Nomathamsanqa Masiko-Mpaka

Nomathamsanqa Masiko-Mpaka is the South Africa Researcher in the Africa division, where she covers South Africa, Eswatini and Lesotho. With nearly a decade of experience in civil society and development sectors, Nomathamsanqa has worked for organizations such as the Institute for Security Studies in Pretoria, the Centre for Conflict Resolution in Cape Town, the African Leadership Centre in Nairobi and London, and the Institute of African Studies at the University of Ghana.

Prior to joining Human Rights Watch, she worked for the Embassy of Ireland in Pretoria, where she led and consolidated the Embassy’s strategic and policy engagement on human rights, gender equality, governance, sustainable development and peace and security.  Nomathamsanqa holds a Bachelor of Social Science degree in Political Science and Public Policy Administration from the University of Cape Town, a Master of Arts degree in International Relations from Stellenbosch University, as well as a Master of Science degree in Security, Leadership and Society (Cum Laude) from King’s College, London.