OUR TEAM
SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
Acting Head of School
Professor Amasa P. Ndofirepi
Qualifications: Professor Amasa Philip Ndofirepi obtained a PhD in Philosophy of Education from the School of Education, University of the Witwatersrand.
He has extensive experience in teacher education and previously worked at various higher education institutions including, University of Zimbabwe, Great Zimbabwe University, University of the Witwatersrand and University of Johannesburg and served as a Senior Researcher for Mzala Nxumalo Centre for the Study of South Africa.
More He is an NRF C-rated researcher and between 2017 and 2021 he has co-edited 6 book volumes revolving around social justice and epistemologies in African higher education. Professor Amasa has also published several peer-reviewed articles in accredited international journals. He is also currently a Research Associate at the University of Johannesburg. Less
HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS
Dr Glynnis Daries
Department of Education Studies Bio Dr Daries holds a DE from Perseverance College, as well as a MEd (Inclusive Education), and a PhD (ECD), both from the University of the Free State. Her responsibilities include teaching, research and involvement in research projects related to Inclusive Education and the European Funded project on Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) in the Northern Cape. This is in collaboration with various South African universities, VVOB and the Flemish Government. She is the secretary of the South African Research Association for Early Childhood Education (SARAECE). Less
Mr Alan Felix
Department of Human Sciences
Bio Mr Felix holds a HED from Boland, a BEd from Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), a BA (Hons) from the University of South Africa, and a MEd, also from CPUT. He is currently conducting research for a PhD. Less
Dr Thomas Masvosve
Department of Natural Science Teaching
Bio Dr Thomas Masvosve holds PhD from the UFS, a Master’s of Technology (Electrical Engineering) from the University of South Africa, a BEng (Hons) (Mechatronics Engineering) from Chinhoyi University of Technology, a MBA from Zimbabwe Open University, and a DipEd (TechVoc) from Gweru Technical College. Dr Masvosve has worked as a Lecturer and Head of Department in the Automotive Engineering Department at Chinhoyi Technical Teachers’ College, and Programme Coordinator at Chinhoyi University of Technology’s Mechatronics Engineering Department. His PhD studies focused on on Opportunities to Learn (OTL), created for electrical engineering students at TVET colleges. His research mainly focuses on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) for Technology and Engineering Education. Less
ACADEMIC STAFF
Ms Lesang Marumo
Lecturer: Setswana
Ms Marumo holds a PTC from Taung Training College, a BA and PGCE from the University of Bophuthatswana, a BEd (Hons) (Leadership and Management) and a PGDE (Learner Support) from the University of the Free State, as well as an MEd (Psychology of Education) from North-West University.
More She currently lectures Setswana and Setswana Conversational Language at SPU. Less
Ms Bonny Mookapilo
Lecturer: Setswana
Ms Mookapilo holds a BA from the University of South Africa, a BEd (Hons) from North-West University, and a PGDE from the University of the Western Cape.
More She currently lectures Setswana and Setswana Conversational Language at SPU. Less
Ms Odette du Plessis
Junior lecturer: Natural Science Teaching
Ms Du Plessis holds a BEd (Hons) in Curriculum studies from the University of the Free State.
She currently lectures Natural Science Teaching at SPU.
Mr Elrico Kock
Junior Lecture: School of Education
Mr Kock holds a BEd (Hons) from the University of South Africa, and a BEd (Mechanical Technology) from North-West University.
More He is currently busy with research/studies on The Pedagogical impact of ICT in teaching and learning at Northern Cape schools (MEd) He specializes in Technology Education and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education. Less
Mr Paballo Mokeke
Lab technician for Technology
Mr Mokeke holds a National Diploma in Electrical Engineering.
Mr Mokeke carries out technical duties in the laboratory and also demonstrates to learners how to go about conducting practical work by making use of the lab and its contents.
Dr Lukhanyo Elvis Makhenyane
Lecturer: IsiXhosa and IsiXhosa Teaching
Dr Lukhanyo Makhenyane holds a PhD from the University of Fort Hare, a Master’s degree in African Languages, an honours degree in African Languages, and a Bachelor of Education degree, majoring in isiXhosa and English.
More His research focus in African Languages is on African poetry and he is currently working towards finishing his PhD studies in which he is conducting a comparative study of two South African poets, Mzwakhe Mbuli and Zolani Mkiva. Less
Dr Edwin Darrell de Klerk
Senior Lecturer: Philosophy in Education
Dr De Klerk holds the following qualifications: (a) PhD (Education Policy Studies) – Stellenbosch University; (b) MEd (Policy Studies and Governance in Education) – University of the Free State; (c) B.Ed.(Hons): Education Management and Leadership – University of the Free State; (d) Further Diploma in Education Management – University of Pretoria; (e) DEIII(SP): Upington College of Education.
