Study on Community Acquired Pneumonia Secures Master’s Degree
Dr Gabriel Bondo of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Management of Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) in Adults at a Rural Regional Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, was the title of a study by Dr Gabriel Bondo, a Family Medicine specialist from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who graduated with a Masters of Medicine degree in Family Medicine.
Pneumonia is one of the highest causes of mortality, particularly in South Africa where it ranks as the second leading cause.
Bondo was inspired to pursue a Master’s degree in Family Medicine while preparing to write the Health Professions Council of South Africa’s Foreign Doctors Examination at the then University of Medunsa in 2006.Bondo is currently the clinical manager at Gamalakhe Community Health Centre in Port Shepstone on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast.
The management of CAP aligns with the Standard Treatment Guidelines (STG), Essential Medicines List (EML), and specific national guidelines.
Bondo’s study, which audited the practice of managing pneumonia at a regional hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, took place in a public sector hospital that provides care to a catchment population of 800 000, where there is a high burden of tuberculosis (TB) and HIV in the district.
The Department of Family Medicine provides outpatient services and works with the Emergency Department at the hospital. All adult medical patients with CAP who need admission are admitted through the Family Medicine Outpatients or Emergency Department.
A total of 124 patients participated in the study with the majority being younger than 65, while there were more males than females and 90% were Black Africans.
Bondo’s research found significant deviations at the Port Shepstone Hospital compared to the South African guidelines for pneumonia management. The study also highlighted a high mortality rate among patients admitted with CAP. Notably, the absence of a severity scoring tool such as CURB-65 in medical records and inconsistent antibiotic prescriptions were predominant issues. Additionally, the majority of patients were HIV positive, reinforcing the association between HIV infection and increased risk of CAP.
Recommendations from the study included implementing severity assessment tools such as CURB-65 and enhancing awareness among healthcare providers. Furthermore, it was found that regular training, feedback mechanisms, and antimicrobial stewardship programmes could facilitate guideline adherence and ultimately improve the quality of pneumonia care.
Bondo plans to pursue a doctoral degree and continue to teach Family Medicine to junior doctors in rural hospitals and Medical students at university.
Words: MaryAnn Francis
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini
author : .author email : .PhDs for Two Students Investigating COVID-19 Severity Among SA Ethnic Groups
Dr Lisa Naidoo with her parents, Mr Vasuthevan and Mrs Kanaga Naidoo, and (right) Dr Theolan Adimulam.Newly-minted PhDs in Virology, Dr Theolan Adimulam and Dr Lisa Naidoo, have embarked on a journey delving deep into the complexities of COVID-19, revealing critical insights into why the disease’s severity varies across different ethnicities in South Africa.
Supervised by the renowned Professor Veron Ramsuran, the ground-breaking studies by Adimulam and Naidoo unravel the genetic, immunological and environmental threads that weave the diverse tapestry of COVID-19 outcomes across the nation.
Few viruses in recent history have disrupted the world as profoundly as COVID-19. Yet, even as the pandemic swept across the globe, the disease’s impact varied dramatically, influenced by factors that Adimulam and Naidoo investigated meticulously. Their research illuminates the intricate interplay between our genes and our environment, offering a clearer picture of how these elements converge to influence COVID-19 severity.
Naidoo’s research took a closer look at the role of Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA), the immune system’s critical players in identifying pathogens. Her study, which focused on South Africa’s Black and Indian populations, revealed significant differences in HLA expression that may explain why the disease hit some groups harder than others. Her findings indicate that HLA-A and HLA-B expression levels are key contributors to the disparities in COVID-19 severity, with South African Indians experiencing more severe outcomes.
‘I’ve always been drawn to the Medical field,’ said Naidoo, reflecting on her journey. ‘Being the first in my family to achieve a PhD is incredibly fulfilling, and I’m passionate about continuing my work in genetics to address gaps in knowledge that can make a meaningful difference.
