa. With over 15 years of experience, her expertise spans Politics, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Women’s Empowerment, and Strategic Studies. She holds a PhD in Political Science from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and a Master’s and Bachelor’s in Political Science from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. Dr. Adeogun has been awarded multiple research grants and has contributed significantly to academia through publications and conference presentations. Her teaching portfolio includes courses on Political Thought, Terrorism, Insurgency, and more. Additionally, she has supervised numerous postgraduate and undergraduate students and an external examiner for several institutions. Dr. Adeogun research focuses on gender issues on peace-building and the socio-political challenges in Africa.
Email: adeoguntolulope14@gmail.com
Student Interns
Lebohang Makape
Lebohang Makape is a Public Relations graduate from the University of Johannesburg, currently pursuing an Advanced Diploma in Strategic Communications. My academic and professional interests lie at the intersection of media, identity, and social justice. I serve as a tutor at the Centre for the Study of Race, Gender and Class, where I contribute to fostering critical engagement on issues of power, representation, and equity in contemporary society. With a strong foundation in communication strategy and public engagement, I am passionate about using storytelling and dialogue to shape inclusive narratives and drive meaningful change.
Sphephelo Sithole
Sphephelo Sithole is a budding communications professional with a qualification in Public Relations and Communication obtained in April 2025. Currently pursuing an Advanced Diploma in Strategic Communication, Sphephelo brings fresh insights and enthusiasm to the field. With a strong foundation in PR and communication, Sphephelo is poised to leverage their skills and knowledge to drive effective communication strategies and build strong relationships.
Joseph Kazembe
Joseph Kazembe, a passionate nutrition activist, digital health advocate, and emerging leader in public health and policy. Currently pursuing an Honors degree in Political Science and International Relations at the University of Johannesburg, I am deeply committed to advancing food justice, health equity, and youth empowerment across South Africa and beyond. He serves as Vice President of UNICEF UJ, a student led initiative pioneering grassroots projects in nutrition, literacy, career development, mental health, and climate action. Additionally, he contributed as a Volunteer Manager for the Pan Africa Debate Schools Championships (PASDC/JOZISHO) under Coach Itu Academy (CIA), fostering critical thinking and youth engagement. As a UNICEF South Africa Nutrition Activist under the Fix My Food Global campaign, he fights for a fairer, healthier food system, addressing structural inequalities that perpetuate malnutrition and diet related diseases. His advocacy has earned me a feature on HEALA South Africa’s “Chew On This: Food Politics in South Africa” a televised talk show dissecting critical food policy challenges in the country.