Degrees Held
- Ed. Psychology
- Ed. Psychology
- Psychology
- Post Graduate Certificate in Education (Life Orientation and English)
Research Interestes
My research focuses on the integration of socio‑emotional learning, positive psychology, and inclusive education to promote learner wellbeing and equitable participation in South African schools. My work examines how strengths‑based pedagogies, supportive school climates, and teacher development initiatives can reduce barriers to learning, enhance resilience, and foster holistic development. I am particularly interested in the ways SEL, and positive psychology can be embedded within inclusive education frameworks to address issues such as bullying, school violence, and learner mental health.
Teaching Interests
- Research Methods
- Inclusive Education
- Developmental Psychology
- Psychological Assessment
Selected Publications
Journal Articles
Chapters in Books
Journal Articles
- Makhubu, S. S., Hlongwane, M. M., Govender, S., Kent, D., Edwards, S. D., Makhonza, L. O., & Ochiogu, S. N. (2018). African centered investigation into ways in which Ubuntu can promote social coherence. Indilinga African Journal of Indigenous Knowledge Systems, 17(1), 53-66.
- Govender, S., Ntombela, S., Makhubu, S.S. (2023). Appreciating Women in Leadership. In: Mayer, CH., et al. Women’s Empowerment for a Sustainable Future. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-25924-1_45.
- Govender, S., Ntombela, S., Makhubu, S.S. (2024). Women Leaders and their Leadership Styles. Pandian Journal of Women’s Studies, 4(2), 59-70.
- Makhubu, S.S., Chinaka T.W., & Govender. (2025). Emotional Intelligence Life-Skills Programme in Prevention and Management of Bullying Behaviour in Schools. Journal for ReAttach Therapy and Developmental Diversities, 8(2), 77–84. https://doi.org/10.53555/jrtdd.v8i2.3808
Chapters in Books
- Govender, S., Ntombela, S., Makhubu, S.S. (2023). Appreciating Women in Leadership. In: Mayer, CH., et al. Women’s Empowerment for a Sustainable Future. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-25924-1_45.
Community Involvement
- My community engagement focuses on strengthening educational support systems within Pietermaritzburg schools by delivering accessible psychological services and psycho‑educational programmes. This includes identifying learning barriers, designing targeted interventions, and collaborating with teachers, ILSTs, and school leadership teams to implement inclusive education practices. I also facilitate socio‑emotional learning workshops, parent guidance sessions, and teacher development activities that promote positive behaviour, resilience, and learner wellbeing. This engagement contributes to sustainable capacity‑building in under‑resourced school communities and aligns with national priorities for inclusive, equitable education.
Teaching Expertise
- Psychological assessment
- Childhood and Adolescent Psychopathology
- Developmental Psychology
- Inclusive Education
- Research Methods
- Educational Psychology
- Neuropsychology
Student Supervision
Masters
PhD
Masters
In Progress
- Mchunu TM (Co-supervisor)
- Sikhosana N (Supervisor)
Completed
- Mcoteli T (Co-supervisor)
- Masondo H (Co-supervisor)
- Mpanza L (Co-supervisor)
- Myeni N (Co-supervisor)
- Kheswa N (Co-supervisor)
- Moloi M (Co-supervisor)
- Buthelezi S (Supervisor)
- Dube. N (Supervisor)
- Gumede R.A (Supervisor)
- Rakgalane M (Co-supervisor)
PhD
In Progress
- Mazibuko GB (2025) Supervisor
- Mcoteli TN (2023) Co-supervisor