Biography
She has served as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences since 2021, guiding and providing strategic direction for a faculty of around 4 000 undergraduate and postgraduate students. The faculty encompasses multiple schools, including Behavioural & Lifestyle Sciences, Clinical Care & Medicinal Sciences and the School of Medicine.
Guided by her vision and leadership, the Faculty of Health Sciences continues to strengthen its impact on health education, research excellence and community engagement, shaping the next generation of health professionals across South Africa and the broader African continent.
Prof Zingela holds a medical degree (MBChB) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, specialisation in psychiatry (MMed Psych) and a PhD in Psychology from Nelson Mandela University. She is a Fellow of the College of Psychiatrists of South Africa. She holds leadership roles on national (Health Professions Council of South Africa) and international bodies (International Narcotics Control Board of the United Nations).
Prof Zingela’s research interests include catatonia, health professionals’ occupational mental health, substance use and public mental health. She has developed innovative mental health training programmes, including Enhanced Preparedness Training to support wellbeing.
She was joint winner in the 2025 Health Excellence Leadership category at the South African Health Excellence Awards; and in 2024 was the Distinguished Woman Researcher winner at the South African Women in Science Awards.