Dr Sisanda Mguzulwa

Dr Sisanda Mguzulwa is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Centre of Criminology, University of Cape Town. She completed her Master's and Ph.D. studies in the Department of Social Development at the University of Cape Town. She completed her Ph.D. in 2022, titled: “An exploration of the ‘Gurans’ phenomenon: The face of youth violence in Khayelitsha community”. Her Ph.D. study critically examined the rise of a violent youth culture popularly known as ‘Gurans’ in the black township of Khayelitsha. Her study provides unique insights into the Gurans phenomenon as an emanation from and reflection of the socio-cultural and socio-economic challenges and hardships that persist in black African communities and that are inherited from the deliberate and racially oppressive system of Apartheid. Her research interests predominantly revolve around legacies of violence, trauma and healing, youth violence, and crime, with a particular emphasis on equality, social inclusion, and socio-economic development. 

She is deeply passionate about peace, conflict resolution, youth, and community development. Her passion for working with students and youth from all aspects of life is shaped by this understanding that only equality and fairness can heal our society. She has presented her work at local and international conferences, workshops, and seminars. She has a background in Social Development and Qualitative research studies. Her objectives are to bring the human element in organisations, be they corporate, higher institutions, government, non-profit or non-governmental organizations, to the optimum point of productivity. She is keen to launch a career in developmental issues that are people-oriented and lead to sustainable development and community empowerment to reach the highest echelons of social development.

B-Tech CPUT BSocSc(Hons) MSocSc PhD Cape Town