Ms Matshaya is an experienced social science researcher and governance specialist whose work spans public policy, community development, organisational systems, and emerging intersections between technology and society. She holds a Bachelor of Social Science (UCT), a BA Honours in Political Studies (UNISA), and is currently completing her Master of Arts in Political Science at the University of Pretoria.

With over a decade of experience across research, monitoring and evaluation, stakeholder engagement, and strategic organisational development, Ms Zandile currently serves as Divisional Head of Social Science Research at ORI Professionals, where she leads governance, budget management, client relations, and national project teams across multidisciplinary portfolios. Her expertise is rooted in large-scale public sector and civil society projects, ranging from land reform audits and community development to policy reviews, gender equity, and public participation processes.

Ms Zandile is also Co-Founder and Curriculum Developer at Oyisa Education NPC, where she builds training systems, psychometric assessment models, and empowerment programmes for young candidates. In addition to her research leadership, she was elected Trustee of Momentum Medical Aid (2023-2026), where she oversees governance, fiduciary responsibilities, and chairs the IT Governance Committee, guiding policy development on digital and AI-driven health systems.

Her earlier roles include research positions at the Human Sciences Research Council, the Legal Resources Centre, and the Technology Innovation Agency, experiences that shaped her commitment to evidence-based policymaking, social justice, and inclusive development.

Ms Zandile is an active member of SARIMA, SAMEA, and the South African Artificial Intelligence Association, and has presented at leading national and international conferences.