UKZN Academic is SA’s First Black Female Full Professor in Town and Regional Planning

UKZN Academic is SA’s First Black Female Full Professor in Town and Regional Planning

In a series of firsts, Professor Hangwelani Hope Magidimisha-Chipungu has propelled herself to the top of her field and made history as the first Black woman in South Africa to obtain a full professorship in Town and Regional Planning, adding to her previous status as the first Black woman in the country to hold a PhD in regional planning from UKZN.

Magidimisha-Chipungu is an inspiration to countless would-be planners and researchers whose academic journey has been marked by significant achievements, including a host of peer-reviewed publications, with the most recent being a book on the anatomy of inclusive cities in southern Africa. Her milestones include becoming the youngest SARChI (South African Research Chairs Initiative) Chair for Inclusive Cities, a National Planning Commissioner, a member of the International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP) scientific committee, alternate Chair for the South African Council for Planners, a committee member of the KwaZulu-Natal Planning Tribunal and member of the eThekwini Planning Commission.

A driving force for the creation of inclusive, smart, and resilient cities, Magidimisha-Chipungu is the founder and chief editor of the Journal of Inclusive Cities and Built Environments. She advocates for urban environments that cater to the diverse needs of their inhabitants. ‘I share a vision with many to create positive urban transformation for the benefit of all. I am an eternal optimist who believes that greatness can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to creating positive change in our cities and societies,’ she said.

Dean and Head of the School of Built Environment and Development Studies, Professor Ernest Khalema said, ‘Professor Magidimisha-Chipungu’s promotion to full professor is testament to UKZN’s commitment to excellence through leadership that is at the heart of what drives her work ethic and values. We are proud of her, particularly her accomplishments, mentorship, and tenacity and we look forward to increased trailblazing.’ 

Sharing details of her journey to becoming a full professor, Magidimisha-Chipungu emphasised the need for extensive training and unwavering commitment encompassing years of dedication to academia, mentoring students, imparting knowledge through teaching, engaging with the community, and gaining national and international recognition.

She said: ‘I would not have come this far without the help of my family, the University, colleagues, friends, and students. I am ready for phase two of my career. I plan to spend the coming years mentoring more planners to become the best version of themselves, including becoming full professors.’ She added that, while people’s destinations may not be the same, ‘Stay in your lane and concentrate; you will get there.’

Words: Sinoyolo Mahlasela and Rakshika Sibran

Photograph: Supplied