Wits RHI
People
We take immense pride in the hard work and dedication of our unsung heroes, and today, we shine a well-deserved spotlight on our drivers. Though their contributions often go unnoticed, they are essential to the success of our organization. Their role is critical in ensuring that research materials, medications, participants, and equipment reach their destinations
In a World AIDS Day discussion on ENCA, the Dukashe family shared their experience of living in a mixed HIV status relationship. Mandisa Dukashe, who was diagnosed with HIV in 2002, is with the South African National AIDS Council, while her husband, Siyabulela Dukashe,
On 1 December 2024, the world unites to observe World AIDS Day under the theme, “Take the Rights Path.” This theme underscores the vital role of safeguarding human rights in achieving the global goal of ending AIDS by 2030 The latest UNAIDS report highlights that protecting human rights directly enhances health outcomes, emphasizing that a...
As Wits RHI marks 30 years of excellence in research and innovation, we take a moment to honor the individuals who form the backbone of our organization: our General Assistants and Ground Staff. Often working behind the scenes, their contributions are fundamental to our success and deserve heartfelt recognition.
At Wits RHI, excellence extends beyond research and healthcare it thrives in the unity, resilience, and vitality of our incredible Netball and Soccer teams. These unsung heroes exemplify the spirit of teamwork and dedication that defines our organisation. Through their participation in sports, they not only promote physical health and well-being but also create a...
Bongani Bingwa from Radio 702 spoke with Professor Lee Fairlie, Wits RHI’s Director of Maternal and Child Health and Co-National Principal Investigator for the TB vaccine trial in South Africa. In this interview, Prof Fairlie discusses the introduction of a TB vaccine clinical trial and addresses criticisms around vaccine trials.
Wits RHI Hillbrow recently celebrated a remarkable achievement, taking home championships in both soccer and netball at the One-Day Soccer and Netball Tournament, organized by Ezintsha on 26 October 2024. The tournament, held at the Roodepoort Sports Ground, was a dynamic event that brought together teams
Wits RHI is proud to announce that Senior Researcher Dr Roisin Drysdale has been awarded a National Research Foundation (NRF) Y-rating, making her the first recipient from Wits RHI. This prestigious accolade recognises Dr Drysdale’s exceptional contributions
In September 2024, Wits RHI marked a major milestone—30 years of groundbreaking work and positive impact in public health. To celebrate this momentous occasion and in honor of Heritage Month, we launched an energetic and joyful event: the Heritage Month Dance Challenge.
Dr Nkosiphile Ndlovu, MBChB, is a Senior Research Clinician at Wits RHI, where she oversees clinical aspects in the Clinical Trials Division. She serves as a Co-Investigator in both pharmaceutical-sponsored and investigator-initiated research studies.
Dr Arabang Letebele is the Programme Head for the Wits RHI APACE Project, bringing 16 years of experience in clinical management, technical support, and HIV and TB health programming.
Dr Mrinmayee Dhar, MBBS, is a Research Clinician at Wits RHI Shandukani CRS. She serves as a principal and sub-investigator on network clinical trials, pharmaceutical-sponsored studies, and investigator-driven research projects.
Celeste Madondo, MPH, is the Senior Programme Manager in the Climate and Health Team at Wits RHI, where she manages a diverse portfolio of climate and health mitigation and adaptation interventions.
Jacqueline Burgess is a Technical Head: Community Engagement at Wits RHI, working with the Key Populations Programme for Sex Worker and Transgender individuals.
Dr Juliet Rundogo, MBChB, is a Research Clinician at Wits RHI Ward 21 CRS. She serves as sub-investigator on network clinical trials and pharmaceutical-sponsored trials.
Nthabiseng Koloane is a Programme Manager specialising in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) for project PrEP at Wits RHI. She oversees and manages project data monitoring, ensuring that data is accurately tracked, analysed and reported.
Dr Elizea Horne is a renowned research clinician known for her pioneering work in treatment and prevention of HIV and TB and studies on other vaccine preventable diseases. Her research career spans 6 years.
Nthabiseng Sibisi, MPH, is an HIV Prevention Services Project Manager at Wits RHI Gophelega Tshwane, where she leads and coordinates technical assistance for Combination HIV Prevention approaches including PrEP.
Nompumelelo Sigcu is a Research Laboratory Manager at Wits RHI Research Centre, where she leads and brings about a wealth of knowledge with her laboratory skills.
Nontokozo Ndlovu is a Clinical Trails Operations Manager at Wits RHI Ward 21 CRS. She holds degrees in Pharmacy and a Master’s in public health and has over 10 years research experience.
