26th ANNUAL CONFERENCE
20-23 AUGUST 2024

NAVIGATING INTERNATIONALISATION IN CHALLENGING TIMES

SPEAKER BIOS

Keshia Abraham

Keshia Abraham, PhD, founder and president of The Abraham Consulting Agency, is a Black feminist J.E.D.I (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) educator committed to facilitating personal and organizational development and intercultural growth.

Paul Banahene Adjei

Dr. Paul Banahene Adjei is an Associate Professor and the Interim Associate Vice-President (Indigenous Research) at Memorial University of Newfoundland. He was previously the Dean of the School of Social Work, Memorial University. Paul received his undergraduate degree in Social Work from the University of Ghana, and his Master and PhD degrees from the University of Toronto specializing in Social Justice Education.

Emem Anwana

Professor Emem Anwana is a legal practitioner by profession. She is an associate professor at the Applied Law departments of the Durban University of Technology. Her area of expertise is in business law, commercial law, corporate governance, social justice, entrepreneurship and women/gender issues.

George Barrett

George Barrett is the Country Director of the British Council in South Africa, leading the UK’s cultural relations team in country since December 2022. With a proven track record in international development and education, George brings a unique blend of expertise to her role.

Esther Benjamin

Esther Benjamin

Esther T. Benjamin is CEO and Executive Director of World Education Services (WES). For 50 years, WES has set the standard for the evaluation of international academic qualifications, supporting millions of people as they seek to achieve their academic and professional goals.

Maud Blose

Dr Maud Blose is currently a Teaching Advancements at a University (TAU) Fellow. She holds a PhD in Media and Cultural Studies from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She’s also a Fulbright Scholar with a MSc in Broadcast Journalism from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, Chicago, U.S.A. She has over a decade experience as a lecturer at higher education sector.

Atlehang Bokaba

Atlehang Bokaba is a Research Assistant in the Research portfolio and in the Director’s office of the Office for International Affairs at the University of the Free State, South Africa. She is also a Research Assistant for the Female Voices on COIL project.

Dingaan Booi

Mr. Dingaan Booi is a dynamic Higher Education Internationalisation Practitioner, poised to facilitate transformative discourse. With experience and a commitment to fostering global connections, Mr. Booi serves as the International Relations Officer in the Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships Directorate at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).

Huba Boshoff

Huba Boshoff has built a career in the higher education sector. In the past two decades she has worked in the field of student development, programme development and accreditation, quality assurance and internationalisation. Huba’s previous professional roles include being the Manager of the Center for Partnerships and Internationalisation at Stellenbosch University where her portfolio included partnership management, strategy development and information management. She has also worked intensively on student development establishing the Unit for Multiculturalism (also at Stellenbosch University), reviewing student leadership structures and support mechanisms and crafting interventions that engage students both inside and outside the classroom.

Clarissia Bourdeau

Clarissia Bourdeau is a Program Associate with the Membership and University Relations team at Scholar at Risk (SAR). SAR is an international network of institutions and individuals whose mission is to protect scholars and promote academic freedom. The SAR Network is composed of over 600 universities from 42 countries working collaboratively to promote academic freedom and arrange temporary academic placements for scholars.

Ronelle Carolissen

Ronelle Carolissen is a clinical psychologist and full professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychology at Stellenbosch University. She is a South African National Research Foundation (NRF) rated researcher.

Samia Chasi

Dr Samia Chasi is a practitioner, scholar and facilitator in higher education internationalisation with 25 years of experience in this field. She is currently the Manager: Strategic Initiatives, Partnership Development and Research at the International Education Association of South Africa.

Damaris Clark

Damaris works as a consultant for the data analytics team at Studyportals, supporting partners within the EMEA region with all things data related. Prior to this, she worked in the student accommodation and pathway sectors. She holds a Masters degree in research and innovation in higher education, specializing in continuous improvement in student engagement.

