Dr Matshidiso Sello

Overview

Dr Matshidiso Sello is a Senior Researcher at the Centre for Social Development in Africa (CSDA) and holds a PhD in Demography and Population Studies. Her research focuses on child wellbeing, with a particular emphasis on early childhood development, nutrition, and maternal and child health. She has a strong track record of examining how structural inequalities, social protection systems, and caregiving environments shape developmental trajectories and health outcomes for children. Dr Sello has extensive experience in designing and implementing large-scale, mixed-methods research projects, including longitudinal studies, feasibility assessments, and community-based evaluations. Her expertise lies in generating policy-relevant evidence that informs the design, scalability, and sustainability of child-focused interventions. She is deeply committed to participatory and collaborative approaches that bring together government, civil society, and academic partners to strengthen systems for children and families. Her work continues to shape national and regional dialogues on child wellbeing, contributing to policy and practice that advance equity, social justice, and sustainable development in South Africa and across the continent.