30 June 2026
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Story Precious Shamase
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Photo Kaleidoscope Studios
Prof Grey Magaiza envisions Phuthaditjhaba as a ‘living laboratory’ for inclusive community development and responsible societal futures.
Prof Grey Magaiza is redefining the relationship between academia and society by transforming Phuthaditjhaba into a ‘living laboratory’ for community development. His work moves beyond traditional study, focusing on how research can act as a catalyst for responsible societal futures and long-term regional impact.
Phuthaditjhaba as a living laboratory
For Prof Magaiza, Phuthaditjhaba is not just a location, but a dynamic environment of socioeconomic transition. By studying its shifting demographics and evolving settlement patterns, his research identifies how service delivery and local resilience can be strengthened. Central to this is a ‘with, not on’ philosophy, ensuring that traditional leadership and royal houses are co-creators of the research process. This deep community integration ensures that the work remains grounded in local protocols and inclusive participation, creating a foundation for sustainable development that survives long after a specific project’s funding ends.
The impact of this approach is already evident. Following a landmark national conference, the University of the Free State (UFS) has emerged as a central hub for community development training in South Africa. This has led to high-level academic outputs, including a special journal and a forthcoming book, while also fast-tracking the professionalisation of the sector through the Professional Board for Community Development. On a personal scale, the research translates into improved lives. Prof Magaiza’s work with local youth has seen participants transition into community activists, tackling critical issues such as teenage pregnancy and health, and demonstrating the power of participatory research to build individual capacity.
Shaping responsible futures
Looking ahead, Prof Magaiza sees a significant shift towards micro-entrepreneurship and the adoption of green technologies, such as solar power, in the informal market. By advocating for structural transformations – such as reliable water and electricity – his work aims to turn survivalist activities into thriving, formalised enterprises. Reflecting on this mission,
Prof Prince Ngobeni, UFS Qwaqwa Campus Principal, states: “Prof Magaiza’s work embodies our commitment to being a research-led institution that does not sit in an ivory tower. By aligning scholarly excellence with the lived realities of Phuthaditjhaba, we are ensuring that our campus serves as a beacon of hope and a driver of genuine societal transformation.”
As these projects scale, the goal remains clear: creating a future where communities are not just protected by social welfare, but are also economically active, socially empowered, and environmentally sustainable.