Faculty Leadership
Position: Dean of The Faculty of Community and Health Sciences.
Qualification: PhD (Psychology), MA Counselling Psychology (Rhodes University)
Tel: 021 959 2746
Email: apadmana@uwc.ac.za
Biography
Professor Anita Padmanabhanunni is a registered counselling psychologist with extensive experience in both academic leadership and clinical practice. She previously served as the Head of the Department of Psychology at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). Prof Padmanabhanunni holds a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology and a PhD in Psychology, both from Rhodes University. Her academic and professional journey is defined by a strong commitment to understanding and improving mental health. She has made significant contributions to the field through her research, teaching, and community engagement. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to advancing evidence-based practice in mental healthcare and developing strategies to enhance psychological resilience in individuals and communities. As a committee member of the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Association of South Africa, she actively promotes the use of evidence-based psychological interventions in local contexts. Recognised for her research excellence, Prof Padmanabhanunni holds a C2 rating from the South African National Research Foundation (NRF). Her work has attracted substantial research funding, including competitive grants from the NRF, the South African Medical Research Council, and the prestigious Wellcome Trust.
Prof. Padmanabhanunni’s leadership style is grounded in an ethos of care. She is deeply committed to fostering an academic environment that encourages both professional and personal growth. Her leadership ensures that faculty members feel valued and empowered, while also cultivating a strong sense of social responsibility among students and staff.
Qualification: PhD (Psychology), MA Counselling Psychology (Rhodes University)
Tel: 021 959 2746
Email: apadmana@uwc.ac.za
Biography
Professor Anita Padmanabhanunni is a registered counselling psychologist with extensive experience in both academic leadership and clinical practice. She previously served as the Head of the Department of Psychology at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). Prof Padmanabhanunni holds a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology and a PhD in Psychology, both from Rhodes University. Her academic and professional journey is defined by a strong commitment to understanding and improving mental health. She has made significant contributions to the field through her research, teaching, and community engagement. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to advancing evidence-based practice in mental healthcare and developing strategies to enhance psychological resilience in individuals and communities. As a committee member of the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Association of South Africa, she actively promotes the use of evidence-based psychological interventions in local contexts. Recognised for her research excellence, Prof Padmanabhanunni holds a C2 rating from the South African National Research Foundation (NRF). Her work has attracted substantial research funding, including competitive grants from the NRF, the South African Medical Research Council, and the prestigious Wellcome Trust.
Prof. Padmanabhanunni’s leadership style is grounded in an ethos of care. She is deeply committed to fostering an academic environment that encourages both professional and personal growth. Her leadership ensures that faculty members feel valued and empowered, while also cultivating a strong sense of social responsibility among students and staff.
Position: Deputy Dean Research and Postgraduate Studies
Qualifications: BA (UWC), BA (Hons - Psych) (UWC), MA (Psych - Research) (UWC), PhD (Psych) (UWC)
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 2453
Email: mandipatin@uwc.ac.za
Biography
Prof. Andipatin currently serves as a staff member of the Psychology Department at the University of the Western Cape. She is one of the founding members and currently the co-ordinator of the Master's research programme. Prof Andipatin has extensive supervision experience at postgraduate level. Her areas of interest and expertise are as follows: Women's health, reproductive health, gender-based violence, mother/mothering/motherhood, alternative health paradigms, feminisms, masculinities. She is an NRF grant holder and the area of funding focuses on high-risk pregnancy.
Qualifications: BA (UWC), BA (Hons - Psych) (UWC), MA (Psych - Research) (UWC), PhD (Psych) (UWC)
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 2453
Email: mandipatin@uwc.ac.za
Biography
Prof. Andipatin currently serves as a staff member of the Psychology Department at the University of the Western Cape. She is one of the founding members and currently the co-ordinator of the Master's research programme. Prof Andipatin has extensive supervision experience at postgraduate level. Her areas of interest and expertise are as follows: Women's health, reproductive health, gender-based violence, mother/mothering/motherhood, alternative health paradigms, feminisms, masculinities. She is an NRF grant holder and the area of funding focuses on high-risk pregnancy.
Position: Deputy Dean - Learning and Teaching
Qualification: MA Psychology , PhD Psychology (UWC)
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 2417
Email: mflorence@uwc.ac.za
Biography
Prof. Maria Florence is a Full Professor in the Department of Psychology and the Deputy Dean for Learning and Teaching in the Faculty of Community and Health Sciences at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). She holds a PhD and an MA in Psychology from UWC and has served in various academic leadership roles, including Head of the Department of Psychology and Chair of the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee. An expert in measurement design and community psychology, Professor Florence serves on multiple editorial boards and research ethics committees. She has received funding from the NRF, SAMRC, and international bodies, and her contributions have been recognised through her membership in the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement and her leadership role in the International Consortium of Universities for Drug Demand Reduction.
