In a laudable achievement, Associate Professor Mikateko Ndhambi is the first Black woman Associate Professor in Speech-Language Pathology in South Africa. She joined the University of Fort Hare’s (UFH) Department of Natural and Rehabilitative Sciences in February 2025. Her appointment is a personal milestone and a significant step toward increasing diversity in the field.
In an interview with the Directorate: Marketing & Communication’s writer, Prof Ndhambi shared her journey, inspirations, and vision for Speech-Language Pathology at UFH and in South Africa.
A Humbling and Transformative Journey
Prof Ndhambi expressed pride and humility about her appointment. “It’s humbling to be recognized as an Associate Professor in Speech-Language Pathology,” she said. “This profession remains underrepresented, especially in marginalized communities. My appointment shows progress in reflecting the diversity of the people we serve.”
She emphasized the need for evidence-based research and curriculum transformation to address South Africa’s linguistic and cultural realities.
Her passion for the field grew from her aunt, Pamela Lowan, a nurse who encouraged her to pursue rehabilitation sciences. Prof Ndhambi recalled growing up in Giyani, Limpopo, where speech and hearing therapy were unfamiliar. Her studies at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) exposed her to various South African languages, sparking her interest.
The Spark for Academia
Prof Ndhambi holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Cape Town, and prior to joining UFH, she was lecturing at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University. Her passion for academia began during her community-based rehabilitation work. Providing assessments, interventions, and facilitating access to special schools were pivotal in her career. “These visits changed lives,” she recalled. In 2002, she became a guest lecturer and clinical supervisor at Medunsa (now Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University), where she fell in love with academia.
Choosing the University of Fort Hare
Prof Ndhambi’s decision to join UFH stemmed from shared values. “UFH’s focus on quality education and innovative research aligns with the future of Speech-Language Pathology in South Africa and Africa. I see this as an opportunity to contribute to a transformative academic environment,” she said.
Advice for Aspiring Black Scholars
As a trailblazer, Prof Ndhambi encourages young Black scholars. “You are good enough. Overcome challenges to build a future where representation and excellence define our disciplines,” she affirmed. Her appointment is meaningful for students, especially from marginalized communities. “Representation matters. When students see someone like themselves in leadership, it shows success is possible,” she said.
Goals for the Future
Prof Ndhambi’s goals at UFH focus on advancing excellence and innovation. “I want to empower students with knowledge, drive transformative research, and shape the department into a leader in context-relevant research and community engagement,” she explained.
With the department’s young history, Prof Ndhambi sees great potential. “The department’s trajectory is still being shaped. My focus will be on developing it into a center for contextually relevant teaching and research,” she said.
Community Engagement and Mentorship
Prof Ndhambi is committed to community-based research and mentorship. “There is vast potential in community-based research. I aim to develop a research niche for the department, foster interdisciplinary collaborations, and ensure mentorship programs for students,” she said.
A Career of Proud Achievements
Prof Ndhambi’s career highlights include her work with the Health Professions Council of South Africa’s Language and Culture Task Team. Their work developed guidelines for culturally and linguistically responsive practice in South Africa. She’s also proud of her role as Principal Investigator for the Xitsonga in the South African Communicative Development Inventories (SA-CDI) project, which adapts questionnaires for multilingual societies.
A Message for the University Community
Prof Ndhambi closed the interview with an inspiring message for UFH. “The speech-language pathology profession is still underrepresented. Many only realize its significance when they face language difficulties,” she said. “My hope is that more students and researchers will take an interest in this field and understand its impact. To aspiring academics, I say: be bold, be persistent, and lay the foundation for future generations.”
Welcome to UFH, Prof Ndhambi!