Highlights from the 2025 SA Society of Nuclear Medicine Congress

BY: .

The recent South African Society of Nuclear Medicine (SASNM) Congress held in Umhlanga, is widely considered as one of the most successful SASNM congresses.

Chaired by UKZN’s Head of Nuclear Medicine, Professor Mariza Vorster, the congress - which attracted a vibrant mix of local and international experts - was a masterclass in scientific excellence, thoughtful organisation and meaningful engagement.

The central theme, ‘Patient-Centred Precision Care with Pride’, captured the spirit of the event, emphasising not only clinical accuracy and technological advancement but also compassion, dignity, and national pride in the work being done across the country.

The congress kicked off with a hands-on Radiopharmacy workshop at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH), tailored specifically at radiographers. This practical component set a collaborative tone for the days ahead, offering delegates valuable skills in radiopharmaceutical preparation and safety - an area increasingly vital to modern practice. 

UKZN was well represented among the many presenters and speakers:

•    Vorster delivered a plenary lecture on molecular targets in breast cancer imaging, setting the tone for discussions around precision oncology.

•    Dr Nontobeko Ndlovu, a registrar in the Nuclear Medicine Department, presented an oral abstract showcasing her MMed research on thyroid cancer imaging, earning praise for both scientific quality and clinical relevance.

•    Dr Maryam Patel, the Nuclear Medicine Department’s newest consultant based at Victoria Mxenge Hospital (VMH), contributed a poster presentation focused on her MMed research in breast cancer, underlining the Department’s continued academic excellence.

•    Dr Bawinile Hadebe, who also chaired the scientific committee, shared her PhD research on CXCR4-targeted imaging in female malignancies, an exciting and evolving area of molecular imaging with significant diagnostic and therapeutic promise.

•    Medicalphysicist Mr Thokozani Mkhize presented a poster on the optimisation of PET/CT reconstruction parameters, addressing critical aspects of image quality and quantitative accuracy.

Attendees lauded the congress for its scientific rigour, professional organisation, and warm atmosphere, as well as the beautiful coastal backdrop that added a touch of tranquillity to an otherwise high-energy gathering.

Vorster expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the doctors in her team who formed part of the local organising committee and without whom the successful execution of this event would not have been possible: Drs Venesen Pillay, Hadebe, Lerato Gabela, Sphelele Masikane, Erwine Harry and registrars, Lihle Nxasana and Ndlovu.

“As the curtains close on the 2025 SASNM Congress, one thing is clear: the future of nuclear medicine in South Africa is not only bright - it’s positively glowing,” said the UKZN team.

Words: Lunga Memela

Photograph: Supplied