Academic Profile

Mrs. Thandekile Khumalo is a seasoned lecturer and clinical educator in the Department of Nursing and Public Health at the University of Fort Hare. She brings over three decades of experience in nursing education, clinical leadership, and public health advocacy. Her academic and professional journey reflects a steadfast commitment to advancing nursing scholarship, developing future healthcare professionals, and promoting community-centered care. She holds a Master of Nursing in Critical Care and Trauma from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, as well as a BA in Nursing Science, an Advanced University Diploma in Community Health Nursing, and a Certificate in Human Resource Management from UNISA. Her foundational training includes diplomas in General Nursing and Midwifery, complemented by numerous short courses in areas such as advanced life support, digital teaching and learning, HIV & AIDS counselling, mentorship, and leadership. She is currently developing her PhD proposal, focusing on strategies to support caregivers of patients with end-stage renal disease in the Eastern Cape. Since joining the University of Fort Hare in 2007, Mrs. Khumalo has contributed significantly to curriculum design and the coordination and delivery of both theoretical and clinical modules in General Nursing Science and Nursing Management. She has played a vital role in the academic and professional development of nursing students and in the promotion of transcultural nursing. Her academic contributions extend to serving as an internal and external examiner for undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations at various South African universities. She has also been actively involved in external moderation for both basic and post-basic nursing college programs. Her research interests include trauma and emergency care, non-communicable diseases, ethical nursing practice, and the socio-cultural determinants of health. She has presented her work at both national and international platforms, including the International Nursing Conference in Jerusalem, as well as at leading forums within South Africa. Her publication record includes peer-reviewed articles, and she has successfully supervised several Master’s and Honours students in their research projects. In addition to her academic work, Mrs. Khumalo is a passionate advocate for health promotion and community engagement. She has led numerous outreach initiatives, such as mobile clinics, health education seminars, and hygiene campaigns. Her voluntary efforts include serving as a judge for the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists and participating in health advocacy projects targeting children and vulnerable populations, such as support for children living with autism. Mrs. Khumalo has held various leadership and governance roles at the University of Fort Hare, including Chairperson of the Faculty’s Infrastructure and Equipment Committee. She has been instrumental and hands-on in the acquisition of clinical simulation venues, equipment, and a mobile clinic vehicle. She remains actively involved in curriculum development, teaching and learning committees, and safety initiatives. She is affiliated with several professional organisations, including the Critical Care Society of Southern Africa, Fundisa, and the South African Nursing Council. Her career continues to inspire excellence in nursing education and practice, leaving a strong legacy of mentorship, academic integrity, and compassionate healthcare leadership that supports both institutional and societal transformation in South Africa.