We chatted recently to Dr Sisanda Mguzulwa, Postdoctoral Fellow in the Faculty’s Centre for Criminology, about her work and her research focus for her Fellowship.

1.  Where are you doing your postdoc?

I am busy with my postdoc at the Centre of Criminology, under Assosciate Prof Kelley Moult.

2. What is the focus of your work?

My research explores youth violence, gangs, community resilience and peacebuilding, gender disparities, ‘Ekasi’ and marginalised masculinities, and crime & violence prevention. I study how youth development intersects with the socio-political conditions that shape belonging, marginality, identity, spirituality, and the pursuit of justice in South Africa’s townships.

3. Where did you do your PhD, and what was your topic?

I completed my PhD in the Department of Social Work and Social Development at the University of Cape Town. My thesis, An Exploration of the ‘Gurans’ phenomenon: the face of youth violence in Khayelitsha township, shows how histories of dispossession and spatial inequality shape contemporary youth violence. It offers a distinct view of how this subculture reflects the ongoing socio-cultural and economic struggles in Black African communities.

4. How does your postdoc work build on your PhD, if at all?

I have presented my doctoral findings nationally and internationally (Law & Society Association; AUSS-SA inaugural seminar; Township Studies; CRIMSA, among others), building comparative dialogues on violence, governance, and repair. This work has resulted in both peer-reviewed publications and book-length outputs. I continue to map youth crime, violence, and the criminal-justice ecosystem, including community gang mediation and safety orders. Beyond my research work, I have also taught and supervised at undergraduate and postgraduate levels; examined theses; reviewed articles; participated in research ethics processes; and presented and coordinated academic seminars and workshops.

5. What are you hoping to achieve with your postdoc?

Being part of the Centre has contributed greatly to both my professional and personal growth. My experience as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Centre of Criminology stands out as a key milestone in my journey as an emerging scholar. I had the privilege of working alongside dedicated and inspiring colleagues whose support has made the fellowship experience much smoother. I am especially thankful to my Principal Investigator, Associate Prof Kelley Moult; my mentor, Associate Prof Irvin Kinnes; and Dr Nicole Palmer for their guidance and encouragement. One of the most rewarding aspects of my time at the Centre has been contributing to the development and revision of existing programmes, particularly the UCT Criminology Honours programme and 2030 Grand Challenges project. These projects have provided opportunities for me to strengthen my skills - and I’m proud of their success!

6. What are you excited about now in your research?

I am excited by opportunities to contribute to Criminology and allied fields. Our current Centre project, Offenders’ Views of the CJE, is research-driven and is designed to deepen our understanding of youth criminality and perceptions of the criminal-justice system. It addresses gaps in scholarship on youth violence, contributes to SDG 16 (peaceful, inclusive societies; access to justice) and aligns with SDG 11 (inclusive, safe, resilient, sustainable cities). We are exploring youth interactions with the South African criminal justice ecosystem – including state and non-state actors, communities, police, prosecutors, volunteer crime-fighters (eg. CPFs and neighbourhood watch bodies), civil society organisations, and formerly incarcerated people and offender groups, to clarify pathways to justice. I am confident this fellowship will support further impactful contributions, both academically and in fostering an environment of transformative learning.