Dedicated to mentoring postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers, Professor Florence promotes inclusive, transformative education that is responsive to the needs of underserved communities. Trained as a Research Psychologist, she has been with UWC since 1996 and previously held research positions at the Human Sciences Research Council. Her work focuses on addiction and quality of life, with an emphasis on socially responsive and community-engaged approaches. She has published extensively, including over 27 peer-reviewed journal articles and 10 book chapters, and she is a co-editor of the volume Addiction, Recovery and Quality of Life: Cross-Cutting Perspectives across the Globe.
Qualification: MA Psychology , PhD Psychology (UWC)
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 2417
Email: mflorence@uwc.ac.za
Biography
Prof. Maria Florence is a Full Professor in the Department of Psychology and the Deputy Dean for Learning and Teaching in the Faculty of Community and Health Sciences at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). She holds a PhD and an MA in Psychology from UWC and has served in various academic leadership roles, including Head of the Department of Psychology and Chair of the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee. An expert in measurement design and community psychology, Professor Florence serves on multiple editorial boards and research ethics committees. She has received funding from the NRF, SAMRC, and international bodies, and her contributions have been recognised through her membership in the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement and her leadership role in the International Consortium of Universities for Drug Demand Reduction.
Dedicated to mentoring postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers, Professor Florence promotes inclusive, transformative education that is responsive to the needs of underserved communities. Trained as a Research Psychologist, she has been with UWC since 1996 and previously held research positions at the Human Sciences Research Council. Her work focuses on addiction and quality of life, with an emphasis on socially responsive and community-engaged approaches. She has published extensively, including over 27 peer-reviewed journal articles and 10 book chapters, and she is a co-editor of the volume Addiction, Recovery and Quality of Life: Cross-Cutting Perspectives across the Globe.
Position: Deputy Dean: Clinical and Community Engagement
Qualification: BSc Occupational Therapy, MSc Occupational Therapy, PhD, Advanced Diploma in Management (UWC)
Tel: 021 959 9339
Email: msoeker@uwc.ac.za
Biography
Prof. Shaheed Soeker (PhD) is a Professor and Deputy Dean: Clinical and Community Engagement in the Faculty of Community and Health Sciences at the University of the Western Cape. He has extensive experience in the area of vocational rehabilitation and paediatric occupational therapy. He has published several articles and chapters in international peer reviewed journals and books. Prof. Soeker has been awarded an NRF (C3) rating in January 2021 and has been called upon to be a keynote speaker at various international conferences.
Qualification: BSc Occupational Therapy, MSc Occupational Therapy, PhD, Advanced Diploma in Management (UWC)
Tel: 021 959 9339
Email: msoeker@uwc.ac.za
Biography
Prof. Shaheed Soeker (PhD) is a Professor and Deputy Dean: Clinical and Community Engagement in the Faculty of Community and Health Sciences at the University of the Western Cape. He has extensive experience in the area of vocational rehabilitation and paediatric occupational therapy. He has published several articles and chapters in international peer reviewed journals and books. Prof. Soeker has been awarded an NRF (C3) rating in January 2021 and has been called upon to be a keynote speaker at various international conferences.
Position: Faculty Manager
Qualification: ND (HPCSA), BMan (CPUT), PGD in Ind Admin Management, MPhil Eng Man (Distinction) (UCT)
Tel: 021 959 2856
Email: msimpson@uwc.ac.za
Qualification: ND (HPCSA), BMan (CPUT), PGD in Ind Admin Management, MPhil Eng Man (Distinction) (UCT)
Tel: 021 959 2856
Email: msimpson@uwc.ac.za
Faculty Staff
Mrs Portia Marthinisen
Position: Senior Faculty Officer
Email: pmarthinisen@uwc.ac.za
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 3567
Qualifications: ADM, BCom (Hons), MEd (UWC), PGCE (UNISA)
Mrs Anita Fredericks
Position: Administrator to the Dean
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 2631
Email: arfredericks@uwc.ac.za
Qualifications: Credit Diploma (IOBSA)
Ms Laetitia Kleinhans
Position: Administrator to the Faculty Manager
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 3628
Email: lkleinhans@uwc.ac.za
Qualifications: BA (UWC), Project Management Certificate (CPUT), Events Management Certificate (CPUT) HCert (Forensic Examination) (UWC)
Ms Emerancia Bostander
Position: Administrative Assistant
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 2911
Email: ebostander@uwc.ac.za
Qualifications: ADM (UWC)
Mrs Tertia Mckerry - Haupt
Position: Administrative Officer (Main Campus)
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 2911
Email: tmckerryhaupt@uwc.ac.za
Ms Amber Mota
Position: Helpdesk Administrative Assistant (Bellville Campus)
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 2852
Email: amota@uwc.ac.za
Position: Senior Faculty Officer
Email: pmarthinisen@uwc.ac.za
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 3567
Qualifications: ADM, BCom (Hons), MEd (UWC), PGCE (UNISA)
Mrs Anita Fredericks
Position: Administrator to the Dean
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 2631
Email: arfredericks@uwc.ac.za
Qualifications: Credit Diploma (IOBSA)
Ms Laetitia Kleinhans
Position: Administrator to the Faculty Manager
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 3628
Email: lkleinhans@uwc.ac.za
Qualifications: BA (UWC), Project Management Certificate (CPUT), Events Management Certificate (CPUT) HCert (Forensic Examination) (UWC)
Ms Emerancia Bostander
Position: Administrative Assistant
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 2911
Email: ebostander@uwc.ac.za
Qualifications: ADM (UWC)
Mrs Tertia Mckerry - Haupt
Position: Administrative Officer (Main Campus)
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 2911
Email: tmckerryhaupt@uwc.ac.za
Ms Amber Mota
Position: Helpdesk Administrative Assistant (Bellville Campus)
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 2852
Email: amota@uwc.ac.za
Ms Lusanda Runeyi
Position: Faculty Officer: Undergraduate Studies
Email: lruneyi@uwc.ac.za
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 3567
Qualifications: BA, PGCE (UWC), BEd (Hons) (UCT)
Mrs Sinazo Dibela - Zinto
Position: Faculty Officer: Undergraduate Studies
Email: sdibela@uwc.ac.za
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 2744
Qualifications: BAdmin( Hons), BAdmin (UWC)
Ms Chantal September
Position: Administrative Officer
Email: cseptember@uwc.ac.za
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 2744
Qualifications: HCert Forensic Examination (UWC)
Ms Janelle Oliphant
Position: Administrative Assistant
Email: joliphant@uwc.ac.za
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 7165
Position: Faculty Officer: Undergraduate Studies
Email: lruneyi@uwc.ac.za
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 3567
Qualifications: BA, PGCE (UWC), BEd (Hons) (UCT)
Mrs Sinazo Dibela - Zinto
Position: Faculty Officer: Undergraduate Studies
Email: sdibela@uwc.ac.za
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 2744
Qualifications: BAdmin( Hons), BAdmin (UWC)
Ms Chantal September
Position: Administrative Officer
Email: cseptember@uwc.ac.za
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 2744
Qualifications: HCert Forensic Examination (UWC)
Ms Janelle Oliphant
Position: Administrative Assistant
Email: joliphant@uwc.ac.za
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 7165
Mrs Noxolo Deborah May-Memani
Position: Faculty Officer: Postgraduate Studies
Email: dmemani@uwc.ac.za
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 2163
Qualifications: BAdmin(UWC)
Mr Arthur Chikware
Position: Faculty Officer: Research
Email: achikware@uwc.ac.za
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 1727
Ms Sakeerah Gamieldien
Position: Faculty Officer: Research
Email: sgamieldien @uwc.ac.za
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 1754
Qualifications: BA, BA Psychology Hons (UWC)
Mr Lucian Johnson
Position: Faculty Officer: Research
Email: lujohnson @uwc.ac.za
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 1754
Position: Faculty Officer: Postgraduate Studies
Email: dmemani@uwc.ac.za
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 2163
Qualifications: BAdmin(UWC)
Mr Arthur Chikware
Position: Faculty Officer: Research
Email: achikware@uwc.ac.za
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 1727
Ms Sakeerah Gamieldien
Position: Faculty Officer: Research
Email: sgamieldien @uwc.ac.za
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 1754
Qualifications: BA, BA Psychology Hons (UWC)
Mr Lucian Johnson
Position: Faculty Officer: Research
Email: lujohnson @uwc.ac.za
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 1754
Mx Dalphia Mojela
Position: Public Relations and Marketing Officer
Email: kmojela@uwc.ac.za
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 9534
Qualification: BA Media Studies (UL), BA Hons Communications, Film and Television (UJ)
Position: Public Relations and Marketing Officer
Email: kmojela@uwc.ac.za
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 9534
Qualification: BA Media Studies (UL), BA Hons Communications, Film and Television (UJ)
Mr Riyaadh Olivier
Position: Faculty Officer: Transport and Community Engagements
Email: rolivier@uwc.ac.za
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 3683
Qualification: BAdmin, BAdmin Hons (UWC)
Mr Vernon Plaatjie
Position: Administrative Assistant
Email: vplaatjie@uwc.ac.za
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 1726
Qualification: Cert in Travel and Tourism (Achievers School of Business)
Position: Faculty Officer: Transport and Community Engagements
Email: rolivier@uwc.ac.za
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 3683
Qualification: BAdmin, BAdmin Hons (UWC)
Mr Vernon Plaatjie
Position: Administrative Assistant
Email: vplaatjie@uwc.ac.za
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 1726
Qualification: Cert in Travel and Tourism (Achievers School of Business)
Mr Yorick Van Reenen
Position: Technical Officer
Email: yvanreenen@uwc.ac.za
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 3778/2852
Qualification: AdvDip Management (UWC)
Position: Technical Officer
Email: yvanreenen@uwc.ac.za
Tel: +27 (0)21 959 3778/2852
Qualification: AdvDip Management (UWC)