‘I aim to address the gap in knowledge by continuing to analyse the impact of host genetics on diseases, contributing to eliminating the threat they pose to innocent lives globally through collaboration. Beyond that, I hope to start a biotech company or consultancy,’ she said.
Adimulam, who is passionate about improving the lives of others and believes that his contribution to molecular science has the potential to impact healthcare, is currently a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the Witwatersrand Diagnostic Innovation Hub. He is also a member of the next generation sequencing (NGS) lab working towards improving cancer diagnostics in Africa.
His research explored the broader spectrum of factors influencing COVID-19 severity, including genetic predisposition, vaccination, and co-infections. The findings highlight the lower viral loads observed in African individuals compared to those of European and South Asian descent, providing valuable insights into how these factors might inform future therapeutic interventions.
‘Our study offers a unique perspective on the factors that drive COVID-19 severity across different ethnicities,’ Adimulam noted. ‘I’m excited to continue this work, with the ultimate goal of directing a genomics company that revolutionises healthcare and diagnostics in Africa.’
As Adimulam and Naidoo step into their futures, their work stands as a beacon of hope for advancing our understanding of pandemics, paving the way for more effective treatments and a healthier, more resilient world.
Words: MaryAnn Francis
Photographs: Sethu Dlamini and Maryann Francis
author : .author email : .Evaluating the eHealth Impact in Africa
Dr Sean Broomhead is ecstatic as he graduated with a PhD in Telehealth.Dr Sean Broomhead celebrated a major milestone in his career when he was awarded a PhD in Telehealth for his pioneering study titled: A Framework for Evaluating eHealth Impact in Africa.
As the Chief Executive Officer of the Health Information Systems Programme (HISP) South Africa, a non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing health information systems, Broomhead’s doctorate is the culmination of years of hard work towards helping improving healthcare access and equity across the continent.
From the West Rand in Gauteng, Broomhead’s journey was shaped by his upbringing in a family committed to social justice - his mother was an anti-apartheid activist, which instilled in him a deep sense of fairness and value. These principles guided him in the field of Medicine, where he worked as a young doctor in some of the most underserved areas of South Africa. However, his experiences in these remote regions highlighted the inefficiencies and inequities in the health system, sparking his interest in exploring innovative solutions.
This passion led Broomhead to immerse himself in the world of eHealth where he saw a unique opportunity to bridge the gaps in healthcare delivery. His PhD research focused on developing an eHealth Investment Appraisal Framework (eHIAF) specifically tailored for Africa - a tool designed to help policymakers better evaluate potential eHealth investments, even in environments with limited resources and data.
‘The World Health Organization (WHO) has long advocated for Universal Health Coverage (UHC), where everyone has access to the health services they need without financial hardship,’ said Broomhead. ‘In Africa, the WHO encourages the use of eHealth to combat high disease burdens despite constrained resources. My framework is intended to support this goal by guiding policymakers through a structured process to identify the most impactful eHealth initiatives.’
The eHIAF is a six-stage process that begins with establishing a compact with key stakeholders and progresses through data collection, economic modelling and affordability assessments, ultimately leading to the selection of the best investment options. The framework’s flexibility allows for increasingly detailed assessments as more information becomes available, ensuring that decisions are well-informed and sustainable.
Looking to the future, Broomhead is determined to expand his work, combining predictive analytics with a clear focus on value-driven initiatives to transform healthcare across Africa. ‘We have a real chance to turn the tide and significantly improve health outcomes on the continent,’ he said, with a vision as expansive as the impact his work is poised to achieve.
Words and photograph: MaryAnn Francis
author : .author email : .Doctoral Study Puts Vision Impairment in Children under the Microscope
Dr Pirindhavellie Govender-Poonsamy graduated with a PhD in Optometry.The impact of spectacle correction in the well-being of children with vision impairment due to uncorrected refractive error, featured in a study by Dr Pirindhavellie Govender-Poonsamy, who is an honorary lecturer at UKZN and the Executive Director of the Global Ophthalmic Institute.
