The Faculty of Education is proud to announce the appointment of Professor Ronel Ferreira as the new Deputy Dean: Research and Postgraduate Studies, effective 1 July 2025. Her term will run for four years, concluding on 30 June 2029. The appointment was officially announced by the Dean of the Faculty, Professor Lindelani Mnguni.

Professor Ferreira, a distinguished scholar in the Department of Educational Psychology, currently serves as Director of the Centre for Visual Impairment Studies at the University. She previously held the position of Head of the Department of Educational Psychology and has been instrumental in advancing inclusive education, notably through her collaboration with the South African National Council for the Blind to enhance societal integration for visually impaired individuals.

In announcing the appointment, Dean Mnguni praised Professor Ferreira's extensive expertise and research leadership:

“Professor Ferreira brings to this role a wealth of experience, a steadfast commitment to research excellence, and a deep understanding of postgraduate education. Her leadership will be pivotal in advancing our strategic vision as a research-intensive faculty,” he said.

A prolific researcher, Professor Ferreira is widely published, with her recent co-authored book, Understanding Education for the Visually Impaired (2023), receiving critical acclaim. Her research interests centre on psychosocial support, resilience, and participatory intervention models, particularly within school and community contexts supporting vulnerable children and at-risk populations.

The Faculty also expresses its sincere appreciation to Professor Saloshna Vandeyar, who has served as Deputy Dean: Research and Postgraduate Studies since 2022.

“Professor Vandeyar's tenure has been marked by transformative achievements in strengthening our research and postgraduate systems,” noted Dean Mnguni. “Under her leadership, we witnessed significant growth in NRF-rated researchers, academic promotions, and research grant success. Her commitment to research capacity development played a key role in the faculty recently recording one of its highest numbers of Master’s and Doctoral graduates.”

Colleagues across the faculty have warmly congratulated Professor Ferreira on her appointment. Among them, Professor Vandeyar extended her best wishes, commending her successor’s commitment to research-led transformation and academic excellence.

The Faculty of Education warmly welcomes Professor Ferreira to her new role and looks forward to the continued advancement of its research and postgraduate agenda under her capable leadership.