Dr Babalwa Tyabashe-Phume

Overview

Dr Babalwa Tyabashe-Phume holds a PhD in Psychiatry and Mental Health from the University of Cape Town. She also holds a Master’s degree in Child and Family Studies (awarded with distinction) and a Bachelor of Social Work. Dr Tyabashe-Phume has held multiple research roles at Stellenbosch University, University of Cape Town, University of Exeter and recently was a Visiting Researcher at Toronto Metropolitan University. Her research spans across gender-based violence, inclusive healthcare, disability studies, intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health, and public policy. She has led and contributed to national and international projects. Her scholarly contributions include peer-reviewed journal articles, scoping reviews, policy briefs, and accessible public engagement outputs. She has presented her research at international and national conferences. She serves as a peer reviewer for multiple international journals and sits on committees of professional networks. She is also actively engaged in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, thesis examination, and curriculum development. Dr Tyabashe-Phume’s work not only contributes to academic knowledge but also directly informs advocacy, policy and intervention strategies. In addition to her academic roles, she has worked with government and NGOs, in an advisory capacity and as a service provider. These engagements have strengthened her commitment to research that is community embedded,trauma-informed, and action-oriented. Dr Tyabashe-Phume’s work is rooted in principles of Ubuntu, equity, intersectionality, and rights-based approaches. She is committed to co-producing knowledge with marginalised communities. Through her work, she aims to influence transformative change in public health systems, disability-inclusive development, and gender justice both in South Africa and globally. Dr Tyabashe-Phume was a finalist at the 2024 South African Youth Awards and received recognition as a Champion of Diversity and Inclusion. Recently, she was selected as 1 of 9 Young Scientists who represented South Africa at the BRICS 10th Young Scientists Forum held in Brazil in 2025. Research Interests: 1. Disabilities 2. Intellectual and Developmental disabilities 3. Mental Health 4. Gender-based violence/Intimate partner violence 5. Inclusive Education