Tembeka Mhlakwaphalwa

Tembeka Mhlakwaphalwa is a Community Engagement Lead and Research Assistant based in Cape Town, South Africa. She holds a Master of Social Science from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, with a background in psychology and qualitative research. At the University of Cape Town, she plays a dual role in shaping and implementing the research group’s 2026 community engagement strategy while supporting the SPACE/Khula neurodevelopmental research project. Her work focuses on ethical, culturally responsive community engagement, participant recruitment, and research operations. Tembeka has worked across academic and public health institutions including UCT, the Human Sciences Research Council, CAPRISA, and the Desmond Tutu TB Centre. She has contributed to peer-reviewed research in neurodevelopment and sexual and reproductive health. Her interests include community-engaged research and inclusive research practices in communities.