Thabo Dikgale

Mr Thabo Dikgale joined the University of Venda (UNIVEN) as the Partnership Officer in the International Relations and Partnership Directorate in November 2021. Before joining UNIVEN, Mr Dikgale was a Professional Officer at the National Research Foundation (NRF) where he was responsible for coordinating and managing the Future Earth Regional Office for Southern Africa (FEROSA) Secretariat activities as well as managing the Africa Bi-Multi lateral programmes and research calls.

Valile M Dwayi

Dr Valile M Dwayi (MCom, PhD)
Director, International Higher Education, Walter Sisulu University, South Africa.

His research interests, wherein he has 21 accredited publications to date, include transformation project in university education, focusing on quality, impact and transformative leadership.

Emma Elliott

International Officer at the Unit for International Mobility, Division for Internationalisation, Uppsala University, Sweden. I am responsible for coordinating and administrating the KA171 Erasmus+ ICM (International Credit Mobility) programme at Uppsala University. I also handle grants for outgoing Uppsala University staff within the KA131 Erasmus+ programme (staff training and teacher exchanges within Europe).

Ivor Emmanuel

Ivor Emmanuel serves as the Director of the Berkeley International Office.   Prior to that he held a similar position at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign where he also earned his PhD in Higher Education Administration.  He has held various leadership roles with NAFSA Association of International Educators including serving as Vice President for Professional Development and as a member of the Board Of Directors. 

Elizabeth Agbor Eta

Dr. Elizabeth Agbor Eta is a postdoctoral researcher affiliated with the Global Innovation Network for Teaching and Learning (GINTL) at the University of Helsinki (www.gintl.org).

Nonnie Falala

Nonnie Falala currently serves as the Manager: Student Support & Operations at the University of Cape Town’s International Office, where she leads operations, builds strategic relationships, and ensures successful international student support initiatives. She collaborates with stakeholders and participates in committees that deliberate on matters impacting students, in addition to managing the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Stream.

Jody Felton

Jody joined the team at IES Abroad Cape Town in 2016, after spending 6 years at the University of Cape Town’s International Office. During this time he has spent a significant amount of time engaging with students through his various portfolios. His experiences within International Higher Education include scholarship management with experience in EU-funded programmes, housing management, health and safety managements and extensive engagement with onsite international students.

Anaïs Georges

Anaïs Georges is a doctoral researcher at the University of Helsinki. She holds a Master’s degree in Education and Globalisation from the University of Oulu. During her master’s studies, she contributed to a joint initiative of the Finnish University Partnership for International Development and the Global Innovation Network for Teaching and Learning in collaboration with higher education stakeholders from nine African countries aiming at strengthening responsible North-South academic collaboration in the education sector.

Makeba T. Green

Makeba T. Green is a professor and chair of the department of Social Work at, Bowie State University and proud alumnus.  Dr. Green received her PhD from the School of Social Work at Clark Atlanta University, (Atlanta, GA), Master’s of Social Work (MSW) from Howard University (Washington, DC) and a Bachelor’s of Social Work (BSW) from Bowie State University (Bowie, MD).

Ashley Brown

Ashleigh Brown is the Programme Coordinator at IES Abroad Cape Town . She holds a Bachelor of Technology in Public Relations from Nelson Mandela University, and has also obtained her TEFL certification.

Ashleigh Brown Grier

Ashleigh Brown-Grier, Ph.D. is a recent alumni of Howard University and 2023 Fulbright U.S. Student Researcher at the University of KwaZulu-Natal School of Education. Her Fulbright research examined the longstanding inequities at HBUs (Historically Black Universities) caused by Apartheid and their exacerbation during the COVID19 pandemic.

Ylva Rodny-Gumede

Professor Ylva Rodny-Gumede is the Head of the Division for Global Engagement and a Professor in the School of Communication at the University of Johannesburg. She holds a PhD from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), London University as well as an MA degree in Politics from the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa and an MA in Journalism from Cardiff University in the U.K.

Gyles Hawkins

Gyles Hawkins joined Studyportals two years ago as a student recruitment consultant, and now leads the team that work with universities throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Claudine Hingston

Dr Claudine Anita Hingston is an academic, researcher, gender expert and an advocate for women’s empowerment and rights. She has over twenty years working experience in various institutions in Sierra Leone, United Kingdom, and South Africa.

