Degrees Held
- Doctor of Philosophy in Cultural and Heritage Tourism, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2018
- Post-graduate Diploma in IDP and Community Leadership, University of the North West, 2011
- Certificate in Gender Mainstreaming in Local Government, Linkopings State University (Sweden), 2010
- Master of Arts in Recreation and Tourism, University of Zululand, 2003
- Bachelor of Education (Hons), University of Zululand, 1998
- Bachelor of Arts (Sociology and Pedagogics), University of Zululand,1992
- Secondary Teachers Diploma, Eshowe College of Education, 1988.
Experience
- 2023 to date: Senior Lecturer/ Programme Coordinator: UKZN Culture and Heritage Tourism Programme
- 2012-2022: Lecturer: UKZN Culture and Heritage Tourism Programme
- 2012 to date – Lecturer at UKZN, offering Research Methodology and IT for Tourism, Survey of significant heritage sites in SA and Environmental Impacts of Tourism.
- 2009-2011 – Worked as a Researcher in Nkangala District Municipality.
- 2007-2008 – Lecturer at the University of Zululand offering Research Methodology in Tourism, Natural Resource Management and Customer Service Excellence.
- 1994-2006 – Taught at various high schools specializing in Geography, Afrikaans and Life Orientation.
- 1989-1993 –Worked as a Library Assistant at the University of Zululand.
Awards
- 2024- Was awarded the certificate of recognition and appreciation for leading the Community Engagement Portfolio by the School of Social Sciences.
- 2024- Received the Certificate of Appreciation for serving in the School of Social Sciences Research and Higher Degrees Committee.
- 2019, 2020, 2022: The Best Teacher Award, awarded by the School of Social Sciences (Culture Cluster)
- 2022: The Award of a Young and Emerging Public Intellectual awarded by the School of Social Sciences
- 2022: The Certificate of Recognition for being a Community Engagement Activist by the School of Social Sciences
- 2022: The Inspiring Leader Award by the UKZN Department of Student Residence Affairs
Research Interests
- Land Reform and Redistribution
- Marine Tourism Governance
- Cultural and Heritage Tourism
- Social Stratification and Gender Inequality
- Migration, Mobility and Refugee Studies
- Conflict and Environmental Management
- Sustainable Development
- Community Based Tourism
- Events Planning and Management
Teaching Interests
- Research Methodology and IT in Tourism
- Significant Heritage Sites in South Africa
- Environmental Impacts of Tourism
- Contemporary Leaders and Related Sites
- Principles of Tourism Management
Complete Research Record/
Selected Publications
Journal Articles
Chapters In Books
Journal Articles
- Gumede and Ehiane (2025). Culture and Heritage Tourism for Inclusive growth post COVID-19 Pandemic: New opportunities for the vulnerable groups in South Africa. African Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Volume 4 (2), pp357-381.
E-ISSN 2753-314 X (Online), ISSN 2753-3131 (Print). DOI: https//doi.org/10.31920/2753-314/2025/v4n2a15. - Ngcobo and Gumede (2025). Encounters faced by women with disabilities during the Coronavirus pandemic in the City of Johannesburg, South Africa: Policy Implications. African Journal of Gender, Society and Development. Volume 14(4), pp165-189.
ISSN: 2634-3614/ E-ISSN: 2634-3622. DOI:https://doi.org/10.31920/2634-3622/2025/v14n4a8. - Ngcobo and Gumede (2025). Policy Response towards mitigating challenges faced by women with disabilities during coronavirus alert levels 5-3 in the City of Johannesburg, South Africa. In Press for publication in the Journal of Gender, Society and Development.
- Mdletshe, L. and Gumede, M. (2024). The socio-economic implications of flagship coastal development projects in South Africa beyond Covid-19: The case of Ushaka Marine world in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. African Journal of Development Studies. Volume 14 (2), pp207-227. https://www.adonis-abbey.com/edition_menu.php?edition_id=567.
