Academic Profile

Dr Unati Stemela-Zali is a lecturer and former Head of the Department of Rehabilitative Sciences in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Fort Hare. She is a qualified audiologist, academic, and researcher with extensive experience in disability studies, public health, and rehabilitative services. She holds a PhD in Disability Studies from the University of Cape Town, where her research explored linguistic exclusions affecting the career development of D/deaf learners. Her qualifications include a Master’s in Public Health, two Postgraduate Diplomas (Occupational Health and Higher Education & Training), and a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Pathology (Audiology). With a career spanning both clinical and academic settings, Dr Stemela-Zali has been instrumental in developing and leading new academic programmes at UFH, like the Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and is currently spearheading the development of the proposed Bachelor of Audiology. Her leadership has also contributed to the establishment of simulation labs for enhanced student learning and the university’s speech therapy clinic. Her research interests span inclusive education, health promotion, disability rights, and hearing health in rural contexts. She has published in peer-reviewed journals such as the African Journal of Disability and the South African Health Review, and has presented her work nationally at conferences hosted by SASLHA and other professional bodies. Dr Stemela-Zali is the recipient of the 2024 Vice-Chancellor’s Teaching Excellence Award and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). She actively contributes to university governance through roles Health Research Ethics Committee and other institutional structures. She has also supervised postgraduate research and collaborated with institutions including the University of Cape Town, University of Pretoria, and University of Johannesburg. Her dedication to community engagement is demonstrated by her involvement in inclusive education advocacy and her role as Deputy Chair of the School Governing Body at a Special School in East London. She is a registered audiologist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and a member of SASLHA and SAAHE.