Erna van der Westhuizen

Founded Voice Economy, a participatory systems framework for strengthening inclusion through presence, participation, and voice. Led inclusion-focused consultancy and research, designing participatory research methodologies, MERL systems, and tools that translate community voice into decision-relevant evidence and policy insight.

Teach and supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students in qualitative and mixed-methods research. Design curriculum-aligned assessments and learning activities for online and blended environments, and mentor students in research ethics, participatory inquiry, narrative inquiry, and research design.

Led multidisciplinary research on voice economy, participation, and disability inclusion within global governance processes. Coordinated participatory comparative research and translated findings into accessible policy and advocacy outputs for national and international discussions.

Supported community-based organizations implementing programmes focused on gender justice, food security, climate justice, and social inclusion. Facilitated organisational learning and participatory reflection, and managed grants and stakeholder relationships across a diverse portfolio to strengthen programme design and governance.

Directed organisational strategy, impact systems, and disability-inclusive programme development across South Africa and international partnerships. Conceptualised and operationalised ecosystem-based inclusion and social impact frameworks, and designed integrated MERL systems tracking over 200 programme outcomes and indicators, while leading teams and delivering capacity development for caregivers

Facilitated community development, governance strengthening, fundraising support, and organisational capacity-building across programmes in areas including gender justice, HIV/AIDS, local economic development, refugee rights, and community leadership. Designed and delivered participatory training materials and managed donor relationships, reporting processes, and programme support for community-ba

Activities and societies: Research focus: Digital participation, caregiver voice, disability inclusion, and participatory governance systems.

Completed a PhD in Disability & Rehabilitation Studies at Stellenbosch University in 2024. Research focused on digital participation, caregiver voice, disability inclusion, and participatory governance systems.

Activities and societies: Research focus: Critical analysis of social impact measurement models.

Completed a Master’s in Positive Psychology at North-West University in 2017. Work focused on critical analysis of social impact measurement models.

Activities and societies: Focus areas: Development Sociology, Psychology, Theology, and Community Development.

Completed an Honours Diploma in Community Development at the University of South Africa in 2004. Focus areas included development sociology, psychology, theology, and community development.