Our Research Team
A Multidisciplinary, Multinational Team
Zonge Research International (formerly Zonge Consulting) brings together researchers and consultants from across southern Africa. Our team spans Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, and South Africa — combining deep field experience with rigorous academic expertise across labour, disability, health, and development.
Dr Paliani Chinguwo
Labour Specialist & Senior Research Consultant
Malawi & South Africa
A seasoned Labour Specialist with a PhD in Industrial Sociology from the University of the Witwatersrand. Paliani brings over 15 years of applied research and programme coordination experience across southern Africa. His work spans decent work, occupational safety and health, disability inclusion, informal economy, climate justice, and labour migration. He has led studies for the ILO, World Bank, and several regional bodies, and has published widely in peer-reviewed journals.
Mr Nyasha Muchichwa
Labour Economist & Policy Expert
Zimbabwe
An economist with an Executive Masters in Applied Labour Economics. Nyasha has spent nearly two decades at LEDRIZ and the ILO, researching labour migration, decent work, informal economy, and just transition. He has developed national policy frameworks for Zimbabwe and contributed to multiple SADC regional policy instruments.
Ms Mercy Mwale
Research & Communications Manager
Zambia
A communications and research professional with a Masters in Public Administration. Mercy has led research at ZILARD on workers' rights, disability in the workplace, and Chinese investment in Zambia. She combines media skills with rigorous research, managing both field data and stakeholder communications.
Dr Crispen Chinguno
Senior Lecturer & Labour Sociologist
South Africa
An NRF-rated researcher and Senior Lecturer at Sol Plaatje University. Crispen's work focuses on platform capitalism, gig work, mining and labour, and strike action in post-apartheid South Africa. He has published extensively in international journals and serves on multiple academic review and governance bodies.
Mr António Alberto Paunde
Labour Law & Communications Specialist
Mozambique
A journalist and labour law specialist with a Masters from UDM. António has served as Head of International Relations for OTM-CS and as an ILO resource person. His expertise covers social protection, occupational safety and health, decent work for migrant workers, and trade union training across lusophone and anglophone Africa.
Mr John Kumwenda
M&E Expert & Data Analyst
Malawi
A skilled M&E specialist and data analyst with over seven years of experience across health, labour, agriculture, and social development. John is proficient in STATA, Python, R, and Power BI. He has led evaluations for ActionAid, SRHR Africa Trust, and the World Bank-funded Mpatamanga hydropower project, and currently manages biodiversity M&E systems for Malawi's Environmental Affairs Department.
Ms Wongani Chavula
Disability & Health Systems Consultant
Malawi
A disability and health systems specialist with over 20 years of experience and a Masters in Disability Studies from the University of Cape Town. Wongani works on integrating disability into HIV, NCD, and nutrition programmes, training health workers, and strengthening community-based rehabilitation. She currently lectures at the Medical Rehabilitation College in Blantyre.
Why Work With Our Research Team?
Research That Makes a Difference
Cross-Border Multinational Collaboration
We bring together researchers from Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, and South Africa. You work alongside specialists with deep regional knowledge and international experience.
Access to Real-World Research Projects
Our work is field-based and policy-relevant. You contribute to studies that directly inform government programmes, trade union strategies, and development plans.
Mixed-Methods Research Environment
We use both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Team members build skills across data analysis, field research, policy writing, and stakeholder engagement.
Focus on Inclusion
Our research centres people who are often left out — workers in the informal economy, persons with disabilities, women, and youth. Inclusion is not a side issue; it is core to what we do.
Strong Publication Culture
We produce peer-reviewed papers, policy briefs, training manuals, and reports. Team members have opportunities to publish and present their work at national and international level.
Flexible and Remote-Friendly
Our team is spread across the region. We work flexibly, with clear deliverables and strong coordination — so you can contribute meaningfully from wherever you are based.