Zamakhanya Makhanya

Zamakhanya is an accomplished mental health professional with a strong educational background, holding a Master of Arts in clinical psychology from the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, and a Master of Public Health in community health sciences from Tulane University, USA. She has served in various clinical roles in disadvantaged communities around Johannesburg, contributing to her diverse research experience, including adolescent mental health research and trial work.

As a trial psychologist, she played a crucial role in an adolescent depression randomised control trial at the Wits/MRC Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit. She also gained research experience as a research assistant at the Scott S. Cowen Institute for Public Education Initiatives at Tulane University.

Zamakhanya's short-term goal is to pursue a PhD to further enhance her skills and knowledge, aiming to become a clinician scientist specialising in high-quality mental health research, particularly for adolescents and young adults. Her focus includes rigorous research, innovative interventions, and collaborative efforts to improve mental well-being in underserved, rural South African communities. Simultaneously, she is dedicated to advocating for policies that recognise the importance of mental health.