Robert Morrell

Robert Morrell is a pioneering South African scholar who transformed the field of gender studies through his groundbreaking work on masculinities and academic development. Born in Cape Town and raised in Swaziland, he completed his education at Rhodes University (BJourn, BA Hons) and Wits University (MA in History), followed by a PhD from the University of Natal. His academic career spans multiple institutions, beginning at the University of Transkei in 1982, followed by positions at the Universities of Durban-Westville and Natal/UKZN where he spent 21 years advancing gender studies. In 1997, he organized Africa's first masculinities conference, leading to highly influential publications including his frequently cited article in the Journal of Southern African Studies. His research has earned him international recognition, with Professor Rachel Jewkes describing him as "the undeniable leader in the field of gender and masculinity studies in South Africa". At UCT (2010-2021), he pioneered initiatives in research development and academic staff support, establishing the Next Generation Professoriate program to support black and female academics. His recent work explores the geopolitics of knowledge production, culminating in "Knowledge and Global Power" (2019), while his contributions to academia earned him the 2020 Rhodes University Distinguished Alumni Award. Currently serving as Senior Research Scholar at UCT's Centre for Higher Education Development, he continues to influence academic development and gender studies in South Africa.