Editorial Team
At The Human Occupation and Wellbeing Journal, our editorial team embraces the ubuntu philosophy recognising that our strength lies in our shared humanity. We understand that the publication process can be challenging, especially if you have previously received disheartening or overly harsh feedback from other journals. Here, you will find reviewers and editors who are committed to offering empathetic, constructive guidance. Whether you are a first-time author or presenting work honed through years of academic effort, we are mindful of the unique journey behind each submission. When your study demonstrates the innovation and critical insight that we champion, you can be assured that our board will work closely with you to refine and strengthen your work, nurturing its full potential in a supportive and respectful community. However, if your paper does not align with the journal's scope or lacks new knowledge, it will be promptly rejected. Consider it a learning experience.
Editor-in-Chief
Dr Tongai F. Chichaya - Coventry University, UK
Associate Editors
Dr Nyarie Munambah - University of Namibia, Namibia
Dr Blaine Robin- Leeds Beckett University, UK
Dr Unity Chitapi - University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe
Editorial Board members
Professor Pragashnie Govender- University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
Professor Tawanda Machingura- The University of Notre Dame Australia, Australia
Dr Tabitha Rangara Omol- Presbyterian University of Eastern Africa, Kenya & Occupational Therapy Council of Kenya
Professor Sana Abu-Dahab - The University of Jordan, Jordan
Dr Mapheyeledi Sibindlana (Motimele) - Stellenbosch University, South Africa
Dr Vagner Dos Santos - Charles Sturt University, Australia
Associate Professor Tracey Rehling- Coventry University, UK
Dr Sandra Kasu- Boitekanelo College, Botswana
Professor Karen Liu- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
Dr Victor Michael Camacho - Kean University, USA
Dr Rohat Yazici - Üsküdar University, Turkey
Dr Gwarega Chibaya- Independent Consultant, Spa Bliss, Namibia
Dr Matumo Ramafikeng - University of Essex, UK
Professor Paolo Miguel Bulan - Velez College, Philippines
Associate Professor Musharrat Ahmed-Landeryou - London South Bank University, UK
Dr Peter Ndaa - University of Ghana, Ghana
Associate Professor Aliki Thomas - McGill University, KEEP Lab, Canada
Dr Christopher Likando - Ministry of Health and Social Services, Namibia
Dr Munyaradzi Madhombiro - Walter Sisulu University, South Africa
Dr Mitchel Chatukuta - University College London, UK & Consultant at World Bank
Associate Professor Vivek Vajaratkar - Goa Medical College Bambolim, India
Ubuntu Advisory Council
Emeritus Professor Gubela Mji - Stellenbosh University
Emeritus Professor Gubela Mji, (PhD, MSc, BSc) is the former Director of the Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies within the Global Health Department at Stellenbosch University. Her work centers on disability, indigenous knowledge systems, and rural health. She founded and previously chaired the influential African Network for Evidence-to-Action in Disability (AfriNEAD), which subsequently launched the accredited African Journal of Disability (AJOD). A sought-after participant in national, regional, and international dialogues and decision-making processes, Emeritus Professor Mji contributes to the development of indigenous, international, and global health and rehabilitation frameworks. She advises provincial and national governments on key disability and rehabilitation policy decisions, develops contextually appropriate models for disability and rehabilitation at local and regional levels, and consults with the UN, WHO, and NGOs on programs that improve the lives of persons with disabilities.
Distinguished Professor Elias Mpofu - Visiting at the University of Johannesburg and Professor at University of North Texas
Professor Elias Mpofu, (PhD, DEd, CRC, MAPS, FASRC) is a Distinguished Visiting Professor at the University of Johannesburg, is also Professor at the University of North Texas, USA, and Visiting Professor of Rehabilitation Counselling at the University of Sydney, Australia. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Psychology in Africa and the Australian Journal of Rehabilitation Counselling, and as Consulting Editor for 8 other journals. Over the past two decades, he has authored and co-authored more than 200 publications. Professor Mpofu's research focuses on the design, implementation, and evaluation of community-oriented services in local and international settings.
Honorary Professor Robin Joubert - UKZN
Honorary Professor Joubert (D.Ed, MOT, BA, Nat.Dip.OT) is an honorary professor at UKZN Health Sciences. Honorary Professor Joubert’s career spans over four decades in Occupational Therapy and Health Sciences. She is the former head of Head of School of Audiology, Occupational Therapy and Speech Language Pathology at the University of KwaZulu Natal. She previously served as the Vice Dean Faculty of Health Sciences (Education and Training portfolio) at UKZN. She introduced occupational therapy training at two universities in South Africa and previously headed Natal Provincial Occupational Therapy Services. Honorary Professor Joubert remains passionate about spirituality and wellbeing, global issues and their impact on human wellbeing. Her focus takes a critical perspective on the history of occupational therapy in South Africa, the flaws in the knowledge base shaped by colonial values and insights for addressing these flaws.
Professor Moses Ikiugu - The University of South Dakota
Professor Ikiugu (PhD, MA, BA, DipOT) is a Professor and Director of Research in the occupational therapy program at University of South Dakota with over 38 years of experience in the field of occupational therapy. He has conducted research and published articles extensively covering occupational therapy theory, occupational science, and the nature and use of psychologically rewarding occupations and meaningful occupations and their healing qualities. Decades of work on the relationships between climate change and human occupation make Professor Ikiugu a pillar in the movement to entwine climate action and occupational therapy practice. Professor Ikiugu’s career has consisted of numerous contributions to discussions on climate change, human health, and occupations. He developed a model of the human phenomenon of the occupational perspective on climate change. In 2024 Professor Ikiugu received an award for Leadership and Innovation from the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.
Professor Emerita Mary Ann McColl- Queens University
Professor Emerita Mary Ann McColl, (PhD, MTS, MHSc, Bsc), has dedicated her 40-year research career to four key areas: disability studies and policy, primary care and disability, spirituality and disability, and occupational therapy theory and practice. She is Professor Emerita in both the School of Rehabilitation Therapy (Occupational Therapy) and the Department of Public Health Sciences at Queens University following her retirement in 2024. Professor Emerita McColl also serves as Academic Lead for the Canadian Disability Policy Alliance and is an Associate Editor for the Canadian Journal of Disabilities. Joining the former Centre for Health Services & Policy Research in 2001 as Associate Director, she also served two terms as Acting Director and is now a Senior Scientist at the Health Services & Policy Research Institute. She has authored 14 books on disability, occupational therapy, and spirituality, she is also a co-author of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), the world's most widely used outcome measure in occupational therapy. It is used in over 50 countries and available in more than 40 languages.
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