I am an academic and researcher in public policy, with teaching expertise in public administration and the broader social sciences. My work focuses on evidence-based governance and the development of future public sector professionals, equipping them with analytical tools essential for effective policy implementation. I consistently integrate theoretical frameworks with practical insights, drawing on rigorous research and professional experience to inform impactful policy solutions.
My research agenda is driven by a commitment to bridging policy gaps to advance local governance, sustainable development, and climate governance. I emphasize strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing policy coherence, and aligning development goals with environmental resilience. I contribute to integrating municipal strategies with global and national frameworks, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and South Africa’s National Development Plan.
EDUCATION
Mphathesithe Mzwandile Mkhize holds a Diploma in Public Management from Mangosuthu University of Technology, a Bachelor of Technology in Public Management from Durban University of Technology, a Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Policy and Development Studies, and a Master of Social Science in Public Policy from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). He is currently completing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Policy at UKZN under the supervision of Dr Cheryl Mohamed Sayeed. Mphathesithe has accumulated extensive professional experience across non-governmental organisations, government institutions, and academia. He is an active member of several professional bodies and civil society organisations. Over the years, he has been involved in managing several projects such as the Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Programme (VMMC) and the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Project 2020, implemented by John Snow Inc. (JSI) in KwaZulu-Natal.
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Multidisciplinary, Public Administration, Social Sciences
FUTURE PROJECTS
Evaluating the Effectiveness
of Customer Care Policy Implementation in Local Government: Challenges and Opportunities for Service Delivery
Improvement in Umsunduzi Municipality
Applications Invited Collaborative researchers
4
Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
Renewable energy investments in South Africa: Potentials and challenges for a sustainable transition - a review Ifeanyi Michael Smarte Anekwe, Stephen Okiemute Akpasi, Mphathesithe Mzwandile Mkhize, Helper Zhou, Ranganai Tawanda Moyo, et al. Science Progress, 2024 The Republic of South Africa is one of the leading investors in renewable energy in Africa, despite the widespread perception that the country is trapped in the carbon age due to its high dependence on fossil fuels. Renewable energy, rooted in sustainable development, requires the creation of an appropriate framework and environmentally friendly technologies to support growth. Renewable energy sources are considered more environmentally friendly than fossil fuels, which most energy processes rely on. For this reason, the scope of this article has been narrowed to focus on the motivation for renewable energy and its potential in South Africa. Furthermore, the current developments in the South African renewable energy sector, as well as the challenges and prospects for a sustainable transition to a bioeconomy, were discussed. This study shows that a sustainable energy system can only promote the integration of renewable energy into the energy mix with the help of technology, policy, and infrastructure.
IPPA Research Grant – International Summer School on Public Policy, Nairobi (April 2025).
• Moses Kotane Research Institute (MKRI)
o 1st Category Research Prize (July 2022).
o Outstanding Research Award, 1st Category (March 2022).
o Research Bursary Award – Master of Social Science in Public Policy (April 2020).
• SANO Research Exchange Program Fund – Sustainability Project Workshop (March 2022).
CONSULTANCY
Public Policy and Research Consultant for Wear Your Brand Foundation
In this role, I conducted in-depth analysis of national and local policy frameworks related to youth development, entrepreneurship, education, and social innovation. I also draft policy proposals and contributed for grants development, guiding the foundation’s strategic direction and strengthen its influence in the public sector.
Industry, Institute, or Organisation Collaboration
Community Research Collaboration
As a researcher, I have assisted in coordinating or collecting MKRI research data projects for socio-economic impact studies, such as the following.
a) Dundee July Socio-Economic Impact Study, 2024.
b) KZN Heritage Tourism Industry Baseline Survey, 2024.
c) Exploring the Socio-Economic Impact of Dams on Communities in the KZN Province, 2024.
d) Assessment of Business Compliance in Township and Rural Economies in KZN, 2023.
e) KZN Gambling Industry Socio-Economic Impact Study-Household Survey, 2023.
f) The Impact of Loadsheeding on Small Businesses in Rural and Township Areas in KZN, 2023
INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
I have accumulated extensive experience across non-governmental organisations, government institutions, and academia. I am an active member of several professional bodies and civil society organisations. Over the years, I have managed projects such as:
• Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Programme (VMMC)
• President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Project 2020 – Implemented by John Snow Inc. (JSI) in KwaZulu-Natal
Between 2018 and 2019, I contributed to two key projects under the Community Development Association Foundation (CDAF) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal
• 17th and 18th Annual Masakhane Youth Leadership Course
• English Access Microscholarship Programme – Hosted at UKZN under the School of Education
Earlier project involvement includes:
• Development Planning Project (2015/2016) – eThekwini Municipality, Kloof
• Broadcasting Digital Migration Programme (2021/2022) – USAASA
• Various climate change initiatives affiliated with Durban University of Technology
