Dr. Loquitur Maka, born in kwaBhaca (formerly known as Mount Frere, a small rural town in the Eastern Cape), holds a PhD in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of the Free State. She also earned a Master's and Honours in Agricultural Extension from the University of Fort Hare, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of South Africa. Her academic journey is a testament to resilience, perseverance, and excellence.
Currently, Dr. Maka is the Assistant Director of Monitoring and Institutional Research at the University of the Free State. She also facilitates public management and governance modules for young leaders from 14 Southern African countries through the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI).
Previously, she served as a Writing Consultant at the University of the Free State's Centre for Postgraduate School. Her mentorship initiatives include collaborations with the Peer Impact Mentorship Programme and the GreenMatter Fellowship, reflecting her commitment to nurturing emerging talent.
Beyond these roles, Dr. Maka engages with a wider audience through her YouTube channel, which has over 17k subscribers and over 800k views. She shares valuable lessons for high school learners and offers tips for university students, research skills, and emphasises the importance of education.
In 2023, Dr. Maka was honoured with the Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South African Award for her exceptional contribution to education. She has also successfully supervised six master's students in Sustainable Agriculture, further solidifying her impact on agriculture and higher education.
Dr. Maka's journey exemplifies the power of dedication, mentorship, and expertise to drive positive change in higher education.