mr a phiwani

Contact Info

Inkanyiso Building, Office 709 (KwaDlangezwa Campus)

Phone: +27 35 902 6876

Mr Athi Phiwani

Lecturer

Qualifications:

MA -Sociology, BSoc Sc hons -Sociology, BSoc Sc -Sociology and Political Sciences (Walter Sisulu University); SPS Certificate (Rhodes University)

About

Mr Athi Phiwani is an nGAP Lecturer in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, committed to advancing inclusive and transformative higher education in South Africa. As part of the New Generation of Academics Programme (nGAP), he contributes to academic transformation by integrating innovative teaching approaches with critical scholarship.

His work is rooted in Sociology, with a focus on development, governance, and higher education in post-apartheid society. He has taught a range of modules on rural and urban development, equipping students with analytical tools to understand and respond to complex social challenges. His academic interests also extend to the role of technology particularly artificial intelligence in shaping opportunities and addressing inequalities in South Africa.

Mr Phiwani aims to tackle the challenges faced by rural universities and communities by applying sociological theory to inform policy and practice. Drawing on scholars such as Durkheim, Plessner, Weber, Spencer, and Buhlungu, he examines how social structures influence development and transformation. His teaching philosophy blends theory and practice to foster intellectual rigour, critical citizenship, and meaningful engagement.

His research spans rural development, higher education transformation, and the impact of AI on marginalised communities. He also engages with themes such as affirmative action and social policy, reflecting his commitment to socially responsive and impactful research. Through his work, Mr Phiwani seeks to produce knowledge that bridges theory and practice in pursuit of inclusive and sustainable development.

Research Interests

  • Sociology of Development
  • Environmental Sociology
  • Work and Labour Sociology
  • Sociological theory

Professional membership

  • South African Sociological Association of South Africa (SASA)
  • Population Association of Southern Africa (PASA)

Research Database/Publications