Sizakele Sydness Mtshali has a master’s degree in Development Studies which focuses on Rural livelihoods in the context of water availability and the affects thereof on women. Completing her undergraduate studies in Consumer Science with a primary interest on extension and rural development, rural livelihoods and opportunities, she is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Anthropological Studies.

Previously, Sizakele worked as: a Site Manager for the Community Work Programme at Insika Foundation; a Research Coordinator for the Institute of Research and Development; and an Assistant for Extension Work in the Department of Agriculture.

Sizakele enjoys being involved in processes that foster positive societal change, and has a passion for action-research and understanding community spaces and gender dynamics that allow her to contribute meaningfully to social development.