Govender-Poonsamy, who graduated with a PhD in Optometry during UKZN’s Spring Graduation ceremony, was supervised by Professor Percy Mashige, Professor Ving Fai Chan and Professor Kovin Naidoo.
Reflecting on the milestone, Govender-Poonsamy said: ‘It is a moment of both personal and professional pride. I am eager to contribute to the field of optometry, particularly by addressing eye care challenges in under-resourced communities. I aspire to continue my work in research and policy, advocating for better access to eye care services and improving vision screening programmes.’
Her research revealed that visual impairment conditions in children, are often overlooked. Govender-Poonsamy emphasised that these conditions have a profound impact on children’s academic performance, social interactions, and mental health. The study highlighted the need for broader criteria for interventions in school vision screening programmes which would significantly improve children’s quality of life.
‘This research has direct implications for developing policies that promote early identification and management of vision impairment and child eye health conditions, ensuring children’s overall development,’ she noted.
Govender-Poonsamy’s research is groundbreaking in its approach to assessing children’s vision needs. It expands the criteria beyond the traditional focus on severe cases affecting both eyes. Her work paves the way for more inclusive eye care interventions by considering less obvious yet equally significant vision impairments in either eye, as well as conditions that don't directly impair vision but still affect overall eye health.Her decision to focus on this area was influenced by her decade-long experience working at the Brien Holden Vision Institute.
The research process was not without its difficulties. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed her work by almost two years, and accessing rural schools for data collection posed logistical challenges. However, through perseverance and support from her family, research team and the Department of Basic Education, Govender-Poonsamy was able to complete the study successfully.
She praised the enriching academic environment at UKZN where she says she received guidance from esteemed colleagues in Optometry and multidisciplinary perspectives from the Psychology Department.
Born and raised in Chatsworth, Durban, her passion for Optometry was inspired by her family’s health care background. She now hopes to build on her research to influence health policies and advocate for improved school-based vision screening programmes across South Africa and globally.
When she’s not working, Govender-Poonsamy enjoys singing devotional Indian music, which provided comfort during her research journey.
Words: Nombuso Dlamini
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini
author : .author email : .Comorbid Depression Takes Centre Stage in Research
Dr Margaret Selohilwe graduated with a PhD in Public Health.Development, Implementation, and Evaluation of a Task-Shared Counselling Intervention for Comorbid Depression in South Africa, was the title of a thesis by Dr Margaret Selohilwe who graduated with a PhD in Public Health.
Her thesis was completed under the supervision of Professor Inge Petersen.
Selohilwe was thrilled with her accomplishment, noting the significance of developing an evidence-based intervention for depression that can benefit communities in need. She aims to focus on health systems strengthening, dissemination, and implementation science in the future.
Her study found that task-shared counselling, involving trained lay health workers is a feasible solution for addressing depression in South Africa where there is a scarcity of mental health professionals in Public Health. The culturally adapted depression counselling intervention is the first of its kind, specifically developed for Setswana-speaking adults attending chronic clinic.
Selohilwe’s motivation stems from her work as a clinical psychologist in under-resourced settings where she recognised the need for culturally relevant mental health interventions and the large number of people who need treatment but do not have access to it.
Her research was supported by the PRIME-SA consortium based at the Centre for Rural Health at UKZN.
Reflecting on her journey, she thanked her supervisor, friends, colleagues, family and particularly her mother, Ms Joyce Mahloko, who played crucial roles in her success.
Selohilwe enjoys cooking, reading, and traveling in her spare time.
Words: Nombuso Dlamini
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini
author : .author email : .Coloured Women’s Experiences in KZN Township a Focus of PhD Research
Dr Chantal Christopher graduated with a doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy.Lecturer Dr Chantal Christopher was awarded a doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy during UKZN’s Spring Graduation ceremony.