- Gumede, M. and Irabor, H.C. (2024) The conflict over natural resources in the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria: Who is to blame? African Journal of Business and Economic Research. Volume 13 (1) pp177-189. https://journals.co.za/doi/abs/10.31920/2634-3665/2024/v13n3a9
- Gumede, M. (2022). Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) and its implementation in South Africa. African Journal of Business and Economic Research (AJBER), pp237-253. https://journals.co.za/doi/abs/10.31920/1750-4562/2022/v17n1a11
- Ngcobo, L. and Gumede, M. (2022). The welfare of women living with disabilities in the rural areas of South Africa: A policy assessment. African Journal of Gender, Society and Development. Volume 11(4) pp 93-112. https://journals.co.za/doi/abs/10.31920/2634-3622/2022/v11n4a5
- Gumede M. and Ehiane S. (2021). The Challenges of Sustainable Livelihoods through Land Restoration in South Africa. Journal of Asian and African Studies, UK: SAGE Publications, pp1-15. DOI:1177/00219096211025809
- Irabor, H.C. and Gumede, M. (2021). The Role of International Law in resolving the conflict in the Niger Delta, Nigeria. Journal of Conflict and Social Transformation, Vol 10 (3), pp 41-57. https://journals.co.za/doi/abs/10.31920/2634-3665/2021/v10n3a3
- Anifowose O. and Gumede, M. (2019). Determinant of South Africa’s Military Expenditure. Journal of International Economics Vol 10, No1: January-June 2019. https://www.ipeindia.org/wp-content/uploads/journals/jie/JOI-14-08-2019.pdf
- Ndlovu J., Cele N., Gumede, M., Phoofolo T. and Marschall S. (2017). Community Based Tourism projects as a vehicle for creating Entrepreneurial opportunities in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. African Journal for Physical Activity and Health Sciences (AJPHES), pp 14-31. https://journals.co.za/doi/abs/10.10520/EJC-85b711135
Chapters In Books
- Ehiane S.O., Takutanazvo F. and Gumede M. (2025). Africa Continental Trade Area (AfCTA) and Africa Political Economy (APE): A view from Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Region. In Southern Africa’s Security Diplomacy: Balancing Conflict and Cooperation in a Changing Landscape. Edited by Kekgaoditse Suping, Stanley Osezua Ehiane and Steven Thage. Published by Palgrave and Macmillan.
- Irabor, H.C., Gumede, M. and Ehiane S.O. (2024) Federalism as a source of Niger Delta Conflict. in ‘Engagement of Africa in Conflict dynamics and Peace Architectures’ by Lexington Publishers. [ISBN-13-978-9819982349; ISBN-10-9819982340]
- Ehiane,S., Gumede, M. and Zondi, L.P.(2024). Conflict of survival between Fulani pastoralists and farmers in the wake of climate change in Nigeria in ‘Engagement of Africa in Conflict dynamics and Peace Architectures’ by Lexington Publishers [ISBN-13-978-9819982349; ISBN-10-9819982340].
- Ehiane, S. and Gumede, M. (2023). Climate Change and Food Security in the Lake Chad Region: Current Realities and Imperative Actions. Book Chapter (Chapter 6) in “Issues of Governance, Security and Development in Contemporary Africa. Edited by Mohamed Camara, Alem Hailu and Sabella Abidde. Published by Lexington Publishers [ISBN-13: 9781666902716]
- de Klerk, B. and Gumede, M. (2022). A Post-pandemic perspective of Cultural, Sporting and Social Events in ‘Events Management: A developmental and Managerial Approach 4th Ed’ by Juta Publishers. [ISBN 9781485132011- Print/ ISBN 9781485132059-e-book]
Community Involvement
- 2025- to date: Nominated to serve in Project Steering Committee reviewing the KZN Tourism Masterplan.
- 2025- to date: Serves in the Amafa Stakeholders Forum working on the tentative list of heritage sites to be accorded the UNESCO’s World Heritage status.
- 2025- to date: Serves as the Head of Research in the Africa Rise Youth Indaba 2025, a continental youth event that was hosted in Raddison Hotel, Kempton Park, on 22-23 May 2025.
- 2025- to-date: Chairperson of the Africa UNICONNECT, an organisation that aims to connect universities in Africa to enhance collaborations and Strategic Partnerships.
- 2025- to date: A member of the UKZN research team that conducts the research commissioned by the National Department of Tourism on the management and maintenance of state-owned assets in South Africa, and who will be conducting research projects for three years (2025-2027).
- 2024- to date: Serves as a Board Member for Art Vision, an NPO that provides a safe, supportive and inspiring environment with a transformative power of art to heal, inspire and empower them by exploring their artistic talents.
- 2025- Conducted a CHTM 303 Fieldtrip aimed at creating an entrepreneurial spirit among the students by learning to package rural resources as a product for consumption by the tourists.
