Mrs. Thandazile Sibindi | Medicine and Health Sciences | Cross-disciplinary Excellence Award
Mrs. Thandazile Sibindi | Medicine and Health Sciences | Research assistant | University of the Western Cape | South Africa
Professional Profile
Education
Mrs. Thandazile Sibindi has built a solid academic foundation in nursing and health sciences, progressively advancing her expertise through diverse qualifications. She is currently a PhD candidate at the University of the Western Cape, focusing her research on the intersection of climate change and health, particularly the role of nurses in addressing these challenges. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing Science with a specialization in Maternal and Child Health from the University of Zimbabwe, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Science (Nurse Education) from the Zimbabwe Open University. Her earlier professional training includes a Diploma in Midwifery from Mpilo School of Midwifery and a Diploma in General Nursing from Mpilo School of Nursing, Zimbabwe. This strong educational background has equipped her with both clinical and academic expertise, enabling her to contribute meaningfully to nursing education, healthcare policy, and climate-health research.
Professional Experience
Mrs. Thandazile Sibindi has extensive professional experience spanning clinical practice, education, and research, with a strong focus on the integration of health and climate change. She currently serves as a Graduate Lecturer Assistant at the University of the Western Cape, where she supports teaching, assessment, and student guidance while contributing to curriculum delivery and academic development. Previously, she worked as a Research Assistant in the same institution’s School of Nursing, where she conducted literature reviews, designed and implemented studies on eco-nursing practices, analyzed data, and contributed to policy briefs and academic publications. Earlier in her career, she served as a Nurse Educator at United Bulawayo Hospitals and Mpilo Central Hospital in Zimbabwe, where she developed and delivered nursing curricula, mentored students, and emphasized environmental sustainability in healthcare education. Her professional journey reflects a unique blend of teaching, research, and policy engagement, positioning her as a valuable contributor to both academia and the healthcare sector.
Research Interest
Mrs. Thandazile Sibindi’s research interests lie at the intersection of climate change, health, and nursing, with a strong emphasis on advancing sustainable healthcare practices. She is particularly focused on eco-nursing competencies, exploring how nurses can play a pivotal role in mitigating climate-related health risks and promoting climate justice within healthcare systems. Her work also extends to the integration of climate change into nursing education and policy, aiming to prepare future healthcare professionals to respond effectively to environmental challenges. By bridging nursing science, public health, and environmental sustainability, her research seeks to generate innovative approaches that strengthen health systems’ resilience and contribute to global efforts in addressing the climate crisis.
Award and Honor
Mrs. Thandazile Sibindi has been recognized for her academic excellence and commitment to advancing nursing and health sciences through notable awards and honors. Early in her career, she was awarded Best Student in Health Assessment at Mpilo School of Nursing, a testament to her strong clinical and academic abilities. She was later selected as a NORHED Scholar at the College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, an honor that highlighted her research potential and dedication to advancing healthcare education and practice. These achievements reflect her consistent pursuit of excellence and her capacity to contribute meaningfully to both nursing scholarship and the broader health sector.
Publications Top Noted
Use of artificial intelligence in healthcare in South Africa: A scoping review
Year: 2025
Eco-nursing competencies for nurses: A scoping review
Year: 2024
Poverty: What is it and what it is not? A concept analysis
Year: 2017
Adherence to exclusive breastfeeding: A concept analysis
Year: 2016
Conclusion
Mrs. Thandazile Sibindi is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with clear evidence of scholarly contributions, thought leadership, and societal impact. Her dedication to integrating climate change with healthcare—especially through nursing education and policy—positions her as an innovator in an emerging research field. With continued emphasis on expanding her publication record, securing research funding, and amplifying her international leadership roles, she is not only suitable for this award but also poised to make an even greater global impact in the future.