Gender-based violence advisor at Lipholo EGPAF, Lesotho
Bokang Nephtali Lipholo is a dedicated researcher and social work professional with extensive experience in gender-based violence prevention, human rights advocacy, and HIV/AIDS counseling. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Social Work at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal and holds a Master’s in Social Development and Policy from the University of Pretoria. With a strong academic background, he has published multiple scholarly articles on school violence, disaster response, and social work interventions. His professional journey includes roles at the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and World Vision Lesotho, where he has led initiatives on human rights protection and HIV services. As a Canon Collins Trust Scholar and DAAD fellowship recipient, he has demonstrated academic excellence and leadership. His skills in policy advocacy, community engagement, and capacity building make him a strong candidate for the Excellence in Research Award, with opportunities to further expand his research contributions and global impact.
Professional Profile
Education
Bokang Nephtali Lipholo has a strong academic foundation in social work and social development. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Social Work at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, building on his Master’s degree in Social Development and Policy from the University of Pretoria. He also holds an Honours degree in Social Science (Social Development) from the University of Cape Town and a Bachelor of Social Work from the National University of Lesotho. His commitment to continuous learning is evident in his completion of various short courses, including advanced human rights training on sexual minority rights, children’s rights, and the right to development in Africa. Additionally, he has received training in gender-based violence response, HIV pediatrics, civic leadership, and project management. His diverse educational background, combined with his research and practical experience, equips him with the expertise to address social challenges through policy development, advocacy, and academic contributions.
Professional Experience
Bokang Nephtali Lipholo has extensive professional experience in social work, gender-based violence (GBV) prevention, human rights advocacy, and HIV/AIDS counseling. He currently serves as a GBV Clinical Advisor at the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF), where he coordinates GBV activities, develops guidelines, and ensures program implementation. Previously, he worked as a Protection and Promotion of Human Rights Project Officer at World Vision Lesotho, advocating for the rights of women, children, and survivors of trafficking. His experience also includes serving as a Professional Counselor at EGPAF, providing HIV testing and support services, and as a Social Worker at the Centre for Impacting Lives and the Lesotho Network of AIDS Services Organization, supporting orphaned and vulnerable children. Throughout his career, he has led capacity-building initiatives, policy advocacy efforts, and community mobilization programs. His expertise in program management, stakeholder engagement, and counseling makes him a valuable leader in social development.
Research Interest
Bokang Nephtali Lipholo’s research interests lie at the intersection of social work, human rights, gender-based violence (GBV), and public health. His work focuses on understanding and addressing social injustices, particularly in vulnerable communities across the SADC region. He has conducted research on school violence, intervention strategies, and disaster response in low-income communities, contributing to the body of knowledge in Afrocentric social work. His interest in GBV prevention and response is reflected in his professional roles and academic publications, where he examines the factors contributing to violence and explores effective intervention models. Additionally, his research extends to HIV/AIDS care and advocacy, particularly in improving service accessibility for marginalized populations, including adolescents and gender minorities. His passion for policy development and program evaluation drives his commitment to evidence-based social interventions. Through his research, Lipholo aims to influence policies and programs that promote social justice, community resilience, and sustainable development.
Award and Honor
Bokang Nephtali Lipholo has received several prestigious awards and honors in recognition of his academic excellence, leadership, and contributions to social development. He was awarded the Canon Collins Trust Scholarship in 2024 at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, acknowledging his outstanding academic achievements and commitment to social justice. Additionally, he was a recipient of the Kellogg Foundation Scholarship in 2015 at the University of Cape Town, which supported his studies and research in social development. His dedication to academic growth and cross-cultural research was further recognized through the DAAD Postgraduate Student Scholarship Exchange Program in 2023, enabling him to engage in international research collaborations. These honors highlight his strong academic foundation, research contributions, and leadership in advancing social work, gender-based violence prevention, and human rights advocacy. Lipholo continues to leverage these recognitions to drive impactful social change and contribute to policy development in Africa.
Research Skill
Bokang Nephtali Lipholo possesses strong research skills, particularly in social work, human rights, gender-based violence (GBV), and public health. His expertise includes qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, systematic reviews, and policy analysis. He has successfully conducted research on school violence, intervention strategies, and disaster response, demonstrating his ability to critically analyze complex social issues. Lipholo is skilled in data collection, interpretation, and report writing, ensuring that his findings contribute to evidence-based policymaking. His ability to apply human-centered design research has enhanced service delivery for adolescents accessing HIV services in Lesotho. Additionally, his experience as a co-investigator and academic tutor reflects his proficiency in mentoring and guiding research students. With publications in peer-reviewed journals and experience in writing policy reports, he effectively translates research into practice. His research skills continue to drive impactful contributions to social development, community resilience, and the advancement of social justice initiatives.
Conclusion
Lithoteng Ha-Seoli (Bokang Nephtali Lipholo) is a strong candidate for the Excellence in Research Award, given his academic achievements, scholarly contributions, and professional experience in social work and human rights. His research aligns with critical societal issues, making a significant impact in gender-based violence prevention, HIV/AIDS support, and school violence interventions.
To further strengthen his candidacy, he could focus on increasing research output, securing grants, and expanding interdisciplinary collaborations. However, his commitment to research, policy influence, and leadership in social work make him highly deserving of recognition.
Publications Top Noted
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Title: An autoethnography of disaster response work with low-income communities in KZN: Implications for Afrocentric social work
Authors: B. Mzinyane, S. Ajodhia, S.N. Gumbi, G. Khumalo, S.B. Nduli, Z. Mfishi, B.N. Lipholo
Year: 2024
Citation: Mzinyane, B., Ajodhia, S., Gumbi, S.N., Khumalo, G., Nduli, S.B., Mfishi, Z., & Lipholo, B.N. (2024). An autoethnography of disaster response work with low-income communities in KZN: Implications for Afrocentric social work. Journal of Social Development in Africa, 39(2), 42-67.
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Title: Children’s Views at Camp Sizanani Life Skills on Mitigating Environmental Risks and Poverty for a Sustainable Future
Author: B.N. Lipholo
Year: 2021
Citation: Lipholo, B.N. (2021). Children’s Views at Camp Sizanani Life Skills on Mitigating Environmental Risks and Poverty for a Sustainable Future. PQDT-Global.
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Title: Understanding the Contributing Factors of School Violence and Intervention Strategies Used in the SADC Region: A Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: G. Khumalo, N.F. Makhakhe, B.N. Lipholo
Year: 2019
Citation: Khumalo, G., Makhakhe, N.F., & Lipholo, B.N. (2019). Understanding the Contributing Factors of School Violence and Intervention Strategies Used in the SADC Region: A Scoping Review Protocol. Journal of Social Work, 9(1).
