Dr Sibonsile Zibane

Focus Areas

Dr. Sibonsile Zibane is a Co-founder and Project Specialist at the MA’AT Institute, an autonomous community engagement unit at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. MA’AT pioneers African-centered psychosocial services and specializes in disaster response for marginalized communities. Using a transdisciplinary approach rooted in the African worldview, MA’AT offers teletherapy, trauma-informed care, gender-based violence survivor support, safe spaces for children, grief support, community dialogues, and capacity-building. It also provides employment opportunities through internships.

As an Academic Leader in Social Work, KaZibane is a community builder and researcher with numerous local and international collaborations, peer-reviewed publications, and global conference presentations. Her recognitions include the 2023 Keynote Speaker at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, the 2022 Inspiring Women of UKZN, the 2020 Dean’s Special Award for COVID-19 response, the 2019 Best Overall Presentation Award in Malaysia, the 2018 Staff Excellence Award, and the 2010 Educator of the Year Award from ASASWEI.

“As a visionary leader, I am dedicated to cultivating a community of practice dedicated to fostering community resilience through African-centered holistic healing.”