Mr Lesiba Phahladira

Lecturer

Qualifications:

MA Anthropology (WITS), BA Honours Archaeology (WITS) ; BA (WITS)

About

Mr Lesiba Phahladira is an Anthropology Lecturer in the Department of Anthropology and Development Studies. He is a passionate auto-ethnographer whose work focuses on everyday embodiments of African personhood and the existentialisms that shape his understanding of the world. His research interests are intersectional and span socio-cultural anthropology, historical archaeology, museology, and heritage studies.

As an early-career creative scholar, he explores unconventional ways of integrating art and creative writing to articulate anthropological narratives. Outside of academia, he is a socio-cultural content curator, style creator, and an enthusiast of art and heritage. He occasionally shares insights on culture, as well as historical and contemporary art and heritage, on various media edutainment platforms. He enjoys experimenting with innovative and creative approaches to disseminating informative content. Mr Phahladira is also a member of Southern African associations for anthropologists and archaeologists.

Research Interests

• South African Ethnology and Historical Anthropology
• South African migrant labour and African cityscapes
• African (Im)mobilities
• Museums, heritage and historical archaeology
• Curatorial and archival research
• Autoethnography

Professional membership

• South African Museums Association (SAMA)
• Anthropology Southern Africa (ASNA)
• Association of Southern African Professional Archaeologists (ASAPA)