Dr Samukelisiwe Diligence Mbokazi
Lecturer
Qualifications:
Doctor of Philosophy in isiZulu (PhD): (UNIZULU) – 2021, Master of Arts in isiZulu (M.A): (UNIZULU) – 2001, Bachelor of Education Degree (B.Ed.): (UNIZULU) – 1998, B. Paed Degree (B. Paed): (UNIZULU)- 1993,Senior Secondary Teachers Diploma (SSTD): (NIZULU) -1992
About
Dr Samukelisiwe Diligence Mbokazi is currently a Lecturer in African Languages and Culture within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Zululand. Before joining the University, she served as a teacher and Head of the Languages Department at Ongoye High School, where she also acted as the Cluster Coordinator for isiZulu in the Mthunzini Circuit. She facilitated and addressed isiZulu educators across the Zululand Region on various communication and language matters. Dr Mbokazi was also appointed as a Moderator for Orals and Continuous Assessment in the King Cetshwayo District.
She coordinated the Shining Stars Youth Club, which organised isiZulu Grade 12 learners from Mthunzini and Lower Umfolozi to attend drama productions based on prescribed literature. She was a member of the Usiba Writers’ Guild, through which she conducted writing workshops for Grade 12 isiZulu learners. She also contributed to isiZulu Terminology projects and served as an elected member of the National Language Body (NLB) Technical Committee.
Dr Mbokazi is a member of the isiZulu National Language Body (NLB) in KwaZulu-Natal and a member of the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB). She serves as Chairperson of the isiZulu Spelling and Orthography Standardization Committee. Her excellence in teaching and scholarship has earned her nominations for the Vice-Chancellor’s Teaching and Learning Award and the Staff PhD Capacity-Building Programme.
She has been recognised by Microsoft for her outstanding contributions to the Local Language Program, particularly in the release of Windows Vista in isiZulu. She also received recognition from Web Lingo and Microsoft for her work on the Language Interface Packs for Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007. Additionally, she was nominated by the University of KwaZulu-Natal to serve in the University Language Planning and Development Office (UKZN-ULPDO) on the DR9 Abstract Translation Committee. She has also served on the Examination Committee and is currently nominated to serve on the Teaching and Learning Committee.
Her research interests lie in Language, Heritage, and Culture. She has attended and presented papers at various national and international conferences. Mbokazi has published an article in an accredited journal and has co-authored several books and book chapters in the field of language studies. She serves on the FHSS NRF Reviewer Committee and acts as an external reviewer for several academic journals. She has also been nominated as Coordinator for the Terminology and Technology component of the DHET Language Policy Project. Mbokazi has chaired and presented papers at conferences, departmental workshops, and academic programmes. She has successfully supervised nine Honours students, two Master’s students, and has two PhD candidates graduating next year.
Beyond academia, Mbokazi has been active in community development. She was elected Secretary of the eNkanyisweni Lutheran Church Women’s Club, served as Deputy Chairperson of the Get Me Ready Pre-School, and initiated the Asibagqokise project for orphans in Ward 19, eSikhawini. As a member of the Women’s League, she led campaigns against child abuse and oversaw the Eyethu Hospice, which provides care for individuals affected by HIV/AIDS.
Research Interest
- Heritage and Culture
- Linguistics (IsiZulu Language)
- Grama
- Heritage and Culture
- Literature
Professional membership
- KZN IsiZulu National Language Body (KZN-NLB)
- Pan South African Language Board (PanSalb)
- The African Languages Association of Southern Africa (ALASA)
- The Name Society of Southern Africa (NSSA)
- Member of UKZN-ULPDO DR9 Translation
Research Databases / Publications