Jill Humphries

Dr. Jill M. Humphries is an assistant professor and part-time instructor for the University of Toledo’s Africana Studies Program, recognized for her accomplishments as a two-time Fulbright Scholar to South Africa and an Ambassador Distinguished Scholar for Ethiopia.

Helin Bäckman Kartal

Helin Bäckman Kartal is a project coordinator at the Division for Global Partnerships at Uppsala University, Sweden. She is the coordinator for the South Africa – Sweden University Forum (SASUF), a transformative project that fosters collaboration among 40 universities from Sweden and South Africa.

Taurai Hungwe

Taurai Hungwe received a PhD degree in science from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), Pretoria, South Africa. Has also received a certificate in education (Science) and Bachelor of Science honours in Computer Science with Education from University of Zimbabwe, Master of Education (ICT) from University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg and a Masters in Information Technology (ICT Management) from University of Pretoria, South Africa and a number of certifications and badges.

Vimbai Mbirimi-Hungwe

Vimbai Mbirimi-Hungwe is a sociolinguist who holds a PhD from the University of Limpopo.  Dr Mbirimi-Hungwe works as a senior lecturer at Sefako Makgatho University of Health Sciences. She has worked in various institutions such as the University of Pretoria, University of the Witwatersrand, University of Zululand as well as the University of Limpopo as a lecturer.

Thebe Ikalafeng

Thebe Ikalafeng is a Hall of Fame global African authority in branding and THE leading advocate for a brand-led African renaissance.
He is the founder of the seminal ‘Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands’ initiative widely referenced as the definitive barometer of African brands.

Wiseman Jack

Wiseman Jack

Wiseman Jack currently serves as an Independent Consultant in the internationalisation of Higher Education. He also serves as a Specialist in External Engagement and Outreach, Directorate of International Education and Partnership at Durban University of Technology (DUT). Prior to current assignments he was served as an Executive Director for International Relations and Advancement at Vaal University of Technology from 2011 to 2021.

Ghaleeb Jeppie

Ghaleeb Jeppie is the Minister Counsellor at the South African Embassy in Tokyo, Japan. He is responsible for the Science, Innovation and Education portfolio. Before joining the Department of Science and Innovation, he was the Chief Director for International Relations in the Department of Higher Education and Training.

Divinia Jithoo

Ms Divinia Jithoo is a Specialist in International Education at the International Education and Partnerships Office at the Durban University of Technology. She has gained extensive experience in higher education internationalisation.

Thembani Nosipho Hoho

Thembani Nosipho Hoho is a Research Assistant in the Office for International Affairs. She forms part of the Scholarships, Marketing and Web Content portfolio within the Office for International Affairs.

Derrik Karst

Derrik Karst is Senior Vice President of Partnerships at Studyportals, an online platform empowering over 55 million international students each year. He advises universities on strategies and insights to grow, diversify, and enrich international student recruitment.

Nolusindiso Kayi

Nolusindiso Kayi is the Senior Manager: Strategic Research Projects at SAQA. She joined SAQA from Universities South Africa (USAf) where she was Senior Manager Student Success. Prior to that, she was the Director: University Research Support and Policy Development at the Department (Ministry) of Higher Education and Training (South Africa).

Malose Lebelo

Ms Malose Lebelo is the Practitioner for International Student Welfare and Integration in the Office of International Affairs at the University of Limpopo (UL), South Africa.

Lebogang Mercy Kekana

Lebogang Mercy Kekana, currently pursuing a Master of Education degree at the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, has submitted her final dissertation for evaluation. The focus of her study is on exploring “The Leadership Experiences of Female Principals in Working Alongside Their School Governing Bodies in Waterberg District, Limpopo Province.”

Anisa Khan

Anisa Khan is the Director of Academic Services within the Division for Internationalisation at the University of Johannesburg. In this role, she supports international partnership development and the University’s global engagement strategy by supporting faculty across a wide range of internationalization activities, including special projects, Erasmus Staff Mobility, establishing multi-partner research and knowledge partnerships, and collaborative teaching and learning programmes.

