Posted:
by QW+ staff writer
Expert Profile: Samukezi Mrubula-Ngwenya
Samukezi Mrubula-Ngwenya is a committed social justice activist and academic, advocating for the rights of Lesbian, Bisexual, and Queer (LBQ) individuals in South Africa. With a research focus on Gender Politics, her work explores LBQ narratives and lived experiences, social movements, democracy and political activism, African sexuality, gender-based violence, and Feminist Foreign Policy.
Her academic contributions include several journal articles published in both local and international journals, and she has presented research papers at conferences across South Africa and globally.
“Even though South Africa is the only African country where same-sex marriage is legal and constitutionally protected, LGBTQIA+ people still face significant social exclusion and a lack of full visibility. Individually, yes, spaces are opening up, and we are witnessing a somewhat ‘accepting’ society. For instance, having a deputy minister who is proudly queer. But at most, and especially in rural spaces, there is still a lot to do in advocating full social inclusion.”
She currently holds the following positions:
- Lecturer and Convener of the Gender Studies Programme at the University of Limpopo
- Researcher in Gender Politics and Feminist Foreign Policy
Academic Background:
Dr Mrubula-Ngwenya holds a PhD in Political Science from the University of Limpopo. She is a former Fulbright Scholar and earned her Master’s degree in Women and Gender Studies from San Francisco State University in the United States.