First Black Woman to Head South Africa’s Criminological Society
Dr Mahlogonolo Thobane has taken a bold step forward in South Africa’s academic history. She now leads the Criminological Society of South Africa (Crimsa) as its president, becoming the first Black woman to do so.
Based in Gauteng, Thobane is also a senior lecturer at the University of South Africa (Unisa)’s College of Law. Her term as Crimsa president will run for three years. She previously served as vice-president from 2018 to 2020.
Crimsa’s Mission and Global Reach
Crimsa is a respected academic society known for promoting criminology, victimology, and criminal justice research in Africa and beyond. It brings together experts from different fields to address crime, conflict, and abuse of power through research and policy.
The society also supports academic discussions that examine issues like deviance, victimisation, and justice reform. It is one of the few South African institutions shaping criminology research on a global level.
Pushing African Voices to the Centre of Criminology
Dr Thobane is clear about her goals. She plans to push African knowledge and leadership to the center of criminological thinking. For too long, global research has focused on Western theories, often ignoring local voices.
“I am at the helm of a social sciences society in South Africa,” said Thobane. “A key task for me during my three-year tenure is to ensure that our society transforms in its truest sense. I hope after me our society will never have to celebrate the first Black again. This cannot be the status quo in 2021 and beyond.”
Research Focus: Gender-Based Violence and Robberies
Thobane brings deep expertise in crime research. Her work mainly focuses on gender-based violence and cash-in-transit robberies—two pressing issues in South Africa.
These research areas are not only timely but also highlight the urgent need for local solutions. Her work connects with communities, helping people better understand and respond to crime.
A Vision for Inclusive Growth in Criminology
Under her leadership, Crimsa is expected to support more African scholars. Thobane aims to make the society more inclusive, especially for women and researchers from underrepresented backgrounds.
Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Puleng LenkaBula, praised the move. “Her appointment is a historical milestone that illustrates transformation and contributes towards building an inclusive society,” she said.
A Society With Deep Roots and a Bright Future
Crimsa was founded by Professor Beaty Naudé, a former academic at Unisa’s Department of Criminology. Naudé’s global work helped build a strong base for the society in the 1970s through to the 1990s.
Now, with Thobane at the helm, Crimsa is poised to enter a new chapter—one that centres Africa in global discussions and fosters real transformation in the field of criminology.
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