La-Donna Kapa is a Study Coordinator at Wits RHI’s Research Centre Clinical Research Site in Johannesburg, South Africa. She holds a National Diploma in Clinical Technology from the Central University of Technology, Free State,
Dr Faeezah Patel is a clinical scientist renowned for her work in paediatric HIV treatment optimization, TB and COVID vaccine research and maternal health system strengthening projects.
Karabo Mokgalaka is responsible for over 14 facilities and supports the Ekurhuleni South Sub-district. Previously, he held a Strategic Information Officer position within the same project. Academically, Karabo holds a Bachelor of Law (Hons) and a Master of Law: Environmental Law, both awarded by the University of Western Cape.
Amogelang “Sasha” Kekana is a Research Assistant for the CATALYST study within the Implementation Science Directorate at Wits RHI. She is an HIV Prevention Ambassador Mentor, which she started at B-Wise, a government-owned platform focused on sexual and reproductive health for the youth.
Lebogang holds a Bachelor of Arts in health and social services, majoring in psychological counseling. She is also, a certified HIV/AIDS care giver and counsellor.
Siphesihle has been actively engaged in HIV prevention, STI management, and vaccine developments at Wits RHI. His journey in clinical research began approximately 4 years ago.
Busisiwe holds a BSc in human genetics from the University of Pretoria. During her studies, she worked as a research protocol screener for a study on cervical cancer in HIV seropositive women. It was through this role that she got introduced to the world of HIV/AIDS research in Sub-Saharan Africa.
I am an enthusiastic, self-motivated and industrious Transgender women, who has acquired extensive knowledge in my space of work through marketing management, digital marketing, project management and strategic agility.
Armaan Ujra (MBChB, DipHIVMan) has a combined passion for child health and health systems strengthening. He has worked in both clinical setting and research implementation. In his current role as Doctor Advisor at Wits RHI, Tshwane, Armaan leads select interventions in paediatric HIV retention and viral load suppression.
Zulfa Baker works on multiple projects at the Wits RHI, Ward 21 Clinical Research Site. She started her career in clinical research within the Regulatory and Compliance space as an intern.
With a combination of a Bachelor’s degree and Honours degree in the fields of Biochemistry and Chemistry, Sunali began her Clinical Laboratory journey as a Research Intern at Wits RHI, the role which enabled her to quickly transition into a Research Assistant portfolio.
Sabelo is a coach in the Coach Impilo programme, providing guidance and support to men newly diagnosed with HIV and those returning to care for treatment stability and viral suppression.
Ruth Mohale is a dedicated, passionate and goal driven Data Capturer who enjoys serving and giving back to the community. She is a reliable and hardworking individual who always strive to achieve the highest standard possible.
Rubina Valodia is currently serving as a Research Clinician at Wits RHI. Previously, Rubina worked as a medical doctor at Zithulele Hospital in the rural Eastern Cape as part of her community service. Before her community service, she was a medical intern at Tygerberg Hospital
Phatiswa holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology and Biochemistry. Her journey in clinical research began few years ago with a killer internship at Wits RHI. She was able to leverage her hands-on experience in clinical and laboratory research.
Paballo is an MBA candidate at Wits University, and holds a BSc degree in life science and a BSc honours degree majoring in biochemistry. She also completed a medical technician qualification, which was awarded cum laude.
Nontsikelelo Khunju is a Community Liaison Officer at Wits RHI. For the past 3 years she has been engaged in multiple critical public health work areas such as: HIV prevention and treatment, STI management, and vaccine development.
Mpho holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology and Psychology, and an Honours degree in Psychology. Currently, she is finalising her Master’s degree in Research Psychology. Mpho’s career in clinical trials began three years ago, as a Transcribing Intern.
Molebogeng has more than 5 years experience in participant recruitment, retention, community, and stakeholder engagement. She has keen interest in sexual reproductive health, HIV prevention and STI vaccines amongst the key populations.
Mohammed matriculated from Hoërskool Warmbad where he took a keen interest in sports and academics. He then pursued a Degree in Pharmacy at Wits university. It was during the completion of his 4th year research project where he investigated the effects of bee venom on cancer cells
Londiwe Mtanda holds a Bachelor’s degree in Community and Development Studies, as well as an Honours degree in Community Development. Her professional journey in the field of Clinical Research began approximately five years ago thanks to her passion for implementing quality control
Constance’s journey at Wits RHI began in 2022 as a professional nurse (decanting nurse). Previously she worked at Anova, City of Johannesburg and the National Department of Health.
Catherine is a hardworking and self- motivated individual, with great enthusiasm for working in the community health space. Her academic training in Health Management led to her role as an Adherence Club Facilitator for the past 4 years.
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Established in 1994, Wits RHI is part of the Faculty of Health Sciences and the largest research institute of the University of the Witwatersrand.