Dr. Joyce Ntombizanele Siwani (Honoris Causa)
Honorary Doctorate in Social Work, University of the Free State
The University of the Free State proudly confers an honorary doctorate upon Mama Joyce Ntombizanele Siwani, now Dr. Siwani, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to social work and social welfare in South Africa. The Department of Social Work and the Faculty of Humanities take great pride in this acknowledgment of Dr. Siwani’s decades-long commitment to shaping social welfare policies, advancing social work practice, and fostering community development. Her enduring impact on the profession and society exemplifies the values of academic excellence, social justice, and transformative leadership.
With a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from the University of South Africa (UNISA) and a Higher Diploma in Communication Studies from the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS), Dr. Siwani has dedicated her life to community development, policy advocacy, and social justice. Her expertise spans child welfare, community education, policy evaluation, and social development, with a professional career spanning over five decades.
Dr. Siwani has played a pivotal role in shaping social welfare policies, notably as a Principal Report Writer for the National Children’s Rights Committee (NCRC), where her reports influenced national policies on orphaned and vulnerable children. Her leadership has extended across multiple national and international organisations, including serving as an advisor to USAID and the South African Council of Churches.
A lifelong advocate for education and professional development, she has contributed extensively to university curriculum design, program evaluation, and capacity-building initiatives. Notwithstanding her advanced age, as a member of the Academic Advisory Board of the Social Work Department at the University of the Free State, she continues to make a meaningful impact in the strategic direction of social work education with keen interest in the next generation of social work professionals.
Beyond academia, Dr. Siwani remains actively involved in social welfare initiatives, focusing on the well-being of women and the elderly. She is a founding member of Fifty and Beyond South Africa (FABSA), advocating for the rights and dignity of women over 50. Her commitment to community service is reflected in her role as an educator and convenor in faith-based organisations addressing family and child welfare.
With an illustrious career marked by service, scholarship, and advocacy, Dr. Joyce Ntombizanele Siwani's contributions continue to shape the landscape of social work and community development in South Africa. Her dedication has earned her numerous accolades, including the Mayor of Detroit’s Award for Courage, the Ellen Kuzwayo Medal from the University of Johannesburg (UJ), and fellowships from Penn State University and WITS University.
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