The title of Christopher’s thesis was: (Un)becoming Re-creation - Exploring “Coloured” Women’s Suffocation and Rejuvenation within a KwaZulu-Natal Township: A Critical Feminist Ethnography.
In her research, supervised by Professor Robin Joubert and Professor Mershen Pillay, Christopher explored the lived experiences of Coloured women in the Mariannridge township near Durban, using critical feminist ethnography to address issues of social justice. The study provided a platform for these women, who served as co-researchers, to share and reflect on their life experiences through dialogue, ultimately creating a collaborative space for personal and collective meaning-making.
The study shed light on the matrix of oppression faced by these women, revealing how their marginalised identities and daily struggles became powerful forms of resistance, counterintuitively granting them a sense of agency and belonging. By reflecting on and reframing their experiences through group work, these women were able to reconcile with the realities of their lives within the South African socio-political context.
Christopher’s work holds great significance in envisioning therapy interventions that go beyond traditional approaches. Her concept of “un-becoming” focuses on peeling back the layers of sanctioned and non-sanctioned occupations that shape individuals’ lives, allowing women to reconcile with their identities and experiences in a deeply humanising process. This community-based feminist approach offers a model for more authentic therapeutic interventions that can reach women across South Africa in their specific contexts.
Her use of emancipatory methods within the framework of critical feminist ethnography aims to promote more egalitarian research processes. As both a passionate researcher and an avid gardener, Christopher plans to spend contemplative Sundays among her plants, reflecting on the path forward for her work and its potential impact on therapy practices for marginalised women.
Christopher’s research is a vital contribution in the understanding of lived experiences of Coloured women in South Africa and advancing socially just occupational therapy interventions.
Words: Nombuso Dlamini
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .COVID-19 Study Hailed as Major Achievement in Global Health
Dr Aganze Gloire-Aime Mushebenge.Dr Aganze Gloire-Aime Mushebenge, an independent research consultant from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has graduated from UKZN with a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences for a study titled: Exploring the Structural Dynamics of SARS Coronavirus-2 and Identifying Potential 3-Chymotrypsin-Like Protease/Main Protease Inhibitors Using Computational Chemistry Methods.
The results of Mushebenge’s study, supervised by Dr Hezekiel M Kumalo and Dr Rene B Khan, are regarded as a major achievement in the field of global health.
His research focused on the molecular structure of SARS-CoV-2, targeting the 3-chymotrypsin-like protease, an enzyme critical to the virus’s replication process. Using computational chemistry, he identified potential inhibitors that could pave the way for effective COVID-19 treatments.
Mushebenge, who hails from Bukavu in the war-torn South Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, described his academic journey as one shaped by resilience, faith and the drive to make a global impact. A passionate advocate for global health, his research extends beyond COVID-19 to neglected tropical diseases, with a commitment to addressing health inequities in underserved communities.
‘I aim to inspire the younger generation by showing that hard work, consistency, and determination can break barriers,’ said Mushebenge, referencing his faith and the guidance of mentors as the foundation of his success.
In addition to his research, Mushebenge has contributed to HIV and TB programmes in South Africa, trained healthcare professionals, and worked as a public health advocate in rural areas. His PhD accomplishment, he says, is a testament to perseverance and a commitment to improving health outcomes worldwide.
Words: Nombuso Dlamini
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Study on SA Medicines Policy Earns UKZN Senior Lecturer a PhD
UKZN’s expert on medicines policies, Dr Andrew Gray, graduated with a PhD.UKZN lecturer and doctoral graduate, Dr Andrew Gray, says his doctoral research offers the first comprehensive analysis of South Africa's national drug policy development and implementation.
Gray, a senior lecturer in Pharmacology at UKZN, graduated with a PhD in Pharmacy with a study titled: National Medicines Policies - Learning from the South African Experience, which was supervised by Professor Julia Botha.
His research revealed that South Africa’s process for developing a national medicines policy in 1994 was rushed and lacked a sufficient evidence base. He argues that this policy should have undergone periodic revisions to incorporate emerging evidence and foster continuous stakeholder engagement.
