Lithakazi Mkombe

Researcher | Playwright | Creative Practitioner | Social Impact Entrepreneur

I am a cultural educator, researcher, creative practitioner and social impact entrepreneur committed to exploring how language, participatory research, artistic practice and community-centred knowledge production can contribute to meaningful social transformation.

In 2023, I founded The JuxtaPlace, an inquiry and legislative theatre company dedicated to conducting research through artistic practice for social impact. I am trained in Architectural Technology through the Durban University of Technology, Poetic Inquiry and Basic Research Ethics through the Human Sciences Research Council, as well as Collaborative Practices in Creating Theatre through Théâtre du Soleil. These approaches have enabled me to transform research data and lived experiences into poetry and use role-play and participatory theatre to create spaces where communities can explore complex social issues, share knowledge and engage with decision-making processes.

My research experience spans international development, governance, workforce development, organisational research and non-fiction research. Through work with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, I contributed to research assessing online services, telecommunications infrastructure and human capital in relation to the United Nations E-Government Development Index, with a focus on South Africa and Johannesburg. This work examined institutional strengths, capacity gaps and opportunities for developing more inclusive, effective and transparent systems of governance.

I have also conducted skills-needs analyses for ETDP SETA, examining workforce requirements, learning cultures and skills gaps to support evidence-based workplace skills planning. My research experience further includes niche-focused non-fiction research, case-study development, statistical analysis, organisational research, market research, stakeholder engagement, regulatory and legislative review and the preparation of reports for stakeholders.

Alongside research, I am passionate about mentorship and creating opportunities for emerging leaders. I currently mentor young people and entrepreneurs through the Commonwealth Youth Council, Black Equity Organisation and Durban University of Technology RISE Mentorship Programme. My mentoring work includes career development, civic engagement, leadership, entrepreneurship, investor readiness, employability, professional communication and goal-setting.

My professional journey began in architecture, where I worked as an Architectural Technologist after completing a National Diploma in Architectural Technology at Durban University of Technology. This foundation continues to influence my approach to research and social impact: I am interested in how people, systems and environments are designed, how they function and how they can be reimagined to better serve communities.

My work has been recognised by organisations including North-West University, Business and Arts South Africa, the Gordon Institute of Business Science, and the Arts & Culture Trust, with The JuxtaPlace being recognised among leading emerging initiatives and innovative solutions. I was also nominated for the Gagasi FM Shero Award in 2026.

My projects include iDare2Care, performances at Constitution Hill’s Human Rights Festival in 2024 and 2025, performances at The Playhouse Theatre, and public activations in Durban.

At the heart of my work is a simple but important question: What becomes possible when the people most affected by an issue are not simply researched, but are given the opportunity to become active producers of knowledge and participants in shaping solutions?

I believe research can be rigorous and human, education can be participatory and artistic practice can create new pathways for dialogue, understanding and action. My work seeks to bring communities, researchers, artists, institutions, policymakers and other stakeholders into conversation so that knowledge can move beyond documentation and contribute to meaningful social change.