Dr Tracey Herman
Lecturer: Psychology in Education
Dr Herman holds a PhD, HDE and a MEd (Psychology in Education), all from the University of the Free State
More She has been working at SPU for the past two years, lecturing Pedagogics and Education to second year students, and the Teaching of Life Skills to 3rd and 4th year students. Less
Dr Emma Barnett
Lecturer: Education
Dr Barnett holds a PhD (Comparative Studies) from the University of the Western Cape, a MEd (Policy Studies and Governance in Education) from the University of the Free State, a BEd (Hons) from North-West University, and a BA Ed (Human Ecology) from the University of the Western Cape.
More She specialises in Comparative and Policy studies with a focus on policy implementation. Her research also focuses on Initial Training of Educators. Less
Dr Jabulani Sibanda
Senior Lecturer: English Teaching
Dr Sibanda holds a BEd (Curriculum and Arts – English) from the University of Zimbabwe, and a PhD (English Language Education) from Rhodes University.
More He Currently teaches English Teaching and English Assessment modules to the SPU 3rd and 4th year BEd students, respectively. His research interests lie in the field of English language education in all its multi-facetedness. Less
Ms Tiani Wepener
Lecturer: Geography Education
Ms Wepener holds a BSc, an MA (Geography & Environmental Sciences), and a PGCE, all from Stellenbosch University.
More At SPU, she teaches the Teaching of Social Science, and the Teaching of Geography at Intermediate Phase, Senior Phase, and FET levels. She is currently busy with a PhD in Geography, with the focus on how secondary-level schoolchildren use their everyday environments and experiences to understand Geography as a school subject. Less
Dr Patricia Lulama Ndamani
Lecturer: Business Studies Teaching and Economics Teaching
Dr Patricia Lulama Ndamani holds a DEd Degree (Her research at doctoral level focused on Perceptions of School Principals on their Leadership Efficacy in the performance of their duties).
More She also holds a MTech Degree in Education (Her research at Master’s level focused on the Factors contributing to lack of discipline in Secondary Schools and possible solutions). She obtained both her Master’s and DEd Degrees from the Central University of Technology. At SPU, she is currently training students in Business Studies Teaching, Economics Teaching and Instructional Leadership, and Classroom Management in the Education Context. Less
Dr Richard Lepheti Moloele
Lecturer: Setswana Teaching
Mr Moloele holds a UDE (Secondary), a BA, a BA (Hons), a FDE (Educational Management), a PGDE, an MA in African Languages, an MA in Development and Management, and a MBA (HR).
More He joined Sol Plaatje University in April 2018. He is the author of several Setswana books and has won a number of book prizes. His research interests include language, Educational Management, Literature, and Public Management and Administration. Less
Ms Chanel Boraine
Intern: Academic Administration Office
Chanel is currently working as an Intern, gaining experience in administration. In her first few months she worked with students in Teaching Practice and is currently gaining a different type of experience in Academic Administration. She enjoys working in administration and being around the students.
Ms Judith Cikizwa Humana-Chu
Lecturer: isiXhosa Teaching
Ms Humana-Chu holds a BA and PGCE from the University of the Western Cape, as well as a BA (Hons) and an MA in African Languages from Stellenbosch University.
More She is currently lecturing Conversational Xhosa to 3rd and 4th years, and is involved in Micro Teaching and Teaching Practice. Her research interests include Second Language Acquisition, IsiXhosa narratives and structure, argumentative patterns in isiXhosa political debates, and intercultural communication. Less
Ms Heidi Hanekom
Junior Lecturer: Education
Ms Hanekom holds a MEd (Curriculum Studies) from the University of the Free State. Her study focused on Physical Sciences Learning Environments in the Northern Cape Province and investigated to what extent learners are granted the opportunity to develop their metacognitive awareness in these learning environments.
More She specialises in Natural Sciences Education and her research interests include inquiry based learning, metacognition and learning environments for Natural Sciences. She plans to pursue a PhD in the same field. Less
Mr Habasisa Molise
Lecturer: Commerce Education
Mr Molise holds the degrees BCom, MEd (Curriculum Studies), and a PGCE from the University of the Free State. His role at SPU is to teach undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Accounting and EMS Teaching. He furthermore participates in the work integrated learning programme of the School of Education, that is, Teaching Practice.
More He contributes to curriculum development in the field of Accounting and EMS Teaching, and supervises and provides consultation sessions for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Less
Mrs Natalie Smith
Teaching Practice Administrator
Mrs Smith started working at Sol Plaatje University on 1 August 2016 as a Teaching Practice Administrator.
She is a part-time student at the University of the Free State, where she is enrolled for an MEd focusing on the influence of formative assessment on Grade 9 Afrikaans Home Language learners’ language proficiency.
Ms Vuyo Makubalo
Lecturer: English Language Teaching
Ms Makubalo holds a Master’s Degree in English Language Teaching (UK), a BEd (Hons) and Advanced Certificate in Education (English Teaching) from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, an HDE from Rhodes University, and a BA from the University of Fort Hare.
Miss Makubalo joined SPU in 2018.
Dr Emma Groenewald
Lecturer: School of Education
Dr Groenewald holds a PHD in Philosophy of Education from the University of the Free State focusing on Narrative Identity Construction of students. She currently lectures undergraduate students.
Dr Kevin Teise
Senior Lecturer: Education Studies
Dr Teise holds a PhD in Education Policy Studies from the University of the Free State. The focus of his thesis was on Education for Sustainable Development in South Africa.
More He currently teaches undergraduate students at SPU and is also involved in the supervision of Master’s and PhD students. Currently his research interest is on Social Justice, Restorative Discipline and Culturally Responsive Education. He specialises in the analysis of education policy and looks specifically at the responsiveness of these policies to Social Justice imperatives. Less
Ms Sulette Bruwer
Lecturer: Afrikaans
Ms Bruwer holds a BA (Communication), a BA (Hons) (Afrikaans and Dutch) (Cum Laude), and an MA (Afrikaans and Dutch) (Cum Laude), all from the University of the Free State, as well as a HED from Rijksuniversiteit Groningen.
More Current and future research will be on the pedagogy of literary text analysis and the curriculum of Afrikaans literature (inclusivity, citizenship, reading motivation). Less
Ms Anita John Philip
Lecturer: School of Education, Physical Sciences & Natural Sciences Teaching
Ms Philip holds a Master’s Degree in Analytical Chemistry from Mahatma Gandhi University, India.
More She joined SPU in 2017. She has dedicated herself to the training of future science educators for the country and also to developing a career as an academic. As part of community citizenship, she is also involved in the SASOL INZALO Project, conducting practical experiments in schools. She has registered for a PhD in Natural Sciences education with the University of the Free State. She is involved in research that helps the advancement of chemistry education in the country and her research focus is on the application of simulations in stoichiometric chemistry. Less
Dr Lucy Sibanda
Lecturer: English Teaching
Dr Sibanda holds a PhD (Education), and a Master’s in English Language Teaching, both from Rhodes University.
More Her research focuses mainly on matters related to English Teaching and her work has been published in several leading journals. Less
Dr Bommie du Plessis
Lecturer: Education Studies
Dr du Plessis holds a PhD (Educational Psychology: Critical Thinking), a MEd (Educational Psychology: The gifted Learner), and a BEd (Hons), all from the University of the Free State. She also obtained a BA degree and BCom status from the University of South Africa.
More She has extensive experience in the teaching of Education modules and Research Methodology. Her fields of specialisation are Inclusive Education, and Leadership and Management studies. Less
Ms Laura Arnold
Lecturer: nGAP
Ms Laura Arnold holds a MSc in Human Resource Management from the University of Leicester, and a MEd in Higher Education from the University of Johannesburg. She is currently studying towards a PhD in Education.
More In 2017, she was appointed as a lecturer on an nGAP post at SPU, where she is involved with the Lifelong Learning for Teachers, and Teaching Practice modules. Her main research interests are academic literacies and teacher professional identity development, and her published work appears on her Research Gate. Less
Dr Maseeeng Papashane
Lecturer: English Education
Dr Papashane holds an MA (English Language Studies) from the University of the Free State.
More She has experience in lecturing English Education, Academic Language Development, Curriculum Studies, and Assessment at the BEd and BEd Hons levels. She has also supervised a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and co-supervised a PhD. Her current work involves lecturing in English Education, and she is a member of the Research Committee. Her research interests include academic literacy studies amongst Education students. Less
Dr Wiets Botes
Lecturer: Teaching of Natural Science and Technology, and Education Studies
Dr Botes holds a PhD and a Master’s degree in Higher Education studies, a BEd (Hons) in General Curriculum Studies, and a BEd in the Further Education and Training Phase, all obtained from the University of the Free State.
More His research focuses on Natural Science and Life Science Teaching, rural education, as well as academic support for student teachers. Less
Ms Theressa Zengeya
Junior Lecturer: Technology
Ms Zengeya holds a Diploma in Clothing and Textiles Technology from Masvingo Technical College, a Diploma in Technical and Vocational Education from the University of Zimbabwe, a Bachelor of Technology in Education Management from Tshwane University of Technology, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management from the National University of Lesotho.
More She currently teaches Technology and Teaching of Technology and is also involved in Teaching Practice. Her research interest is in technical and vocational education, as well as talent management in universities. Less
Ms Annatjie Beattie
Teaching Practice Administrative Co-ordinator
Ms Beattie co-ordinates the 3rd and 4th year BEd students’ school visits.
More Furthermore, she is responsible for the following: Less
Ms Simone Neethling
Lecturer: Natural Sciences Teaching
Ms Neethling holds a MSc in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology (Cum laude) and Post Graduate Certificate in Education (Cum laude). Both qualifications were attained at the University of the Western Cape.
More She is currently pursuing her PhD in Life Sciences Education, which will focus on addressing practical process skills for Life Science teaching in a pre-service teacher program. Less
Dr Anthony Mpisi
Senior Academic Coordinator
Dr Mpisi holds an HDE (Geography and Botany) from the Perseverance College of Education, a BA (Geography and Psychology), a BEd (Cum Laude), a MEd (Psychology of Education), and a PhD (Psychology of Education) from the University of the Free State.
More Besides coordinating Teaching Practice and lecturing Education, Dr Mpisi has also developed and lectured modules in the Teaching of Geography and Social Science at SPU. He lectured Psychology, as well as Leadership and Management, in both ACE and honours programmes, and has been involved in several contract research projects at the National Institute for Higher Education. His research specialisation is in Diversity Education studies and Teaching Practice. Less
Mr Gert Hanekom
Lecturer: Afrikaans Teaching
Mr Hanekom holds a BA (Language Studies), an MA (Language Practice), and a PGCE, all from the University of the Free State.
More His research interests include Academic Literacy amongst Afrikaans Education students in the HE sector. Less
Mr Koena Samuel Mabotja
Lecturer: Mathematics Education
Mr Koena Mabotja holds a Master of Education in Mathematics degree from the University of Limpopo. He currently teaches undergraduate students.
Dr Arasomwan Avosuahi Deborah
Lecturer: Education Studies
Dr Deborah holds a PhD in Curriculum Studies (Foundation Phase) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She currently teaches undergraduate and BEd honours degree students.
Mrs Elamo B. Chibaya
Contract Mathematics Lecturer in the Department of Natural Science Teaching
Mrs Chibaya holds a Licentiate degree (Mathematics and Computer Science) from Enrique Jose Varona in Cuba, BSC honours, and an MSc in Mathematical Statistics from Rhodes University.
More She is currently completing her Ph.D. studies which focus on the use of mobile technologies in mathematics teaching and learning. Less
Dr Raymond Nkwenti Fru
Senior Lecturer: History and Social Science Education
Dr Fru holds a PhD, MEd, and BEd. honours degrees in History Education from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. He also obtained a Secondary School Teaching Diploma from the University of Yaoundé 1.
Mr Luchmen Poonawassy
Lecturer: Natural Science and Technology
Mr Poonawassy holds a B.Sc from the University of the Western Cape, an HDE postgraduate from UNISA and a B.Ed honours degree from the University of the Free State.
Mr Menias Mashaba
Junior Lecturer: Education Studies
Mr Mashaba holds an honours degree in Curriculum Studies from the University of Johannesburg. He is currently studying towards a Master’s degree in Education (Curriculum Studies) with the same university.
Dr Medson Mapuya
Lecturer: Accounting Teaching: Human Sciences
Dr Mapuya holds a PhD in Accounting Education and Educational Psychology, a Master of Education degree in Education, an honours degree in Educational Management and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education all obtained from Central University of Technology.
More He further holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Accounting and Business Management from Vista University. Less
Mr Mogalatjane Edward Matabane
Lecturer: Mathematics Education
Mr Mogalatjane holds an Master of Science degree in Mathematics from the University of Limpopo and a Postgraduate diploma in Higher Education from Rhodes University.
More He currently teaches undergraduate students and is involved in the supervision of honours and masters students. Less
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