Gray recommends adopting an interactive leadership model and a commitment to an evidence-informed policy process to address contradictions and missing elements in the current policy. He says his findings hold significant relevance for South Africa’s ongoing health sector reforms, including the development of the National Health Insurance.
Said Gray: ‘I am proud to have accomplished this final degree and hope to contribute to the health policy space for many years.’
His research aims to inform future policy revisions and guide health sector reforms in South Africa.
Born in Worcester and raised in Queenstown (now eKomani) in the Eastern Cape, Gray was inspired to pursue Pharmacy through his early encounters with the Mager and March community pharmacy. His passion for policy analysis grew over his years of teaching and his deep involvement in health law and policy development.
Although balancing full-time employment while completing his PhD was a challenge, Gray found support from his supervisor, as well as colleagues in South Africa and abroad such as Professor Fatima Suleman, Professor Hans Hogerzeil, Professor Veronika Wirtz and Dr Wilbert Bannenberg.
He remains an avid reader of history, finding balance between his academic pursuits and personal interests.
With this milestone behind him, Gray is eager to continue shaping the health policy landscape, contributing to evidence-based reforms that can improve healthcare access and equity in South Africa.
Words: Nombuso Dlamini
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini
author : .author email : .Determination for Success Fuels Optometrist’s Drive to Secure PhD
Dr Raserogole Fiona Segooa.An optometrist at Mokopane Hospital in Limpopo, Dr Raserogole Segooa, graduated with a PhD in Optometry for her study titled: A Quality Standards Model for Optometric Clinical Training and Practice within the Public Sector in South Africa.
Segooa, who is currently acting as Deputy Director of Clinical Support Services at Mokopane Hospital and is also the Assistant Director of Optometry Services, was supervised by Professor Vanessa Moodley.
Segooa said she was excited about her achievement and aims now to advocate for the implementation of her study’s recommendations and to promote further research into optometry clinical training standards.
Her study identified deficiencies in the non-standard approaches used in Optometry student clinical training within the public health sector and led to the development of a new clinical quality standards model and facility assessment protocols which are expected to enhance and standardise training for Optometry students in Department of Health facilities across South Africa. The outcomes will benefit students, universities, and ultimately improve the quality of care provided to the public.
Segooa’s passion for quality patient care and her experience in student training led her to this area of research where she saw the potential to improve public sector service delivery by aligning training with regulatory standards.
She said there were challenges during her research, particularly regarding access to facilities, identifying perseverance, support groups, and guidance from her supervisor for helping see her through her studies.
Segooa praised UKZN for its support systems that facilitated interactions with experts and fellow candidates throughout her PhD journey.
Born in Polokwane in Limpopo, Segooa - who obtained a master’s degree in 2008 - has had a long and accomplished career in Optometry. She served two terms on the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)’s Professional Board for Optometry and Dispensing Opticians which sparked her interest in quality assurance.
Segooa thanked her family and Moodley for their support, and said she was driven to set an example for her three sons by balancing her roles as a mother, wife, and a professional.
In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to music and travelling, which helped her maintain wellness throughout her studies.
Words: Nombuso Dlamini
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini
author : .author email : .Graduation and Wedding Bells for HIV Researcher
Beaming with pride is Dr Shreyal Maikoo.Dr Shreyal Maikoo (28) is thrilled
after graduating with a PhD from the HIV Pathogenesis Programme (HPP), with
more joy in store as she and Mr Preveshen Naidoo, are soon to wed.
Maikoo’s PhD contributed to the novel development of more effective HIV cure strategies by addressing the virus’s under-researched “subtype C”, which dominates infections in Southern Africa.
Supervised by HPP faculty member and senior lecturer Dr Paradise Madlala, Maikoo developed a novel HIV-1 subtype C latency model to study distinct reactivation patterns compared to subtype B. ‘Prior to this, there was no subtype C-specific latency models, yet HIV-1 subtype C is responsible for approximately 50 percent of global infections and 98 percent of infections in southern Africa,’ said Maikoo, whose passion for research began with a Bachelor of Medical Science Honours cum laude in 2017. ‘This work advances personalised HIV treatments and encourages broader research on all HIV subtypes, with the potential to improve global public health outcomes.’
Maikoo entered the field of research driven by a passion to address significant global health challenges, particularly the need for more equitable solutions in HIV treatment and cure strategies. The underrepresentation of HIV-1 subtype C, despite its prevalence in regions like southern Africa, motivated her to contribute to closing this research gap. This work aligns with her desire to make a meaningful impact on public health and improve outcomes for those disproportionately affected by HIV.
Maikoo said she had always been fascinated by science and how it could be used to help people from a young age. ‘My passion for making a difference in people’s lives through medicine and research has driven me throughout my academic journey. That childhood dream of contributing to health and well-being through science eventually evolved into a deep commitment to HIV research, where I hope to make a meaningful impact,’ she said.
‘I am extremely proud of this accomplishment! Graduating with a PhD after a decade of dedicated study is deeply fulfilling. It represents not just the culmination of years of hard work but also a journey of personal and intellectual growth…I feel a strong sense of gratitude for the support I’ve received along the way. This is also a reminder of the impact that perseverance and passion can have in science. I’m excited to have contributed to knowledge in my field and to be part of a community pushing the boundaries of what we know,’ she said.
Maikoo said she was deeply grateful to her parents for their unwavering support and sacrifices. They often drove her between Durban and Pietermaritzburg to conduct her laboratory-based research. ‘They made this journey possible, and I owe my success to them more than words can express.’
Maikoo’s goal remains to continue making a meaningful difference in the world through science - ‘whether it’s through research, mentoring the next generation of scientists, or applying what I’ve learned to solve real-world problems, I am committed to contributing to the advancement of knowledge and technology. I believe that science has the power to improve lives, and I’m eager to be part of that change,’ she said.
Her motto is: ‘Persevere through challenges, because every step forward brings you closer to making a difference.’
Her hobbies include cooking, embarking on adventures and spending time with animals.
Words: Lunga Memela
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini
author : .author email : .PhD Lobbies for STI Prevention Among Pregnant Women
Dr Kayla Padayachee graduated with a PhD in Medicine.A study, understood to be the first of its kind in South Africa, investigated the virulence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) in pregnant women - a condition in which bacterial imbalance in the vagina puts the study population at higher risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Rewarded for the work was Dr Kayla Padayachee (28) who received a PhD from UKZN for the study.
Padayachee, a Research Assistant at the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), said STIs were often undetected in local populations due to absent or insufficient screening and surveillance measures, particularly during pregnancy. She explained that although not regarded as an STI, BV was notorious for its asymptomatic nature, resulting in an increased risk of infection and recurrence in pregnant women. In the absence of treatment, ‘this may result in gynaecological complications including premature rupture of membranes and miscarriages and may lead to more severe outcomes such as illness and death in both mothers and babies.’
Supervised by Professor Nathlee Abbai and Dr Nonkululeko Mabaso, Padayachee said there was a need to emphasise the importance of early detection, prevention, and treatment of bacterial vaginosis due to its negative influence on female reproductive health. Her study observed phenotypic and genotypic diversity across BV isolates, with the consequences of BV on mother and baby warranting the need for a better understanding of the drivers of the condition’s virulence.
Information regarding the pathogenesis and genetic diversity of BV may inform future strategies aimed at preventing it and could result in treatment interventions targeting the specific factors involved in propagating its virulence. The study recommended that future treatment should be guided based on these considerations and should advocate for the licensure of antibiotic medications, clindamycin and vancomycin, for clinically indicated BV in the current South African setting.
