Melissa is currently a Master’s candidate in City and Regional Planning at the University of Cape Town (UCT), where her research focuses on the intersection of spatial planning, local economic development, and digital innovation in African cities. She envisions contributing to various aspects of city-making across the continent of Africa, and strives to create sustainable, just and thriving cities through her passion and expertise.

Beyond academic work, she previously served as President of the Phaphama Social Enterprise Development Initiative, where she led the expansion of the programme to Stellenbosch, strengthening support for emerging entrepreneurs.