16th ISSBD African Regional Workshop
Pretoria, South Africa | 5–7 August 2025
About
ISSBD Regional Workshops are designed to promote and advance behavioral development research. They create a platform for early career scholars, particularly from developing countries, to engage with experts and peers in developmental science. The 16th ISSBD African Regional Workshop will be held in Pretoria, South Africa, from 5-7 August 2025. This workshop will focus on the theme “Cultural Resilience and Responsive Interventions: Bridging Modernity and Indigenous Wisdom in Addressing Africa’s Challenges.” It will serve as a crucial event for scholars to explore innovative solutions for Africa’s unique developmental issues. The workshop provides an opportunity for both senior and early career scholars to engage in critical discussions, fostering a deeper understanding of cultural resilience, modernity, and indigenous knowledge.
Welcome Remarks from 16th ISSBD Africa Regional Workshop Convener
Dr Linet Imbosa Muhati-Nyakundi – Convenor, 16th ISSBD ARW 2025
Dear research scholars, colleagues and students,
It is my greatest delight to welcome you all to South Africa’s city of Tshwane for the 16th International Society for the Study of Behavioural Development (ISSBD) African Regional Workshop (ARW)...
Welcome Message from the ISSBD President
President, ISSBD
Dear Colleagues, Students, and Friends,
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 16th African Regional Workshop 2025 of the International Society for the Study of Behavioural Development (ISSBD)...
Welcome Message from the Chair of Inclusive Education, UNISA
Dr Jacomina Mokgadi Christine Motitswe
Chair of the Department of Inclusive Education (CEDU), University of South Africa (UNISA)
Dear Esteemed Scholars, Early Career and Emerging Scholars,
As the Chair of the Department of Inclusive Education in the College of Education, at the University of South Africa (UNISA), it is both an honour and a privilege to warmly welcome you to the 16th African Regional Workshop (ARW) of the International Society for the Study of Behavioural Development (ISSBD)....
Dr Jacomina Mokgadi Christine Motitswe
Chair of the Department of Inclusive Education (CEDU), University of South Africa (UNISA)
Dear Esteemed Scholars, Early Career and Emerging Scholars.
As the Chair of the Department of Inclusive Education in the College of Education, at the University of South Africa (UNISA), it is both an honour and a privilege to warmly welcome you to the 16th African Regional Workshop (ARW) of the International Society for the Study of Behavioural Development (ISSBD).
We are deeply honoured to host this prestigious event under a timely and profoundly significant theme: "Cultural Resilience and Responsive Interventions: Bridging Modernity and Indigenous Wisdom in Addressing Africa’s Challenges." This theme speaks powerfully to our shared vision that champions inclusive, socially just, and contextually grounded education across our continent.
I would like to begin by acknowledging our colleague, Dr. Israel Lindokuhle Mkhuma, whose commitment and leadership were instrumental in securing the workshop’s presence in South Africa. His dedication and expertise have significantly contributed to our ability to bring this important event to fruition. Secondly, I also wish to express my sincere gratitude to Professor Tina Malti, the President of the ISSBD, for entrusting the Department of Inclusive Education with the honour of hosting this esteemed workshop. This opportunity not only reflects the confidence placed in our department but also underscores our commitment to fostering inclusion. To the African Regional Committee, led by Professor Pamela Wadende, thank you for your continued stewardship. Lastly, we thank our Executive Dean, Professor M. Makoe, and the School Director, Professor R. Tabane, for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout our preparations for this prestigious event.
As the Department of Inclusive Education, we are firmly aligned with global, national, and continental agendas, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, South Africa’s National Development Plan 2030, and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. We are dedicated to building educational environments where every individual, regardless of background or ability, is empowered to thrive. Furthermore, we demonstrate our dedication through research, innovation, engaged scholarship, and advocacy for inclusivity in education.
This workshop offers more than an academic dialogue. It presents a vital platform to blend behavioural development with indigenous knowledge systems, to co-create responsive and sustainable interventions that honour Africa’s realities and promise. At UNISA, we are dedicated to advancing African scholarship by promoting research and teaching that is globally engaged yet locally relevant. Therefore, this workshop serves as a strategic platform for forging meaningful and lasting collaborations with delegates from across the African continent and beyond. It supports our institutional objective of internationalising African perspectives and promoting inclusive education systems that leave no one behind. Let this gathering be a bridge between disciplines, generations, cultures, and ideologies toward innovation rooted in identity.