‘I am overwhelmed and filled with excitement! This has been the toughest, yet most rewarding journey of my life so far and I am extremely proud for having followed through on this major commitment,’ said Padayachee. ‘There is no greater feeling than realising your goals and achieving your dreams. I am definitely looking forward to a brighter and better future where I am able to contribute as an emerging female scientist and pioneer in the field. I aspire to become a senior scientist/principal investigator and continue my work in sexually transmitted infections and female reproductive health.’
Padayachee was born in Felixton, Richards Bay, where as a young girl she dreamed of becoming a medical doctor but all that changed when she found herself in the laboratory and she has not looked back since. Her passion for science and helping others is what inspired her to become a scientist, which she finds fulfilling.
Padayachee thanked her supportive family, mentioning that her grandfather always encouraged her to one day wear the elusive white coat just as he did. She also adopted her mother’s motto to always make informed decisions.
Words: Lunga Memela
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .PhD Research Highlights Important Trends in KZN Breast Cancer Patients
Dr Mpoi Makhetha graduated with a PhD in Medicine.Dr Mpoi Makhetha was awarded a PhD after completing what is believed to be the first study in South Africa reporting on demographic and genetic trends over 11 years in breast cancer patients from KwaZulu-Natal.
It is also understood to be the first work on the African continent to investigate methylation signatures in breast tissues of African patients and their association with breast cancer development.
Supervised by Professor Colleen Aldous, the study investigated the demographic and genetic influences on breast cancer development in KwaZulu-Natal, and reported 60 mutations, including novel variants unique to South African Black and Indian people from the province. The reported mutations were molecular biomarkers which are potential diagnostic targets for hereditary or BRCA1-like breast cancers common in Black South African patients.
The study also explored the role of epigenetic factors - mainly DNA methylation - on the development of breast cancer in Black South African patients. It compared methylation signatures in breast tumours with normal adjacent tissues and reported a significant difference. ‘This suggests that besides genetic mutations, DNA methylation is a potential predictor and prognostic factor in BRCA1-like breast cancers and must be considered for clinical use,’ Makhetha said.
The two studies highlight the need for inclusive and precise approaches to breast cancer diagnosis in underrepresented populations.
Makhetha was concerned that compared to other populations, the majority of Black South African patients were diagnosed with early onset and aggressive breast cancer, and also die from the condition. ‘This is due to various factors including late presentation, potential misdiagnosis and poor response to treatment,’ she said. One area of influence is addressing the diagnostic factors which also inform treatment decisions. The current genetic diagnostic tests are tailored for White South Africans yet are offered to all South African populations. This needed urgent attention hence the motivation for the study.
‘I’m very humbled about the accomplishment. It is an outcome of a collective effort by my village. Although I’ll wear the gown, I’m proudly standing on the shoulders of women who came before me, making sure I see and walk further. In future, I plan to build on the efforts already made, to make a difference in the country in the breast cancer space, and for other students who may aspire to take the baton,’ she said.
Makhetha said she fell in love with science in high school, leading her to study the discipline at master’s level in Medical Sciences at the University of Free State. She persevered through the challenges presented by COVID-19, drawing on the support of her supervisor and family to finish her PhD at UKZN.
‘This degree led to three publications which I’m very proud of. I also presented my findings on big platforms such as the Breast Interest Group of Southern Africa, the Surgical Research Society, the European Association of Cancer Research (Spain), Excellence for Oncology Care (Dubai) and many more. All these accomplishments made the journey and the pain worth it!’
Makhetha said she had planned to get married only after her PhD, and was now happy to say that her wedding follows two weeks after Graduation.
Makhetha loves to travel and also enjoys cooking.
Words: Lunga Memela
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini
author : .author email : .PhD in Nursing Delves into Management of Aggressive Behaviour in Psychiatric Patients
Dr Libuseng Rathobei celebrated graduating with a PhD in Nursing with her supervisor, Dr Sipho Mkhize.A Model for the Management Strategies of Aggressive Behaviour of Psychiatric Patients in General and Psychiatric Clinical Facilities in Lesotho was the title of a thesis which secured Lesotho national Dr Libuseng Rathobei a PhD in Nursing.