Sonja Knutson

Dr Sonja Knutson is a scholar and practitioner of internationalization of higher education at Memorial University. She is an adjunct professor in the Faculty of Education and Director of the Internationalization Office. She enjoys teaching and mentoring international educators in the field.

Halima Khunoethe

Professor Halima Khunoethe is a distinguished academic and seasoned government official, with over two decades of experience spanning various tiers of government. Holding a Ph.D. in Public Administration from the University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN), she has garnered expertise in education, particularly in understanding advancements in education from diverse countries. This year, she assumed the role of Vice Chancellor at the European Digital University, with a specific responsibility for South Africa.

Vusi Makamu

Vusi Moses Makamu works within the International Affairs office of the University of Limpopo as an international affairs Practitioner responsible for coordinating international partnerships, collaborations, international projects and scholarships of the University of Limpopo. He served in this position since 2017.

Jabu Ordnance Makhubela

Mr Jabu Makhubela is currently working as a Manager at the University of Fort Hare in the Office of International Affairs and Partnerships where he is managing the International Student Services Unit. He holds a master’s degree in public administration and management from the University of Limpopo and he is currently enrolled for a PhD in Public Affairs at the Tshwane University of Technology. He started his career as an International Affairs Practitioner at the University of Limpopo in the International Office from 01st January 2015 until 31st October 2021.

Lebethe D. Malefo

Lebethe Malefo joined the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in 2012 in the capacity of Director: Study Abroad and International Student Services. He joined UJ from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (Wits), where he had been Acting Head, Deputy Head and Manager of International Partnerships and Collaborations in the Wits International Office (WIO). He has also been Coordinator of Mobility Programmes and Administrator in the Africa Office of the International Academic Programmes Office (IAPO) at the University of Cape Town (UCT).

Nelisiwe Maleka

Nelisiwe is an interdisciplinary researcher in Public Health and specialises as a monitoring and evaluation practitioner.  She is currently a Manager of Research Uptake at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). In addition, she provides support to full-time international students

Thami Mahlobo

Thami Mahlobo is a 3rd Batch ABE Initiative alumnus, from Hiroshima University, Japan, with a master’s degree in International Cooperation Studies, he graduated from the Graduate School of International Development and Cooperation in 2019.

Felix Maringe

Felix Maringe is a Professor of Higher Education, current DVC for Instituional Development, Research and innovation at University of Kigali, former head of the Wits School of Education and Assistant Dean for Internationalisation and Partnerships at the Faculty of Humanities. He researches in areas of International Education, Leadership in educational environments of multiple deprivation and in Decoloniality in Higher Education. He is the current editor in chief of the Journal of Educational Studies. 

John Mashayamombe

Dr John Mashayamombe is a Sociologist by training and International Education Researcher. He read for his PhD at the University of Pretoria. His latest contribution is in a book titled, ‘The PhD Experience in African Higher Education, co-edited by Ruth Murambadoro, John Mashayamombe and Mbuso We Nkosi.

Sacha Joseph-Mathews

Dr. Sacha Joseph-Mathews is the Inaugural Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer of Stanislaus State where she serves as a member of the CSU’s cabinet, with strategic responsibility for promoting and enabling inclusive excellence for all students, faculty, and staff.

Phethiwe Matutu

Dr Phethiwe Matutu is USAf’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective from 1 October 2022.

For the immediate past five years, she was the Group Executive: Strategy, Planning and Partnerships at the National Research Foundation (NRF), where she was responsible for long- term strategy. Prior to her tenure at the NRF, Dr Matutu had been a Chief Director: Human Capital and Science Promotion in the former Department of Science and Technology (DST).

Kari Knutson Miller

Dr. Kari Knutson Miller is Dean of Professional and Global Education, Senior International Officer, and Professor of Psychology at California State University, Stanislaus. Her portfolio includes International Education and Global Engagement (IEGE) and Continuing and Professional Education (CaPE) units. Signature academic programs at Stan State include those focused on Education, Health, and Wellness.

