PROF ACADEMIC PROFILE

Bhedlindaba “VVO” ka LuPhuzi Mkhize is an Honorary Professor in Ancestorology, in the School of Arts under Discipline Theology and Religion at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. His well-published research, written mainly in Zulu, is at the intersection of African indigenous religions, spirituality and healing systems, Umsamo philosophy, African culture, ukuthwasa, ubungoma, comparative religion and Zulu cosmological poetry, to mention but some. He was recognized as one of the top 30 publishing researchers at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal. Some of his publications are: 1.Umsamo: Iziko Lamathongo. Umsamo African Institute. 2. Umsamo: Ubizo nokwelapha kwendabulo. South African Healers Association. 3.Umsamo nodengezi: Ukukhuluma nokuxhumana nemimoya yabalele. Umsamo Institute. His current research explores the role of religion and African rituals in public life, as well as the ethics and aesthetics of ubungoma and ukuthwasa as a resilient site of black knowledge, wisdom and identity production in Southern Africa. His interdisciplinary praxis in pursuit of epistemic justice, challenges tropes of Euro-American modernity that marginalise Africa-centred philosophies of religion, culture, societal values and lived experiences. His research work also aspires to interrogate and affirm sustainable paradigms of black individuality, familyhood and communitarianism. His quest for exemplary black masculinities is premised on the old Zulu adage, ubudoda abukhulelwa/ethical deeds are the real measure of admirable manhood.