Supervised by Dr Sipho Mkhize, the study aimed to address the rising incidents of aggressive behaviour in psychiatric settings, focusing on strategies to manage and prevent such incidents.
Reflecting on her achievement, Rathobei said: ‘Earning a PhD in Nursing represents a high level of expertise and dedication. It’s a significant accomplishment, reflecting a commitment to improving patient care and healthcare systems.’
Her research identified five overarching themes and nine sub-themes, including psychological interventions, physical and chemical strategies, empowerment techniques, and policy guidelines. These strategies were seen as effective in managing aggression among psychiatric patients.
Rathobei highlighted the societal benefits of her work, saying the study would equip mental healthcare providers with improved knowledge and skills to manage aggressive patients effectively, thus improving overall patient safety.
Challenges included the long distance between Lesotho and UKZN and a heavy workload.
Rathobei praised the support she received from her supervisor, family and UKZN staff, especially during challenging times.
Rathobei says her passion for Nursing began in childhood, caring for injuries to her pets, while her mother played a significant role in motivating her to complete her studies.
With a rich academic background including an undergraduate degree from the University of the Free State, as well as honours, master’s, and PhD degrees in Nursing from UKZN, Rathobei is now focused on contributing to the field of psychiatric care through research and education.
Words: Nombuso Dlamini
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini
author : .author email : .PhD Takes 26-Year-Old Dr Mikyle David to New Heights
UKZN’s youngest PhD graduate in 2024 is Dr Mikyle David.From graduating with a Master’s degree in Medical Sciences summa cum laude to obtaining a doctoral degree, Dr Mikyle David continues to break many barriers in his pursuit for excellence.
He is also the youngest PhD graduate at the age of 26. The Pietermaritzburg-born resident graduated with a PhD in Optics and Imaging for his study on the synergy in HIV infection and pre-eclampsia (pregnancy hypertension).
David was diagnosed with a deformation of the tibula and fibula bones 26 years ago and was also born with a cleft hand - without two fingers on his right hand. Due to the deformities with the bones in his legs, his parents were faced with the choice of amputating both his legs or placing him in a wheelchair for life. He said his parents chose amputation which he was grateful for as it gave him the chance to walk, albeit with the use of two prosthetic limbs.
David has excelled in his health sciences studies achieving honours passes throughout his academic life. He said, ‘I always enjoyed studying biology in school and the human body and its systems fascinated me. The same was true when I started my undergraduate studies in medical sciences. It did help that my mother was a nurse, so I guess I’ve always been around the health sciences.’
David is currently a postdoctoral Fellow at the University of the Free State in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and hopes to embark on a career in academia. ‘I want to get into lecturing; as much as I do love doing research, I also want the opportunity to teach others.’ David’s doctoral study was on Pre-eclampsia (PE), a complex medical disorder, accounting for the majority of maternal and foetal deaths globally and the impact on mothers who are also HIV positive. The study investigated the association and the prevalence of genetic variants of complement C3 (C3rs2230199; C3rs1047286 and C3rs344555) in the synergy of PE and HIV infection; in South African women of African lineage.
The complement protein, C3, activates the body’s natural defence against HIV infection and the exacerbated inflammatory state of PE. C3 is the central and most abundant complement protein, and functions to activate the complement system in the presence of foreign invaders. Regardless of pregnancy type, PE versus non-PE samples, David’s study found a significant difference in C3 concentration between the HIV-negative and HIV-positive individuals. As a result, complement C3 levels may be raised in the duality of PE and HIV infection. Hence, women are more likely to get PE, and HIV infection is more severe, susceptible, and transmissible.
David is an avid gamer during his spare time and also volunteers at the KwaZulu-Natal doghouse and the non-profit organisation Saving, Environment, Animal Life, Society (S.E.A.L.S).
Words and Photograph: MaryAnn Francis
author : .author email : .