Prof. Oupa Makola is an educator, Psychometrist, Counselling Psychologist, and Child Psychologist who is duly registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). In 2007, he successfully completed a directed PhD in Child Psychology at the University of the Free State.

Currently, Prof. Makola holds the position of Director of Institutional Renewal and Transformation within the Vice-Chancellor’s Office at the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT). Furthermore, he is a member of the Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA) and was the distinguished recipient of the PsySSA Award for Best Practice in 2015. Additionally, Prof. Makola is an Associate Member of the Viktor Frankl Institute of Logotherapy, which is based in Dallas, Texas, USA.

Professor Makola has presented his research findings at both national and international conferences, where he has also been invited as a distinguished guest speaker. His publication record includes a substantial number of scholarly works, ranging from peer-reviewed articles and published conference papers to academic books, book chapters, and public intellectual commentaries. These contributions span a diverse range of topics within the field of Psychology, including logotherapy, forgiveness, positive psychology, psycho-autobiography, youth studies, student attrition, social innovation, academic performance, youth leadership, job satisfaction, and psychological well-being. In 2016, UNISA Press published his first academic book titled “Find Meaning, Stop Wondering.” His second book, “Pimp the Pain: Purpose Inspired Dialogues,” was also published by UNISA Press in 2017. In the year 2021, Professor Makola published his third book, titled “Seventy Women and One Man: Meetings with Remarkable Women.” Professor Makola is deeply committed to empowering women and assisting young people in finding purpose and achieving success in their lives. From 2015 to 2017, he was a research fellow in an international research project titled: Can Forgiveness Be Strengthened in West and South Africa Project? Prof. Makola’s research work has also enabled him to play an active role in the mainstream media.

Over the past 20 years, he has presented more than 1,000 psycho-education talks on a national radio station, LESEDI FM, under SABC Education. During his talks, he educates listeners about their respective psychological conditions (sessions are conducted in South Sotho). In this sense, he represents the field of psychology in enlightening African communities about various psychological conditions. His current research interest is in the field of Forgiveness: Assisting youth to heal the wounds left by absent fathers. Professor Makola is an accomplished researcher, practitioner and academic who has made significant contributions to the university. His research in the field of human motivation and aspirations has provided valuable insights that have the potential to inspire innovative approaches to education and student support.

Furthermore, his dedication to mentoring postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows, as well as his commitment to fostering a campus culture that values self-reflection and personal growth, have greatly enriched the university’s intellectual and academic environment. Professor Makola’s leadership and dedication to the success of others are truly inspiring. His empathetic approach and genuine desire to see everyone succeed create an environment where individuals feel valued and supported in their professional development. His leadership is a valuable asset to the university and all who have the privilege of working with him.

Uploaded: 23 October 2024