Dr Fikile Xaba hails from KwaGedleza in Jozini. This is an area in northern KwaZulu-Natal, characterised by communal and subsistence farming. Fikile attended her primary schooling at Siqakatha Primary and Mamfene. In 1992 she matriculated at Mjindi High School and registered at UNIZULU. The conditions of abject poverty and destituteness inspired her to enroll in the Department of Social Work with the aim of contributing to tackling the social ills which were ravaging her community in KwaGedleza. On completing her studies in social work, she soon realised that she needed to augment her knowledge and skill in social work with public administration since the two disciplines complement each other and thus she registered for an honours and master’s degrees at the University of Stellenbosch.

Her interest in community development and engagement motivated her to register for her doctoral studies at UNIZULU – a place she fondly refers to as a launchpad of her academic pursuit. In 2021, Dr Xaba was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Development Studies. Her research topic was “Assessing the contribution of eco-tourism to sustainable development in uMkhanyakude District Municipality.”

Dr Xaba’s knowledge spans various disciplines such as management, employee health and wellness programmes, advanced voluntary counselling, sexual offender treatment, domestic violence, and crisis counselling. Dr Xaba’s curriculum vitae clearly indicates she has immense experience in the field of humanities and the fact that she has recently joined UNIZULU as a lecturer in the Department of Social Work will be a huge benefit to both the institution and students.

The University of Zululand Alumni office is very proud of Dr Xaba’s achievement and trust that she will continue to be of value to the University and the entire rural community of KZN.