Thabang Lawrens Mkhize

Thabang Lawrens Mkhize is a Master of Education student at the Central University of Technology, Free State. He is dedicated to unraveling the complexities of international higher education. With a passion for fostering global connections, Mkhize’s research focuses on the internationalisation of higher education and mobility strategies for teacher education.

Phiwokuhle Mnyandu

Phiwokuhle Mnyandu is the Assistant Director of the Center for African Studies at Howard University in Washington DC. He also consults governments on issues of language, culture, technology, and geo-strategy.

Refilwe Moleyane

Refilwe Moleyane boasts over 16 years in higher education, currently managing the International Academic Partnership Unit at the Centre for Global Engagements, Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT). Her responsibilities include overseeing international partnership evaluation, monitoring, and implementation, along with managing external funding for projects like mobility and capacity building grants.

Tshepang Modipane

Tshepang Modipane is an Administrator in the International Affairs Office of the University of Limpopo (UL). Coming from a marketing and communications background he has managed a number of international brands including General Motors, Novo Nordisk and British Telecoms.

Oratilwe Penwell Mokoena

Oratilwe Penwell Mokoena is a Lecturer and PhD Candidate in the Department of Statistical Sciences at the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University in Ga-Rankuwa Township in Pretoria, South Africa. Mr. Mokoena teaches undergraduate and postgraduate students in the department.

Reitumetse Obakeng Mabokela

Prof. Reitumetse Obakeng Mabokela is the Associate Chancellor and Vice-Provost for Global Affairs & Strategies and Professor of Higher Education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She received her BA in Economics from Ohio Wesleyan University, magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa.  She received a Master’s in Labor & Industrial Relations and a Ph.D in Educational Policy Studies, both from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Prior to her current appointment, she served as the Assistant Dean for International Studies and Professor of Higher Education at Michigan State University.

Relebohile Moletsane

Relebohile Moletsane is Professor and the JL Dube Chair in Rural Education in the School of Education and Pro Vice Chancellor: Social Cohesion at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Using participatory visual methodology, her research focuses on rural education and development, girlhood studies, gender-based violence and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in South African rural schools and communities.

Boitshoko Monnamorwe

Growing up in the creatively diverse neighbourhood of Heidedal, Bloemfontein – located in the Free State – I was surrounded by a plethora of languages, traditions, cultures, and perspectives. Exposure to such diversity at a young age ignited a curiosity in me to further explore my surroundings, laying the foundation for future explorations into the world and beyond. As I gained understanding of this multifaceted community, I developed a passion for internationalisation.

Martina Moss

Experienced Manager specialising in Internationalisation projects within South African Higher Education. Proficient in overseeing and leading Academic Staff and Student Mobility initiatives, both inbound and outbound. A proactive advocate for short learning programs and summer school courses, consistently identifying and promoting champions to expand course offerings. Known for exceptional negotiation skills and advocacy for international students, particularly within Higher Education Institutions on a local and global scale.

Buliswa Msana

Ms Buliswa Msana has, for the past 2 and a half years, been employed at the University of Limpopo as an International Affairs Practitioner focusing on Student Administration.

June-Rose Ngcobo

June-Rose Ngcobo is a Manager responsible for international partnerships and projects at the University of Pretoria. Prior to joining the University, she worked for the National Research Foundation and was responsible for Postdoctoral fellowships support as well as postgraduate development programmes.

Dolores O’Riordan

Prof. O’Riordan is Vice-President for Global Engagement at University College Dublin in Ireland, where she is responsible for the development and implementation of UCD’s Global Engagement Strategy.

Quinter Onyango

Quinter Onyango is a Senior Officer: Internationalisation, Marketing, and Communications at the University of the Free State. She has over eight years of experience specializing in communication, branding, marketing, and internationalisation in higher education. She is a dynamic, enthusiastic, and inventive internationalisation and communication practitioner.

