First Person from her School to Get a Doctorate

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Dr Zinhle Mlambo, a proud member of the student religious organisation, the Twelve Apostles Church in Trinity Students Organisation (TTACTSO) UKZN, and a passionate researcher committed to breaking barriers in medical science, has become the first person from her old school to get a doctoral degree. 

Mlambo graduated with a PhD in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 

Born and raised in Mamfemfetheni, a rural village in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal, her educational journey began at Manduluza Primary School, continued at Mavumbuka High School and led to UKZN, where she completed both her undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. 

Growing up in a disadvantaged community with limited access to educational opportunities, she became determined to defy the odds and set out to be the first person from her old school to earn a PhD, proving that no dream is too big, no challenge too great. 

During her PhD, Mlambo sought to address one of the most critical challenges in maternal health - preeclampsia (PE), a life-threatening pregnancy complication. Her research focused on understanding the role of angiogenic factors, specifically soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF), in PE development, with a particular focus on women of African descent living with HIV. 

She hypothesised that HIV exacerbates the angiogenic imbalance, increasing the risk of preeclampsia. Her study reported that genetic polymorphism of sFlt-1 (rs722503) and PlGF (rs4903273) genes were significantly linked to preeclampsia risk in pregnant women of African ancestry. The AA+AG genotype of rs4903273 increases late-onset preeclampsia risk. Distinct placental immunostaining patterns highlight complex genetic and angiogenic interactions, particularly in the comorbidity with HIV infection. Furthermore, early-onset PE in women living with HIV exhibited elevated sFlt-1 levels, indicating a heightened anti-angiogenic state. 

She said: ‘These findings provide important insights into how genetic and angiogenic factors contribute to PE, particularly in women living with HIV, and may lead to improved maternal healthcare interventions.’ 

Currently, Mlambo, who works as a medical researcher at the HIV Pathogenesis Programme Research Laboratory, plans to pursue a postdoctoral fellowship and eventually move into academia, aiming to nurture and mentor aspiring scientists. Her passion lies in empowering young Black students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to break barriers and take up space in the scientific community. 

She said: ‘My journey is proof that with determination, resilience and education, anything is possible. I am proud of how far I have come, and I am even more excited about the future.’ 

She said: ‘My journey would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my incredible supervisors, Professor Thajasvarie Naicker and Professor Motshedisi Sebitloane, whose guidance was invaluable in shaping my research and career.’ 

‘I dedicate my PhD to my mother, Ms MaZikode Mgoza KaLanga, and to my late father, Mr Mabhedla Asendlovana. Without their endless love and encouragement, I would never have been able to complete this degree,’ she said. 

‘I give thanks to God Almighty, my creator, my strength, my source of inspiration, wisdom, knowledge, and understanding,’ she added. 

Words: MaryAnn Francis

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini