Prof. Solomon (Oupa) Makola
NRF Rating: C
Professor of Psychology
Qualifications: PhD (Child Psychology, UFS) | M.A. (Counselling Psychology, WITS) | B.A. Hons Psych (Vista) | B.A. Ed (Vista)
Professional Background
Prof. Solomon Makola is a dedicated psychologist and academic whose work bridges scholarly research with profound community impact. Over the past two decades, he has presented more than 1,000 psycho-educational talks on the national radio station LESEDI FM (SABC Education). Conducted in Sesotho, these sessions educate listeners on diverse psychological conditions, fostering psychological well-being and resilience within African communities.
In recognition of this sustained community contribution, the Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA) honoured him with the Award for Best Practice. This accolade acknowledges practitioners who facilitate the healthy functioning of individuals and communities through accessible, culturally responsive engagement.
Current Research & Academic Leadership
- Community-Engaged Research: Leading a focused project on Forgiveness, specifically aimed at "Assisting youth to heal the hurt left by absent fathers."
- Academic Mentorship: Serving as a Research Fellow in the Faculty of Humanities, where he actively supervises postgraduate students and mentors postdoctoral fellows.
- Scholarly Output: Author of multiple books and peer-reviewed articles exploring logotherapy, positive discipline, and student success.
Areas of Expertise
- • Logotherapy
- • Integral Spirituality
- • Positive Psychology
- • Forgiveness Research
- • Student Success and Well-being
Selected Publications
Top Journal Articles
- • Tshabalala, G., Ndlovu, M., Makola, S. & Schlebusch, G. 2024. Implementing positive discipline in Eswatini primary schools: A qualitative study of principals' experiences. Issues in Educational Research, 34(1), 321–339.
- • Ndlovu, M., Schlebusch, G. & Makola, S. 2023. A Framework for Implementing Positive Learner Discipline in Public Secondary Schools from the Context of the Mpumalanga Province. Acta Educationis Generalis, 13(3), 124-156.
- • Makola, S. & Modise, M.A. 2018. Investigation of the Voice of Students Regarding HIV/AIDS in South African Communities. Commonwealth Youth and Development, 16(2), 173–183.
Selected Books
- • Makola, S. 2021. Seventy Women and One Man: Meetings with remarkable women. New Voices.
- • Makola, S. 2017. Pimp the Pain: Purpose Inspired Dialogues. Unisa Press.
- • Makola, S. 2016. Find Meaning, Stop Wondering! Assisting Youth to Find Meaning and Achieve Success in their Studies. Unisa Press.
Top Conference Presentations
- • Makola, S. (2024). "When Knowledge Gives Up". Invited Speaker, Seventh LogoChat, Viktor Frankl Institute of Logotherapy (Virtual), 4 May 2024.
- • Tshabalala, G., Ndlovu, M., Makola, S. & Schlebusch, G. (2023). Experiences of Eswatini school principals in the implementation of positive discipline in schools. African Development and Education Research Association (ADERA) Conference, Eswatini, 21-22 June 2023.
- • Mfecane, M., Modise, M.A., & Makola, S. (2023). Resourcing Secondary Schools’ Learners from Child-Headed Households in the Lejweleputswa District. 4th Annual Conference of the International Society for Academic Researchers (ISfAR), Zanzibar Island, 26-28 July 2023.
- • Makola, S., Tshabalala, G., & Ndlovu, N. (2023). Experiences of higher education academics on quality assurance mechanisms in Eswatini higher education institutions. Southern African Nordic Centre (SANORD) Conference, INN, Hamar, 20-22 September 2023.