Oluwatobi Mary Owojori

Oluwatobi Mary Owojori is a versatile educator with expertise in research, education, and sustainability. A consultant within the sphere of environmental sustainability and education for sustainable development. She is committed to fostering inclusivity, and actively works towards amplifying the voices of women, youth, marginalised populations advancing the international education landscape.

Katleho Pakose

Katleho Pakose is currently employed at the Central University of Technology, where she serves as the Coordinator for Academic Staff and Student Mobility at the Centre for Global Engagement. In this role, she is responsible for coordinating incoming and outgoing staff and students, as well as organising international summer schools. Her efforts are instrumental in fostering global collaboration and enhancing the international experiences of both students and staff.

Judy Peter

Judy Peter

Professor Judy Peter is an art historian, curator, and Director – Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. She has published and presented in the areas of gender studies, post-colonial studies and cultural studies both nationally and internationally.

Vivian Shannon-Ramsey

Vivian Shannon-Ramsey is an Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the Global Learning Visit Program (GLVP) within the Department of Social Work at Bowie State University. She also serves as a member of the Study Abroad Advisor Committee to advocate for efficient administrative practices and support student and faculty scholarship opportunities. She has worked in higher education for 15 years.

Nivrithi Ragubeer

I am currently doctoral PhD student whose research topic pertains to international partnerships for research and global competitiveness in higher education. My study aims to analyse the ways in which University of Pretoria, an African flagship university, used international partnerships as a strategy to become research-intensive and globally competitive and to what extent these international partnerships were mutual.

Seithati Ramonaheng

Seithati Ramonaheng is an enthusiastic problem solver with an MPhil in Africa Studies from the University of the Free State. Her research interests include culture, identity, sacred spaces, pilgrimages, and spirituality. Through exposure to different cultures, her passion for immigration and internationalization was ignited.

Tafadzwa Ruzive

Tafadzwa Ruzive is an internationalisation practitioner with experience in higher education finance and administration. He cut his teeth in internationalisation at the then NMMU International Office, assisting with finance and administration.

Ziyanda Sam

Ms Ziyanda Sam joined the Division for Global Engagement in the Study Abroad and International Student Services section at the University of Johannesburg in January 2017 in the capacity of Secretary to the Director. 

Lavern Samuels

Dr Lavern Samuels is a global leader in the field of Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) and International Virtual Exchange (IVE).  He is a sought-after speaker in international education on the global stage. Dr Samuels is also dental surgeon and medical scientist with a special interest in oral medicine and broader public health.

Oumar Sanga

Oumar Sanga is a highly experienced at World Education Services (WES). As an Exception Specialist, Oumar’s primary focus lies in educational policy analysis and international credentials evaluation. His expertise spans across Commonwealth Africa, the Caribbean, and Francophone countries, where he diligently examines and assesses educational systems, policies, and qualifications and process non-precedent cases that require country-expert advice and counsel related to the credential evaluation.

Shantelle Sass

Shantelle Sass joined the Rand Afrikaans University’s (RAU) Division for International Relations in 2002 where she was responsible for international students’ application enquiries, immigration, and registration.

Solly Matshonisa Seeletse

Solly Matshonisa Seeletse is a professor and head of the Department of Statistical Sciences at the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University in Ga-Rankuwa Township in Pretoria, South Africa.

Judy Sikuza

Judy Sikuza is a mom, Mount Kilimanjaro Summiteer and Chief Executive Officer of The Mandela Rhodes Foundation. A leadership and organisation development specialist, she believes in the power of education and leadership to liberate and create more humane futures. Judy is a non-executive Board Director of Oxford University Press South Africa, and chairs the Board’s transformation and ethics committee.

Lunga Shabalala

Nokulunga Shabalala is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Johannesburg and a registered Clinical Psychologist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. She is a 2023-2024 Fulbright Research Scholar Program Recipient at Boston University.

Nyarai Simbarashe

Dr Nyarai Simbarashe is an academic currently serving at the Women’s University in Africa (WUA), where she lectures and mentors students in Business Science at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. She holds a PhD in Business Management from the University of Pretoria, where she focused on innovation and strategic management.

