Sol Plaatje University (SPU) is proud to welcome Professor Dipane Hlalele, a leading scholar in education and community engagement, who joins the institution as a full professor of education from 1 June 2025.
A highly respected academic and C2 NRF-rated researcher, Professor Hlalele has made notable contributions to rural and inclusive education. Ranked among the Top 100 Education Scientists in South Africa and Africa by the AD Scientific Index (2022–2024), he brings a wealth of experience, scholarly leadership and global insight to SPU at a time when the university is deepening its research and postgraduate footprint.
His academic career includes significant roles at the University of the Free State, University of KwaZulu Natal, and internationally as a guest researcher at the Nordic Africa Institute and visiting professor at the University of Canberra. He has also advised the Mauritian Government on inclusive education strategies.
Professor Hlalele’s research focus aligns closely with SPU’s strategic objective to advance context-specific research that contributes meaningfully to the region and beyond, particularly in rural education, inclusive learning ecosystems and community-engaged scholarship. His work embodies the spirit of SPU’s vision – to pursue knowledge that advances social justice and deepens democratic engagement.
Professor Hlalele’s research contributions – ranging from sustainable learning ecologies to adaptive leadership in community engagement – resonate with the university’s priorities in education, ethics and transformation. His participation in multimillion-rand NRF-funded projects, along with a proven track record in postgraduate supervision (38 PhDs and 27 Masters completed), brings valuable capacity to SPU’s goal of expanding postgraduate development and research output.
His editorial roles, published works, and leadership positions – such as Chair of the Human and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee at UKZN, and former President of the Education Association of South Africa – reflect his commitment to ethical, collaborative and impactful scholarship.
“My career has been rooted in the belief that education should be transformative, inclusive and responsive to community needs. I’m excited to join SPU at a time when it is boldly investing in research, people and place.” – Prof Dipane Hlalele
This appointment marks a significant milestone for SPU’s Faculty of Education, as it continues to grow its profile in advancing inclusive, rural and community-based educational research, in line with the institution’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan.
