Martina Jordaan

University of Pretoria

Biographical Abstracts

Dr. Martina Jordaan is the head of community engagement research and postgraduate studies at the University of Pretoria, Mamelodi Campus. A leading scholar and practitioner in higher education community engagement and service-learning, she specializes in building sustainable, mutual partnerships between universities and township communities. Her work prominently focuses on digital literacy, technological empowerment, and the preservation of local heritage through digital storytelling.

Jordaan’s extensive contributions to the field have earned significant international recognition. She serves as the country director for the Higher Education Teaching and Learning Network and is a member of the editorial board for the International Journal of Research on Service-Learning and Community Engagement. She received an Outstanding Paper award as part of the Emerald Literati Awards for her impactful research on intercultural e-community engagement. Grounded in experiential learning frameworks, her career bridges grassroots community development with international academic collaboration, driving meaningful socioeconomic impact.

Areas of Expertise

• Higher education service-learning and community engagement pedagogy
• Digital literacy and technological empowerment in township communities
• Digital storytelling and local heritage preservation
• Intercultural e-community-engagement and international collaboration