Meet The Team
Professor Lungisile Ntsebeza is an Emeritus Professor at the University of Cape Town (UCT), where he continues to contribute to academic life through research and the supervision of postgraduate students at Master’s and Doctoral (PhD) level. He holds a PhD in Sociology from Rhodes University.
His scholarly work focuses on the political economy of land in Africa, with a particular emphasis on South and Southern Africa. Over more than three decades, Professor Ntsebeza has produced high-quality research on land, governance, and rural social relations, as well as on youth experiences in South Africa’s townships and rural areas.
Professor Ntsebeza has held two prestigious research chairs at UCT, including an A-rated National Research Foundation (NRF) Research Chair for a record 15 years (2008–2022), and the AC Jordan Chair in African Studies (2012–2022). He is a recipient of the NRF Hamilton Naki Award for world-class research performance, and in 2020 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Leiden University in the Netherlands.
He brings to the SIRC Board extensive experience in research leadership, teaching, community development, and institution building. He describes himself as an engaged scholar who believes in rigorous research that is translated back to communities in accessible forms, strengthening the capacity of marginalised people to shape their own futures.
Fatima Nzulase is a Research Assistant and Administrator at SIRC, holding a BA Honours in Counselling Psychology from UNISA. Her work focuses on research support, administration, and advancing access to reliable information for disadvantaged communities. She has a strong interest in early childhood development, particularly the impact of unqualified educators on learning outcomes.
With a background as a Trainee Career Guidance Practitioner, Fatima brings valuable insight into the challenges learners face when making subject and career choices. Her experience strengthens SIRC’s mission to provide accurate guidance, prevent exploitation by bogus institutions, and support informed decision-making among rural youth.
Fatima is committed to ensuring that learners receive trustworthy, accessible information that can meaningfully shape their futures and empower their communities.
Noziphiwo Sigwela is a researcher at Ndifuna Ukwazi with a professional background rooted in Library and Information Science. She holds a diploma from the University of the Western Cape and later completed an Honours and a Master of City and Regional Planning at the University of Cape Town, graduating with distinction. Her academic training spans information access, spatial analysis, and development planning.
Her expertise lies in rural and urban development, gender-responsive planning, spatial justice, and participatory governance. Noziphiwo’s work centres the lived experiences of marginalised communities, and she has contributed to scholarship on land, housing, and gender through research and published work, including a 2024 paper on women’s access to adequate housing in South Africa.
As a former librarian, she has built systems for knowledge access and supported underserved learners within institutional environments. This background directly informs her role at SIRC, where she brings a strong understanding of how information infrastructure can empower communities. She joined the board to ensure that learners in remote areas access reliable, transformative opportunities.
Noziphiwo’s commitment is rooted in the belief that spatial justice and educational access are essential to liberation. Through her research, advocacy, and community work, she contributes to SIRC’s mission of creating an informed, empowered generation capable of shaping their own development.
is a senior researcher with a PhD in Sociology from the University of Cape Town. His work focuses on providing research-based support to the Trust for Community Outreach and Education, particularly in its collaboration with the Inyanda National Land Movement and rural communities in South Africa.
His research interests centre on land, agrarian issues, and the democratisation of governance, with a particular emphasis on municipalities and areas under traditional authorities. Over more than two decades, Dr Ncapayi has combined academic research with grounded community engagement to address structural inequalities affecting marginalised rural citizens.
Dr Ncapayi joined SIRC as a representative of CALUSA, a non-governmental organisation based in the Sakhisizwe Local Municipality. CALUSA’s commitment to building an egalitarian society aligns closely with SIRC’s mission to expand access to education and knowledge as tools for social change.
Since 1998, Dr Ncapayi has supported communities in acquiring agricultural land and strengthening local governance. His work includes the establishment of the Delindlala Communal Property Association and research that underpinned the Cala Reserve High Court judgment of 2018, a landmark case affirming democratic governance in rural areas. His contribution to SIRC is rooted in a long-standing commitment to research that advances social justice and community wellbeing
Masha Ntsebeza is a senior strategic leader with over 15 years’ experience shaping brand, marketing and organisational performance across financial services, FMCG and consumer sectors. She has held leadership roles at institutions including FirstRand Group, Rand Merchant Bank, Capitec, Distell and Johnson & Johnson, operating at the intersection of executive decision-making, strategy execution and reputation management.
Her work is defined by a disciplined, governance-led approach to growth, with particular strength in aligning stakeholders, measuring impact and protecting long-term brand and organisational value. Masha is recognised for her ability to operate effectively in complex, highly regulated environments, where clarity, control and sound judgment are essential.
Her interest in Early Childhood Development reflects a desire to contribute meaningfully to society through disciplined governance and thoughtful oversight. As a board member, she focuses on supporting leadership, strengthening organisational effectiveness and ensuring that the organisation remains accountable, sustainable and aligned to its purpose.