Consolatrix Phiwayinkosi Mungwe
Policy And Development Specialist
Pietermaritzburg
Summary
An individual who is results driven Public Policy and Development Specialist with extensive experience in disability mainstreaming, policy development, governance coordination and rights-based advocacy. Demonstrates proven capacity to strengthen accountability frameworks, monitor policy implementation and facilitate institutional compliance with constitutional and equality legislation. Experienced in coordinating multi-stakeholder engagements across government, civil society and international platforms, with a strong understanding of public sector protocols, intergovernmental processes and structured reporting mechanisms.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Disability Support Specialist
University of KwaZulu-Natal
01.2019 - Current
- Leading institutional mainstreaming and monitoring of disability rights in alignment with constitutional and equality frameworks.
- Develop and implement disability policies, strategic plans and accountability mechanisms to advance inclusive education.
- Managing a multidisciplinary team (8 staff) delivering academic support, outreach and reasonable accommodation services.
- Overseeing accessible learning material conversion and coordinated support services to ensure equitable student participation.
- Facilitating Disability Equality Training for stakeholders and government departments, including the 3 sessions with KwaZulu-Natal Office of the Premier.
- Building strategic partnerships with government and disability stakeholders; represent the University at provincial and national forums.
KZN Focal Point
Youth @ South African Institute of International Affairs
02.2017 - 01.2019
- Served on the Youth Policy Committee, analysing national environmental and energy policies and submitting evidence-based recommendations to strengthen legislative alignment and implementation.
- Drafted and reviewed policy position papers, contributing to regulatory amendments and monitoring implementation within national and international frameworks.
- Coordinated Model United Nations conferences in KwaZulu-Natal, drafting resolutions, chairing formal sessions and ensuring strict adherence to diplomatic protocol and procedural rules.
- Conducted stakeholder consultations and policy advocacy engagements with government and civil society actors to influence strategic policy outcomes.
Director & Co-Founder
South African Youth Climate Change Coalition
02.2015 - 01.2019
- Co-founded and led an environmental justice NGO, strengthening youth participation through structured governance, policy engagement and strategic advocacy initiatives.
- Designed and implemented evidence-based campaigns and policy dialogues influencing environmental governance and legislative processes.
- Represented the organisation at national and international platforms, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), operating within formal diplomatic, governmental and multilateral protocol frameworks.
- Engaged government delegations and multilateral stakeholders, demonstrating strong understanding of public sector procedures, negotiation processes and structured reporting mechanisms.
- Built and sustained strategic partnerships across government, civil society and international networks to advance coordinated policy implementation.
Education
Master of Social Science - Public Policy and Development Studies
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Diploma - Orientation and Mobility Practice
SA Guide Dogs (College of Orientation and Mobility)
01-2025
Bachelor of Honours - Public Policy and Development Studies
University of KwaZulu-Natal
01-2019
Bachelor of Social Science - Political Science and Ethics
University of KwaZulu-Natal
01-2017
St Patrick's College
Kokstad, South Africa 04.2001 -
Skills
Affiliations
- Member, Institutional Forum | University of KwaZulu Natal (2022- 2027)
- Disability Representative | KZN Government Climate Change Council (2025 – 2027)
- KZN Coordinator, Education Committee | South African National Council for the Blind (2024 – 2026)
- Member | HIV and AIDS Civil Society Organisation (2023 – 2026)
- Board Member | KwaZulu Natal Blind and Deaf Society (2022 – 2027)
- Chairperson | Msunduzi Municipality Disability Forum (2019 – 2026)
- Secretary | UMgungundlovu District Disability Forum (2024 – 2029)
- Secretary General | KZN Provincial Disability Forum (2025 – 2029)
Timeline
Disability Support Specialist
University of KwaZulu-Natal
01.2019 - Current
KZN Focal Point
Youth @ South African Institute of International Affairs
02.2017 - 01.2019
Director & Co-Founder
South African Youth Climate Change Coalition
02.2015 - 01.2019
St Patrick's College
04.2001 -
Diploma - Orientation and Mobility Practice
SA Guide Dogs (College of Orientation and Mobility)
Bachelor of Honours - Public Policy and Development Studies
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Bachelor of Social Science - Political Science and Ethics
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Master of Social Science - Public Policy and Development Studies
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Drivers License
Code 10
(7 Years Driving Experience)
Awards & Recognition
Guest Speaker: Durban University of Technology GCI Programme (Climate Change, 2017), Guest Speaker: National Environmental Affairs Programme (2019), Young Leaders Conference Scholarship – SAIIA (2016), International Scholar Laureate Programme Invitation (2016), Golden Key Honours Society (2015), NSFAS Disability Bursary (2014-2017)
Selected Conference Participation
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conferences of the Parties (COP)
- COP22 | Marrakech, Morocco (2016) | Delegate
- COP21 | Paris, France (2015) | Delegate
- COP17 | Durban, South Africa (2011) | Delegate
(Engaged in global climate policy negotiations, advocacy, and stakeholder networking)
International & South African AIDS Conferences
- 7th South African AIDS Conference | Durban, South Africa (2015) | Delegate
- International AIDS Conference | Support Staff & Attendee (Multiple years through FPD role)
(Gained deep insights into public health policy, stakeholder coordination, and the intersection of health and disability)
Policy Knowledge
- The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa
- Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (PEPUDA)
- Domestic Violence Act
- Public Service Act
- White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (WPRPD)
- UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD)
- National Development Plan (NDP) 2030
- Policy Framework for Equal Access to Higher Education
References
- Marilyn, Aitken, Founder and Board Member, maitken@wltp.co.za, 072 597 8705, Women's Leadership and Training Programme
- Ashley, Subbiah, Assistive Technology Centre Manager, atcm@sancb.org.za, 071 854 7288, South African National Council for the Blind
- Mongezi, Zondo, Disability Unit Coordinator, zondom@ukzn.ac.za, 033 260 5065, University of KwaZulu-Natal