Noor Nieftagodien (Chairperson)
Noor Nieftagodien is the South African Research Chair in Local Histories, Present Realities and is the Head of the History Workshop at the University of the Witwatersrand, where he also lectures in the Department of History. He has authored books on the history of Alexandra, Ekurhuleni and Kathorus, and recently published books on the history of Orlando West, the Soweto uprising, and co-edited a book on the history of the ANC and on student politics (Students Must Rise). In addition, he has published articles and book chapters on aspects of popular insurgent struggles, public history, youth politics and the state of the left in South Africa (New South African Review 5 and Global Resistance in Southern Perspective).
He is currently researching the relationship between local popular movements and the local state in the Vaal Triangle. Nieftagodien serves on the boards of the South African History Archives (SAHA), the Socio-Economic Rights Institute (SERI) and the Society, Work and Development Institute (SWOP), as well as the editorial boards of African Studies and Africa Perspectives Series.
Jaamia Galant (Deputy-Chairperson)
Jaamia Galant has an MEd (Mathematics Education) from UCT and is completing her PhD at the Institute of Education, University College London (UCL), focusing on research practices in Higher Education. She currently works as Faculty Planning Manager in the Faculty of Humanities, UCT and is Research Associate in the School of Education, UCT. For the past few years she has worked extensively on a research project focusing on management and pedagogic practices in poor schools that perform above schools with similar demographics.
Jaamia has continued her social activism from the anti-apartheid years to the present day, strongly aligning herself with the ongoing struggle of workers for social and economic justice. She has served as the Secretary of the Claremont Main Road Mosque (CMRM) Board since 2011, where she has played a leading role in their social justice campaigns. These have included the CMRM Jihad Against Poverty Campaign that supports solidarity efforts with poor and marginalised communities, including farmworkers.
Bridgette Nkomana (Treasurer)
Bridgette Nkomana is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in Skills Development. Armed with a National Diploma in Human Resources Management, she has demonstrated a profound understanding of organizational development and workforce empowerment. Additionally, Bridgette holds an Advanced Diploma in Business Management from MANCOSA, further solidifying her expertise in strategic management and leadership.
Bridgette’s commitment to social change extends beyond her professional endeavours. As a National Executive Committee (NEC) member of Zabalaza For Socialism, she actively contributes to shaping progressive ideologies and advocating for societal transformation. Her dedication to social justice is exemplified by her previous role as Deputy Regional Secretary for the South African Municipal Workers Union, where she championed the rights and welfare of municipal workers. She is also an LGBTQIA+ and women’s rights activist.
With her wealth of experience and tireless dedication to advancing both individual skills development and broader social change initiatives, Bridgette Nkomana continues to be a driving force in creating a more equitable and empowered society.
Other Board members: