Dr. Samkelisiwe Khanyile’s Journey to a Ph.D.

In a momentous achievement, Samkelisiwe Khanyile has completed her PhD at the University of the Witwatersrand, marking a significant milestone in her academic and professional journey. Her doctoral research, which focused on the applications of a Geographic Information System (GIS) framework for the integrated conceptualisation, visualisation, and analysis of the urban post-mining landscape of Gauteng, has significantly challenged the traditional representation of this landscape. Her work has been lauded for its innovative approach and impactful findings, which have the potential to reshape our conceptualisation, understanding and representation of urban post-mining landscapes.

Samkelisiwe’s journey with the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) began in 2016 when she joined as an intern. Her dedication and passion for research quickly propelled her through the ranks, and she became a junior researcher in 2017 and a researcher in 2020.

Throughout her career, Samkelisiwe has demonstrated a broad interest in sustainability-related issues, data analytics, and visualisation. Her specific research interests lie in the applications of technologies such as GIS and Remote Sensing to inform sustainable and equitable urban development. She is also interested in participatory research methods and citizen science. She has contributed to multiple national and internationally funded projects and has several published works, all centred around the broader theme of sustainability.

Samkelisiwe’s achievement is a testament to her hard work, perseverance, and commitment to advancing knowledge in her field. Her contributions to the GCRO and the academic community are invaluable. We eagerly anticipate this promising scholar's future endeavours, confident that her work will continue to make a significant impact.

Congratulations, Dr Khanyile, on this well-deserved accomplishment! Your journey inspires many, and we look forward to seeing the continued impact of your work