- 2025- Has conducted a CHTM 209 fieldtrip, taking students to the cultural and heritage sites to embrace the practical component on the theory they are introduced to in class. 40% of the final exam is deduced from the fieldtrip experience.
- 2025- Invited to provide career guidance in various clusters of schools.
- 2022 to date- Has identified best performing students in Cultural and Heritage Tourism to an all expenses paid trip to attend the IMEX-MPI Meetings Africa Future Leaders Forum sponsored by Tourism South Africa.
- 2016 to date- Serves in the EDTEA Tourism Entrepreneurship and Careers EXPO Steering Committee that hosts the annual tourism careers event in different regions in the KZN province, to create awareness around the available opportunities in the tourism sector.
- Facilitating the Writers Retreat for the University of Zululand (African Languages) Emerging Academics.
- UKZ embraces Africa’s heritage to inspire minds for Africa Day. https://witness.co.za/news/2024/05/22/ukzn-embraces-africas-heritage-to-inspire-minds-for-africa-day/
- Uniting Hearts, Inspiring Minds: Embracing Africa’s Heritage. https://coh.ukzn.ac.za/news/2024/06/uniting-hearts-inspiring-minds-embracing-africas-heritage/
- Career Guidance Ndengetho Secondary School.
- Youth Empowerment Session. Ntulabakayise High School, KwaNibela, Hluhluwe.
- CHTM 209 Fieldtrip. https://ww3.coh.ukzn.ac.za/news/2023/11/ukzn-tourism-students-exposed-to-a-practical-experience-of-heritage-sites-around-kzn/
- 2023, Heritage Day Celebration on SAFM https://omny.fm/shows/the-weekend-view-1/celebrating-and-preserving-our-heritage
- 2023, Opinion Piece in Infotrust https://infotrustng.com/decolonising-the-heritage-space-in-the-province-of-kwazulu-natal-through-the-removal-of-colonial-statues-a-myth-or-reality/
- 2023, Graduate Employability Webinar https://ndabaonline.ukzn.ac.za/UkzndabaStory/Vol11-Issue39/Growing%20Our%20Own%20Timber%20and%20Workplace%20Readiness%20Featured%20on%20Webinar/
- 2022, Tourism Symposium https://sss.ukzn.ac.za/news/2022/10/ukzn-symposium-tackles-the-re-thinking-of-tourism/
- 2022, Heritage Day Celebration on SABC TV Channel 404.
- 2012 to date: Member and Spokesperson- Mangqakaza Development Task Team.
Teaching Expertise
- Environmental Impacts of Tourism (CHTM 202)
- Survey of Significant Heritage Sites in South Africa (CHTM 209)
- Contemporary Leaders and Related Sites (CHTM 303)
- Research Methodology and IT in Tourism (CHTM 304)
- Principles of Tourism Management (CHTM 703)
Leadership Roles
- 2021-2024- Member of the CHUM ‘We Care’ Programme
- 2022-2024- Staff Wellness Champion in the School of Social Sciences
- 2023-2025- Academic Leader (Acting)- Community Engagement
- 2023-2025- MANCO member in the School of Social Sciences
- 2025 to date- Serves in the CHUM Promotions Committee
- 2025 to date- Cluster Leader (Acting): History, Culture, Heritage and Tourism
- 2025 to date- School of Arts MANCO member
- 2025 to date- Serves in the CHUM Leadership Forum
- 2025 to date- Serves as the Senate Member 2025-2027
Student Supervision
Honours
Masters
PhD
Honours
- Jali V. 2015. The Role of Community Based Tourism in promoting sustainable livelihoods for the local people: The case of Mamu Tofu homestead in E.C. and Wushini in KZN.
- Ncanana M.C. 2015. The Role of Social Media as a promotional tool in tourism: The case of Durban City.
- Nxumalo Y. 2015. The contribution of township tourism towards local economic development: The case of Clermont Township in Durban.
- Abiose A.O. 2016. Sustainable cultural and Heritage tourism as a tool for Badagry Community in Nigeria.
- Tembe L.M. 2016. The stakeholders’ perceptions of Umgababa as a coastal destination: The case of Umgababa Beach Festival.
- Maphosa U. 2017. Zulu Cultural heritage manifestation as a brand for Durban tourism: A case study of uShaka Marine World.
- Maphumulo L.N.P. 2017. The impacts of cultural tourism in the development of Durban.