On behalf of UNISA and the Department of Inclusive Education, I warmly welcome you to a space of reflection, collaboration, and transformation. Your presence affirms a collective commitment to an Africa that is inclusive, resilient, and visionary. May these days ignite bold ideas, lasting partnerships, and inspiring pathways forward. Welcome to UNISA, “the African university shaping futures in the service of humanity." Welcome to a celebration of unity, insight, and purpose.
Thank you,
Dr Jacomina Mokgadi Christine Motitswe
Chair of the Department of Inclusive Education (CEDU), University of South Africa (UNISA)
Keynote Speakers
Suman Verma | Panjab University, India
Cultivating Culturally-Grounded Interventions for Africa's Psychological Landscape
Anne Petersen | University of Michigan, USA
Topic: Engaging the International Meeting Landscape
Thomaes, S.C.E. (Sander) | Utrecht University, Netherlands
Topic: Climate Change and Youth Development: A Global Perspective
Tina Malti | ISSBD President
Topic: Overview of ISSBD and Plans for Africa
Julie Robinson | Flinders University, Australia
Topic: Preparing a research poster for an international meeting
Mambwe Kasese-Hara | University of Kabwe, Zambia
Topic: “Left behind – the plight of the boy child in a generation focused on female empowerment”
Robert Serpell | Emeritus Professor, University of Zambia
Topic: Genesis of a research programme on human development in Zambia
Godfrey Ejuu | Kyambogo University, Uganda
Topic: Preparing for and Presenting a Presentable Presentation
Martina Zinkeng | University of Buea, Cameroon
Topic: Becoming resilient, Early Career Scholars in the advent of new technology. The Use and Ethics of Artificial Intelligence as Scholars
Kwesi Nkum | Komenda College of Education, Ghana
Topic: Achieving Academic Excellence: Exploring the nexus between cutting-edge Research and Administrative Effectiveness
Pamela Wadende | Kisii University, Kenya
Topic: Writing funding grants: What to keep in mind
Workshop Committees
Workshop Advisory Committee
- Dr. Pamela Wadende – Kenya (Head)
- Prof. Martina Zinkeng – Cameroon
- Prof. Godfrey Ejuu – Uganda
- Prof. Kwesi Nkum – Ghana
- Dr. Gwaitera Javangwe – Zimbabwe
- Dr. Margaret Chauke – South Africa
- Patrick Njoroge – Kenya
- Dr. Linet I. Muhati-Nyakundi – South Africa
South African Local Organizing Committee
- Dr. J.M.C. Motitswe (UNISA) – ARW Organizing Workshop Chairperson
- Dr. Linet I. Muhati-Nyakundi (University of Mpumalanga) – Interim Co-ordinator
- Dr. Margaret Chauke (UNISA)
- Mr. Cliford Madubanya – Media Coordinator
- Ms. Dorah Kunutu (UNISA)
- Mrs. Zamakhanya Msiza (UNISA)
- Lechidi Madubanya (UNISA)
- Junade Saptoe (UNISA)
Abstract Review Committee
- Dr. Pamela Wadende – Kenya
- Prof. Martina Zinkeng – Cameroon
- Prof. Godfrey Ejuu – Uganda
- Prof. Kwesi Wilson Nkum – Ghana
- Dr. Gwaitera Javangwe – Zimbabwe
- Dr. L. Jiyane – South Africa
- Dr. Margaret Chauke – South Africa
- Dr. Richard Balikoowa – Uganda
- Prof. Pambas Tandika – Tanzania
- Dr. Linet I. Muhati-Nyakundi – South Africa
- Dr. Marvin Kapenda – Zambia
Workshop Schedule
You can download the full workshop schedule, poster presentations, and other workshop materials here:
Book of Abstracts
View the full list of accepted presentations, poster sessions, and symposia for the 16th ISSBD African Regional Workshop.
📘 Book of AbstractsTravel Information
Participants are encouraged to fly into O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
About UNISA
The University of South Africa (UNISA) is the host institution for the 16th ISSBD African Regional Workshop. UNISA is Africa’s leading open distance learning institution and a beacon for accessible, quality education.
Visitor Guide: Explore Pretoria
We've prepared a short guide with suggestions for sightseeing, cultural experiences, and local dining to help you make the most of your stay in South Africa.
📄 Download Visitor Guide (PDF)
Spread the Word
Help us share the excitement about the 16th ISSBD African Regional Workshop. You're encouraged to post about the event on your social media platforms using the hashtags below.
Official Hashtags:
#ISSBDSA#ISSBDAfrica#ISSBD#UNISASuggested caption:
“Excited to join researchers and scholars from across Africa at the 16th ISSBD Regional Workshop hosted by UNISA.”
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