About Professor Alida Herbst
Additional Member
MA in Social Work with Play Therapy, PhD in Social Work
Prof Alida Herbst is Deputy Dean for Teaching and Learning in the Faculty of Health Sciences at North-West University, South Africa. A distinguished scholar and practitioner, her work bridges psychosocial health, trauma counselling, and transformative health professions education.
With more than three decades of experience spanning clinical social work, academic leadership, and international collaboration, Prof Herbst has influenced both policy and practice in trauma, grief, and chronic illness adjustment. Her research—most notably her pioneering work on life maps for youth living with HIV/AIDS—demonstrates a deep commitment to narrative therapy and community resilience.
She has authored numerous scholarly articles and textbook chapters and has supervised over 30 Master’s and PhD students. At NWU, she has played a pivotal role in developing innovative curricula and short learning programmes, including the university’s online offering in end-of-life and bereavement care.
Her leadership extends nationally and internationally. She serves on the Executive Committee of the South African Committee of Health Sciences Deans and contributes to projects such as the EU-funded PoMiSA initiative, which advances microcredential frameworks across Southern Africa. Prof Herbst is also a sought-after speaker and guest lecturer, with engagements in Belgium and beyond.
