Phakamile Khumalo | Soweto, South Africa

Honours in Development Studies, Wits University, South Africa

Previous experience

A dedicated advocate for the protection and promotion of children’s rights, media and digital advocacy. With an Honours Degree in Development Studies from WITS University and a certificate in Public Policy & Analysis from the Thabo Mbeki African Leadership Institute, Phakamile has over 13 years of experience in civil society work. At MMA, she is the Public and Media Skills Development Manager and leads critical projects that advance child participation and digital rights within the African context, with a particular emphasis on creating safe, inclusive digital spaces for young people. Her expertise centers on the intersection of human rights, internet governance and children’s digital rights, with a passion for child participation in democratic processes.Notably, she was listed in the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans in 2019 and selected for the DGMT Innovation Fellowship in 2024.

Academic fields of interest:

Internet governance and Children's digital rights, child participation in policymaking processes and Media and Information Literacy training for learners, schools and parents

Position prior to the programme

Public and Media Skills Development Manager