POLITICAL scientist, Dr Bhaso Ndzendze, has been named the new head of department (HOD) within the Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), as from June 1, 2021.
At 25 years of age, Dr Ndzendze is the youngest HOD at UJ and among the youngest to head a higher education department in the country.
Ndzendze was born and raised in Mthatha. He completed his Ph.D in international relations at the University of the Witwatersrand in 2020.
Ndzendze, who is also a senior lecturer in the department, is renowned for his pioneering work on the convergence of global trade, international politics and technologies. He has written an array of journal articles for internationally leading journals and is a recipient of numerous awards and accolades, including being among the Mail & Guardian Young 200 in 2019.
Ndzendze, previously served in a number of roles, including most recently as the research director in the UJ Centre for Africa-China Studies (CACS). He also oversaw courses on technology dynamics in international relations, international law in international relations, political history and Africa-China relations.
Ndzendze has authored and co-authored three books on artificial intelligence, the BRICS association and Africa-China relations.
UJ’s vice-chancellor and principal, Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, said he hoped that Ndzendze’s rise as an academic and researcher would inspire other young students to achieve more.
“We have, in recent years, watched in awe as Ndzendze swiftly moved up the university’s ranks through hard work and dedication. He has firmly established himself as a brilliant researcher and educator,” said Marwala.
“Ndzendze is a deft academic and a wise and generous colleague, who believes in collaborative work. It gives me great comfort to know that the department of politics and international relations will remain in such capable hands.”
A dynamic scholar and academic, Ndzendze is modest about his appointment.
“I believe that one is only as good as their last achievements. I see this new role as an opportunity to mentor more scholars who can, through impactful research and academic work, contribute towards efforts to solve the problems in our country and on the African continent, and even other parts of the world,” he said.
He credits the many students and colleagues he has worked closely with for his success, especially his predecessor in the department, Professor Suzy Graham.
“I have had the privilege of working with some amazing people. Through them, I’ve learned about leadership with compassion. I am impressed by the number of things that Prof Graham has done and has left in good shape.
“I will always be grateful for that, and plan to carry on with the many things that work well, while also continually improving what we do and how we do it, as needs and demands shift.”
