Professor, University of Fort Hare, South Africa
Pius Tangwe Tanga is a full Professor of Social Work at the University of Fort Hare, South Africa. With nearly 30 years of experience in social work practice and education, he focuses on social justice, violence, social protection, and social work education in Africa. A seasoned researcher, he has conducted work for agencies like UNICEF, USAID, and the European Union. Tanga has published over 100 academic works and is a member of multiple academic boards. He has supervised 38 master’s dissertations, 27 PhDs, and six postdoctoral fellows. He is an NRF C-rated researcher.
Profile
Google Scholar
Education🎓📖
Tanga holds a PhD in Social Sciences from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (2004), focusing on social policy for female-headed households. He earned a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria (1996), a BSc in Social Work and Community Development from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (1994), and several other qualifications including a Diploma in Social Work from ENAAS, Yaoundé, Cameroon (1987). His academic credentials reflect his dedication to advancing social work knowledge and human rights.
Experience👨🏫🌍
Tanga’s career spans teaching and research roles at universities in South Africa, Lesotho, and Cameroon. At the University of Fort Hare, he held key leadership roles such as Deputy Dean for Research & Internationalisation and Head of Social Work. He also served as a senior lecturer at the National University of Lesotho and University of KwaZulu-Natal. Tanga has extensive experience as a social worker in family welfare and child protection in Cameroon. His teaching and mentorship have contributed to the growth of social work in Africa.
Awards and Honors 🏆🌟
Tanga received the Vice Chancellor’s Research Award at the National University of Lesotho (2009) and the Vice Chancellor’s Senior Researcher Award at the University of Fort Hare (2014, 2019, 2021, 2022). He has been recognized for his leadership in social work and academic achievements, notably as an NRF C-rated researcher. He was also honored for his contribution to African social work education and his role in editing the Routledge Handbook of African Social Work Education (2024). 🏆🌟
Research Focus🔬🌍
Tanga’s research focuses on social justice, social protection for vulnerable populations, and social work education in Africa. He has conducted impactful research on violence, pandemics, and child protection in the African context. His work has been funded by prominent international donors and humanitarian agencies. Tanga’s commitment to social change through research is evident in his numerous publications and policy papers presented at global conferences. He continues to explore innovative solutions to social issues affecting marginalized communities.
Memberships🌐
Tanga is a member of several professional bodies including the South African Council for Social Services Professions (SACSSP), Nigerian Association of Social Workers, and various international social work associations. He is actively involved in the Association of South African Social Work Education Institutions (ASASWEI) and the Association of Schools of Social Work in Africa (ASSWA). 🏢
Publications Top Notes 📚
Social and Ecological Systems:
Fostering complexity thinking in action research for change in social–ecological systems explores the need for integrated thinking in addressing challenges in social-ecological systems.
Sexual and Health Vulnerability:
More than just talk: The framing of transactional sex and its implications for vulnerability to HIV investigates the role of transactional sex in exacerbating vulnerability to HIV in southern African countries, including Lesotho, Madagascar, and South Africa.
Housing and Poverty:
Articles such as Housing problems and programs in South Africa and Housing needs focus on the challenges of housing provision and the effectiveness of government housing programs in addressing the needs of the poor in South Africa, particularly in Eastern Cape.
Impact of Family Support on Education:
The impact of the declining extended family support system on the education of orphans in Lesotho examines how the collapse of the extended family system impacts the educational outcomes of orphaned children.
Social Assistance and Empowerment:
Articles like The intended consequences of the social assistance grants in South Africa and The impact of donor-funded community empowerment projects on poverty alleviation in Zimbabwe delve into the effectiveness of social grants and community empowerment projects in alleviating poverty.
Social Work and Education:
The challenges of social work field training in Lesotho and Emergency remote teaching and learning during Covid-19 reflect on challenges faced in social work education and training, especially in contexts like Lesotho and South Africa.
Community Development and Participation:
An analysis of community participation in handicraft projects in Lesotho examines how community-driven projects can contribute to economic and social development.
Infrastructure and Livelihoods:
The impact of improved road infrastructure on the livelihoods of rural residents in Lesotho discusses the potential of infrastructure development to improve the living conditions of rural communities.
HIV/AIDS and Traditional Healing:
Challenges faced by traditional healers when treating people living with HIV and AIDS explores the intersection of traditional medicine and HIV treatment in South Africa.
Economic and Social Impact of Grants and De-Agrarianisation:
Income for the whole family: Exploring the contribution of social grants to rural household income and The impact of de-agrarianisation on the socio-economic well-being of rural inhabitants in South Africa analyze how socio-economic changes and policies affect rural communities.
Conclusion:
Professor Pius Tangwe Tanga is highly deserving of the Research for Best Researcher Award. His contributions to social work research, academic excellence, and mentorship within the African context, combined with his leadership roles in higher education, make him a standout researcher. His ongoing commitment to advancing social justice, addressing global challenges, and promoting social work education aligns perfectly with the values of the award. With continued growth in international collaborations and policy engagement, Professor Tanga’s influence in social work research will undoubtedly expand, solidifying his position as a global leader in the field.