Dr Joleen Steyn-Kotze
Bio
Prof. Joleen Steyn Kotze is a renowned leader in political research, specializing in democracy, governance, and transformation. As a Senior Research Specialist in Democracy and Citizenship at the Human Sciences Research Council, she drives impactful research on democratization, inequality, gender dynamics, and political development in the Global South. She also serves as a Research Fellow at the Centre for Gender and African Studies, University of the Free State. A C2 NRF-rated researcher, Prof. Steyn Kotze has been recognized for her excellence in interdisciplinary social sciences and was named a Top 40 Under 40 leader by the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber. Her leadership extends to policy advisory roles, serving as South Africa’s country expert for the Varieties of Democracy Index (Sweden) and as a member of the National Research Foundation’s Politics and Philosophy Expert Panel. She has held key leadership positions, including President of the South African Association of Political Studies (2014-2016) and Editor of Politikon: South African Journal of Political Studies (2015-2019). With over 20 peer-reviewed journal articles, 14 book chapters, and multiple books, her work continues to shape academic and policy discussions on democracy and governance.Work and Research
📚 Key Publications: Delivering an Elusive Dream of Democracy: Lessons from Nelson Mandela Bay (2018) – Nominated for the 2020 Academy of Science of South Africa Humanities Book Award. Reflections on the 2019 South African General Elections: Quo Vadis? (Co-Editor, Routledge, 2020). Prof. Steyn Kotze’s expertise, research leadership, and commitment to inclusive and transformative governance make her a key voice in shaping the future of democracy in South Africa and beyond.