Tasmeera Singh

Tasmeera Singh, PhD, is an international higher education specialist with over 22 years of experience in the field.  She is currently employed at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology as the Manager: of International Relations.  Before her appointment at CPUT, she was at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, as the Principal International Advisor.

Chevon Slambee

Chevon Slambee has been working in the higher education sector since May 2004. She first started her career in the Faculty of Education at the University of Fort Hare, where she was a key stakeholder in the accreditation of the master’s by dissertation qualification. Chevon holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree with majors in Psychology and Industrial Sociology from Rhodes University and an Honours degree in Sociology (cum laude) from the University of the Free State.

Kim Snyders

Ms Kim Snyders is the Manager: Ratification of Foreign Qualifications at SAQA. She started working as a credential evaluator within the evaluation of foreign qualifications unit in 2006 with specific focus on SADC countries, as well as the UK, USA, and Australia.

Iyonka Strawn-Valcy

Iyonka Strawn-Valcy has a combined 20+ years of experience in leadership roles in education and international higher education leadership to include education abroad, international student and scholar services, and international partnerships.

Aldo Stroebel

Prof Aldo Stroebel is the inaugural Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, Innovation and Internationalisation at the University of Mpumalanga, and former Executive Director at the National Research Foundation (NRF). He serves as Board Member of South Africa’s Water Research Commission, and previously served on the Board of the Agricultural Research Council, and as South Africa’s National Contact Point for the European Research Council.

Elvis Enowbeyang Tarkang

Professor Elvis Enowbeyang Tarkang is a specialist in Health Promotion and currently the Dean of International Programmes of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Ghana. Prior to this position, he was the Head of Department of Health Promotion (UHAS) for 7 years, and has been in the field of Health Promotion for over 23 years. He is an Adjunct Professor (Health Promotion) at Universities in South Africa and Cameroon.

Beka Tavartkiladze

With 21 years of experience in international academic credential evaluation, Beka has a deep knowledge of international education systems and the recognition of international academic credentials. He frequently presents on the education systems of countries around the world and the issues surrounding the recognition of international qualifications at national and international conferences and workshops.

Asanda Tele

Asanda Tele has been involved in the higher education landscape in different capacities for the past 17 years. She currently serves as the Executive Operations Manager in the Student Affairs Division at the University of Fort Hare. She works with the Dean of Student Affairs to provide strategic and operational leadership in the division.

Stephanie Tilley

Stephanie Tilley is a 2023- 2024 Fulbright U.S. Student Research Fellow at the University of Johannesburg at the Ali Mazrui Centre for Higher Education Studies (AMCHES). She is currently a doctoral candidate at Prairie View A & M University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU).

Sarah van der Westuizen

I am enthusiastic about global learning and internationalisation, and regard international opportunities and experiences as an important part of a university student’s development towards becoming a more globally engaged citizen.

Navin Vasudev

Navin is an international development professional with over 20 years’ experience in programme development and management in the livelihoods, health, gender, education, forestry and social development sectors. His experience spans working in countries in Southern and West Africa, South Asia, and North America.

Togara Warinda

Dr Togara Warinda, PhD Accounting Ethics; Postgrad. Cert. Research Methods; MBA; ACGI; BAcc(Hons.)

Philina Wittke

Philina has been working in development cooperation contexts for the last ten years. Between 2013-2017, she was the director of the DAAD Information Center in Johannesburg, South Africa, for Southern Africa. In that capacity, she promoted international student and research exchange as well as funding opportunities for students to study in South Africa, Africa and Germany.

Jy Zhou

Dr. JY Zhou is the Executive Director of the Center for Global Engagement at James Madison University. She is responsible for developing campus-wide comprehensive internationalization and leading the CGE to be instrumental in preparing our students to be educated and responsible global citizens through being the agents of change and collaboration in both local and global communities. 

Normah Zondo

Normah Zondo is the Executive Director of the Corporate Relations Division at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), where she plays a crucial role in shaping the university’s external relations and strategic partnerships. With over 15 years of experience in stakeholder management, Normah has been instrumental in positioning UKZN as a premier institution in African scholarship, both locally and globally.