Dr Sphilile Mbhele, a lecturer in the Discipline of Audiology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) College of Health Sciences, has achieved a remarkable milestone by earning her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the University of Cape Town (UCT). At just 30 years old, she is the youngest staff member in UKZN’s Discipline of Audiology to obtain this prestigious qualification.
Mbhele’s PhD thesis, titled ‘A Descriptive Study Investigating Functional Balance in Deaf School-Aged Children: Towards the Adaptation and Validation of Subjective Questionnaires’, explores the often-overlooked issue of balance disorders among children who are Deaf. Her work focuses on how these disorders affect the daily lives and development of Deaf children, an area of study that has received limited attention in South African research.
Recognising the challenges faced by children with hearing impairments in expressing their experiences, Mbhele’s research involved translating, cross-culturally adapting, and validating two self-assessment questionnaires from English into South African Sign Language (SASL). This innovative step now enables Deaf children to communicate their experiences of balance difficulties and how these impact their quality of life.
“I am deeply honoured to have contributed to shining a light on developmental issues affecting children with balance problems, especially within the South African context,” said Mbhele. “This is an area often neglected in both research and practice, and I hope to continue being an advocate for greater awareness and support.”
Reflecting on her personal journey, Mbhele shared that she grew up in Mariannhill, near Pinetown, and attended Wingen Heights Secondary School in Chatsworth. “My grandmother, Ms Mavis Thandani Khuboni, has always been my role model – in the way she loved me and many other children, and how she encouraged my dreams. That is why I later identified with activist Sister Abegail Ntleko; her work and teachings paved the way for the person I want to become.”
Mbhele also acknowledged the challenges of balancing multiple roles as a mother, academic, and student, describing the experience as both demanding and deeply rewarding. “The journey has been overwhelming at times, but the unwavering support of my family, friends, and supervisors has been instrumental. Above all, I am grateful to God for seeing me through,” she added.
Watch her inspiring story here
