Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thobeka Nkomo | Social work | Best Researcher Award

Witwatersrand University, South Africa

Profile

Orcid

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Thobeka Sweetness Nkomo began her academic journey in the field of Social Work, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from the former University of Transkei (now Walter Sisulu University) in 1993. Her dedication to advancing healthcare systems led her to complete a Master’s in Social Work in Healthcare at the University of Pretoria in 2004. Demonstrating a deep commitment to scholarly excellence, she earned her Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of North West in 2014. These academic milestones laid a strong foundation for her ongoing research and teaching in transformative social work practice.

👩‍🏫 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Nkomo has cultivated a robust career that spans clinical practice, hospital administration, non-profit leadership, and higher education. Starting as a Junior Social Worker in the former Transvaal Administration, she steadily rose through the ranks, holding key positions including Senior Clinical Executive and Systems Manager at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. She also led therapy initiatives at Headway Brain Injury Association and managed clinic operations at the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. Since 2015, she has served in increasingly senior roles at the University of the Witwatersrand, including Deputy Head of the Department, Head of Department, and most recently, Deputy Head of the School of Human and Community Development (SHCD).

🧠 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Nkomo’s academic contributions reflect a focus on healthcare social work, gender dynamics, management in social work, and contextual social issues such as HIV/AIDS in the workplace. Her integration of theory with practical knowledge has strengthened the academic rigor of the curriculum while addressing real-world societal challenges. Her research interest lies in professional social work practice in healthcare settings, which she enriches with insights from her clinical background. Through curriculum innovation, she has improved learning outcomes and content delivery across all undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Nkomo has made a profound impact on South Africa’s social work education and healthcare systems. She has initiated curriculum workshops that encouraged vertical and horizontal alignment of course content, fostering clearer learning pathways and reducing redundancy in student instruction. Her leadership roles within Wits University have allowed her to shape departmental direction, influence policy, and mentor the next generation of social workers. Her work in both academia and healthcare illustrates her dual impact as a practitioner-scholar, a rare blend that enhances both sectors.

📚 Academic Cites & Recognition

Though her NRF rating is currently under review (2024), Dr. Nkomo’s extensive service, leadership, and research credentials underscore her potential for future national recognition. She is also registered on ORCID (0000-0002-0495-9521), where her academic outputs can be accessed and cited. Her workshops on regional collaboration (in partnership with the University of Cologne and University of Namibia) and on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights also reflect her growing influence on the global stage.

🛠️ Technical and Educational Skills

Dr. Nkomo’s technical strengths include:

• Curriculum development and scaffolding

• Blended learning pedagogy

• Field instruction and research supervision

• Strategic management in healthcare institutions
  She is deeply involved in Professional Blended Learning Courses (PBLC) and field research coordination, ensuring that teaching meets both academic and professional standards.

📘 Teaching Experience

Dr. Nkomo has taught across all levels of undergraduate and postgraduate education in social work. Her signature modules include SOCW 1005 (Values and Ethics), SOCW 4003 (Management & Gender), and SOCW 7020 (Contextual Issues like HIV/AIDS in the Workplace). She has also coordinated Ph.D. portfolios, MA dissertations, and served as course coordinator and fieldwork director, playing a central role in academic leadership and student development.

🧭 Legacy and Future Contributions

As a senior academic and leader in the field, Dr. Nkomo is on track to leave a lasting legacy in social work education and healthcare management. Her holistic approach—blending administrative leadership, clinical insight, and academic rigor—positions her as a transformative force in both university and community settings. With continued contributions, she is poised to expand her influence regionally and internationally, especially through interdisciplinary research, policy advocacy, and postgraduate mentorship.

Selected Publications

 Authors: Qebengu, N., Malatji, H., Nkomo, T.S.
 Journal: Cogent Social Sciences
 Year: 2025

 Authors: Mayisela, S., Nkomo, T.S.
 Journal: The Palgrave Handbook of Global Social Change (Book Chapter)
 Year: 2025

 Authors: Vilakazi, T.H., Nkomo, T.S.
 Journal: African Journal of Alcohol & Drug Abuse
 Year: 2023

 Authors: Nkala-Dlamini, B., Nkomo, T.S.
 Journal: Sexual and Reproductive Justice: From the Margins to the Center (Book Chapter)
 Year: 2022

 Authors: Mbeve, O., Nkomo, T.S.
 Journal: Migration and Social Transformation Engaged Perspectives (Book Chapter)
 Year: 2022