Bongwekazi Rapiya is a Project Lead in the Mental Health, Alcohol, Substance Use and Tobacco Research Unit of the South African Medical Research Council.

She has an Honours Degree in Gender Studies from University of South Africa (UNISA).She is currently pursuing her Masters in Medical Sciences (MMDSC) with UKZN's College of Nursing and Public Health. She has over 10 years of experience of working in both qualitative and quantitative studies at the SAMRC.

She is currently working in Gqeberha on the Peer-led Recovery Groups for People with Schizophrenia in South Africa (PRIZE): a randomized trial, as the Project Lead. The aim of this study is to assess the acceptability and feasibility of peer-led recovery groups for people with severe mental illnesses and their caregivers in South Africa and to determine key parameters in preparation for a definitive trial.

She is also a Project Coordinator on NMMU School of Social Work collaboration, working on building mental wellness in communities in Gqeberha in the COVID-19 pandemic.