Thokozani Simelane holds a PhD and Doctor of Engineering in Industrial Engineering. Is a Professor of Practice in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, University of Johannesburg. Has previously worked for South African National Parks (SANParks), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). Thokozani Simelane is a systems scientist and researcher. Has vast knowledge of systems, processes and business operations of various companies in South Africa.

Fortunate Nosisa Zaca holds a PhD in Food Security. She also holds a Leadership in Business Certificate from the University of Nevada-Reno, United States of America. She has a strong data analysis skills, including working with large datasets, and applying econometric models and food insecurity tools. She is a member of the African Food Changemakers and the Golden Key International Honour Society. She is an alumni of various programmes that include the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders; the Young African Leaders Initiative Regional Leadership Center Southern Africa; the Africa Young Graduates and Scholars; the Water-Energy-Food Nexus Masterclass and Advanced School for Southern African Development Community Region; the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs in Lesotho, Eswatini, and South Africa; the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women; and the Youth Climate Champions.

Thembani Moyo holds a PhD in Urban and Regional Planning. Is a scholar with extensive experience in academic, policy, and professional forums. He has served in multiple capacities as a reviewer, facilitator, keynote speaker, and panel discussant across various scientific committees and knowledge exchange platforms. Currently based at the University of Johannesburg, Dr Thembani Moyo is involved in teaching, postgraduate supervision, and interdisciplinary research collaborations.

Buhle Dube holds a PhD in Urban and Regional Planning. He is a professional planner registered with ZIRUP. With over 12 years of experience, particularly in academia, Dr. Buhle Dube has made significant contributions through his research, planning consultancy, research supervision and teaching. His scholarly work spans a wide range of topics, including regional transformation and urbanization, environmental design systems, peri-urban challenges, and pandemic response and city resilience.

Thulisile Ncamsile Mphambukeli holds a PhD in Urban and Regional Planning. She is a Head of Department and Associate Professor: Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, University of Johannesburg. She is a recipient of many research grants and awards such as the BRICS Think Tank Academic Forum Grant, National Research Foundation Knowledge Interchange and Collaboration, the Herrenhausen Conference Travel Grant, Hanover, Germany, BRICS Think Tank Academic Forum Seed Funding, South Africa, and African Peacebuilding Network (APN) Individual Research Grantee, The African Pathways Programme (APP)/BRICS Teaching and Research Mobility Grantee, National Institute for Social Sciences, South Africa. She is a member of the South African BRICS Think Tank.