Dr Lobelo brings with him over two decades of experience in academia, having built an illustrious career at North-West University (NWU), where he began as a Junior Lecturer in 2001. Over the years, he rose through the ranks to become Deputy Director of the School of Communication at NWU’s Mahikeng Campus – a position he held from June 2019 to March 2025.
A seasoned scholar and educator, Dr Lobelo holds a PhD and MA in Communication, as well as a BA Honours in Communication, all conferred by North-West University. His teaching and research interests span corporate communication, development communication, media ethics, and the use of information and communication technology (ICT) to enhance public service delivery – particularly in rural communities.
His doctoral work, titled An Evaluation of North-West Provincial Government’s Communication System Towards Rural Development: A Multisectoral Approach, delved into the crucial role of communication in the context of governance and development.
More recently, his publications have addressed themes such as ICT adoption in municipalities and the gendered implementation of rural development strategies like the Village Township Small Dorpies (VTSD) model.
Dr Lobelo has also contributed to academic administration, serving on the Faculty of Humanities Board and participating in faculty-level fundraising and curriculum development initiatives. He was also the Subject Leader for Media Studies in the Social Transformation Research Entity at NWU.
His experience and research-driven approach will enrich the university’s communication programmes and further bolster its academic reputation as he transitions into his new role.
Dr Lobelo's track record suggests a passion not only for teaching but also for using communication as a tool to drive sustainable change in South African society.
With this new chapter at UMP, Dr Lobelo looks forward to continuing his academic journey while mentoring the next generation of communication professionals.
Story by Lisa Thabethe. Pictures supplied.