- Khwela N. 2018. The behavioural patterns of coastal and marine tourism resource users: The case of South and North beaches in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
- Jekwa Z. 2018. The role of Max’s Lifestyle in supporting tourism growth in Umlazi.
- Msani Z. 2018. Strategies that can be used to enhance domestic tourism in Durban and the surroundings.
- Tolla M.C. 2019. The management of community based cultural tourism ventures for pro-poor tourism.
- Ndlovu F. 2020. Prospects and challenges of historical representation through heritage sites and monuments in Durban: A case of Inanda Heritage Route
- Mdletshe L. 2020. The environmental impacts of coastal tourism along the Northern KZN coast.
- Nkonyane S. 2020. The socio-economic impacts of coastal and marine tourism in Isimangaliso Wetland Park.
Masters
- Mdletye Z. (2025). Master of Arts (Cultural and Heritage Tourism). Assessing the potential role of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) Business in advancing Local economic development and Youth empowerment: The Case of Meetings Africa Summit, Johannesburg, South Africa.
- Ngcobo, L. 2020. Masters of Social Sciences (Public Policy). The assessment of policy regulating the welfare of women living with disability. The case study of Nkandla Local Municipality.
- Mdletshe L.N. 2022. Master of Social Sciences (Cultural and Heritage Tourism) The socio-economic implications on uShaka Marine World as a flagship coastal development project in Durban beyond Covid-19.
- Tinambo, N. 2022. Master of Social Sciences (Cultural and Heritage Tourism). Exploring the Recovery Strategies employed by the Tourism Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) Beyond -COVID-19: The Case study of the Durban Golden Mile in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
- Govender, S. 2023. Master of Social Sciences (Industrial Organisation and Labour Studies). Youth livelihood vulnerability in the era of covid-19: The case of Phoenix in the greater Durban area.
- Ndimande, X. 2023. Master of Social Sciences (Cultural and Heritage Tourism). Exploring the Local Community Engagement in Culture and Heritage Tourism Development: a case study of Shakaland Cultural Village in Eshowe, KwaZulu Natal.
- Nyathikazi K. 2024. The stakeholders’ beneficiation on sustainable tourism development: The case of iSimangaliso Wetlands Park in Kwa-Zulu Natal
- Mali S. 2024. Master of Social Sciences (Cultural and Heritage Tourism). The assessment of environmental management in nature reserves: the case of Midmar Dam in KwaZulu-Natal.
- Mthembu M. 2024. Master of Social Sciences (Cultural and Heritage Tourism). The potential of route tourism as a local community empowerment strategy: The case of iLembe District, KwaZulu-Natal.
- Ngcenge K. 2024. Master of Social Sciences (Cultural and Heritage Tourism). The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in tourism enterprise development: Addressing customer reluctance and sustainable implementation.
- Mtshali Z. 2024. Masters of Social Sciences (Cultural and Heritage Tourism). The applicability of nature-based tourism in alleviating poverty, unemployment and inequality with special reference to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal.
PhD
- Masondo D. (2025). PhD in Humanities (Cultural and Heritage Tourism). An exploration of Museums as sacred sites: Towards an African religious Perspective.
- Irabor, H.C. 2021. PhD in Humanities (International Relations). The Niger Delta Oil and Environmental Conflict, the Roles of International Law, and the Normative System of International Organizations as a Panacea to the Conflict.
- Ngcobo L. 2024. PhD in Humanities (Public Policy and Development Studies). An explorative study into lived experiences of women with disabilities and policy response toward mitigating challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic alert levels 5-3: A case study of the City of Johannesburg.
- Sibiya N. 2024. PhD in Humanities (Cultural and Heritage Tourism). Assessing the potential of heritage sites in promoting sustainable tourism development in the iLembe District, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
- Mdletshe L.N. 2024. PhD in Humanities (Cultural and Heritage Tourism). Tourism entrepreneurship as a driver for sustainable development in coastal rural areas: Experiences from selected areas of uMkhanyakude District Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal.
- Mukenga K. 2024. PhD in Humanities (Cultural and Heritage Tourism). The impacts of marine pollution on sustainable livelihoods of local communities: Perceptions and experiences from the Durban Coastal Areas.
- Silwana M. 2024. PhD in Humanities (Cultural and Heritage Tourism). The management of tourism policy in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa: Insights from a stakeholder theoretical perspective.