• Research Director: South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI), Nelson Mandela University

Dr Hadi's work constitutes maritime research, specifically shipping and ports research, stakeholder analysis and management, integrated strategic planning, and public participation processes.

Dr Hadi is the newly appointed Research Director at the South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI). Previously she was a full-time lecturer at the Nelson Mandela University's Business School responsible for Strategic Management, Strategic Maritime Management, Business Strategy on the MBA Programme and coordinating their Master of Maritime Management qualification. She also lectures Port Management in the Development Studies MPhil Maritime Studies qualification and serves on a number of faculty committees. Dr Hadi completed her PHD in Development Studies from the Nelson Mandela University in April 2022. Her PHD research explored scenarios for South Africa's Ocean economy towards 2060. She also holds qualifications from Stellenbosch University (MPhil Maritime Studies, B Phil Maritime Studies, and a bachelor's degree in public and development management) and the University of Pretoria (Master in Town and Regional Planning).

She has keen interest in multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary research with a focus on Blue Ocean Economies, Development Planning, Local Economic Development, Long-term Strategic Planning and Mixed Methods Research approaches. She is a true advocacy for transformative change that is built on good governance, research, and lifelong learning.

• 2025–2025 Research Director, South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI)

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