Faculty Honours Celebration
3 April 2025
Southern Sun Sandton
Time: 17h30
Dress code: Formal
Programme
This ceremony recognises achievements for the 2024 academic year.
OPENING
Welcome
Dean’s Address
AWARD CEREMONY
Research, Innovation & Postgraduate Support
Awards
Entertainment
Teaching & Learning Awards
Human Resources Awards
Recognition of Vice-Chancellor’s Awards Recipients
Exceptional Service Awards
VOTE OF THANKS
NRF Ratings
Researchers marked with * are re-rated
Through its grading system, the NRF research rating creates an internationally competitive scientific system in South Africa. It is an invaluable instrument for comparing researchers' calibre to that of the world's finest. International peer reviewers evaluate a researcher's recent research outputs and impact to determine their NRF grade. The grading system incentivises scholars to publish their best work in highly regarded journals and publications.
The Wits Faculty of Health Sciences has 123 rated researchers: 9 A-rated, 30 B-rated, 59 C-rated, and 25 Yrated researchers.
A-RATED RESEARCHERS
A-rated scientists are researchers whose peers unequivocally recognise them as leading international scholars in their field for the high quality and impact of their recent research publications.
B-RATED RESEARCHERS
B-rated scientists are researchers who enjoy considerable international recognition by their peers for the high quality and impact of their recent research outputs.
Professor Andrea Fuller*
School of Biomedical Sciences
Honorary Associate Professor Julia Goedecke*
Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit
Associate Professor Michelle Groome*
Wits Vaccines & Infectious Disease Analytics Research Unit
Professor Lizette Koekemoer*
Wits Research Institute for Malaria
Professor Caroline Tiemessen*
School of Clinical Medicine
Professor Marietjie Venter
E i Vi l Th t O H lth ill d
C-RATED RESEARCHERS
C-rated scientists are established researchers with a sustained recent record of productivity in the field. They are recognised by their peers as having 1) produced a body of quality work, the core of which has coherence and attests to ongoing engagement with the field; and 2) demonstrated the ability to conceptualise problems and apply research methods to investigating them.
Dr Aijaz Ahmad
School of Pathology
Dr Naseem Cassim
Wits Diagnostic Innovation Hub
Dr Lindi-Marie Coetzee
Wits Diagnostic Innovation Hub
Professor Demitri Constantinou
Department of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine
Professor Nigel Crowther*
Dr Mignonette du Plessis*
School of Pathology
Associate Professor Pascaline Fru
School of Clinical Medicine
Dr Gary Gabriels
School of Therapeutic Sciences
Dr Ann George
Centre for Health Science Education
Associate Professor Frederic Michel*
School of Biomedical Sciences
Associate Professor Lesley Scott*
Wits Diagnostic Innovation Hub
Associate Professor Georgia Torres
School of Therapeutic Sciences
Y-RATED RESEARCHERS
Y-rated scientists are young researchers (aged 40 years or younger), who have held the doctorate or equivalent qualification for less than five years at the time of application. They are recognised as having the potential to establish themselves as researchers within five years after evaluation. This is based on their performance and productivity of quality research outputs during their doctoral studies and/or early post-evaluation.
Dr Siphiwe Dlamini
School of Biomedical Sciences
Dr Roisin Drysdale
Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute
Dr Asanda Mtintsilana
School of Biomedical Sciences
Dr Nonhlanhla Tlotleng
School of Public Health
Research Awards
SAMRC Scientific Merit Gold Awards
Professor Cheryl Cohen
Professor Cohen leads a respiratory disease research team focused on disease burden, risk groups, transmission, and intervention effectiveness. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she led surveillance programmes and public reporting.
Professor Wendy Stevens
Professor Stevens has been responsible for the rollout of affordable CD4, viral load, EID, and HIV drug resistance programmes in South Africa and at sixty centres in subSaharan Africa. This includes national molecular TB testing at 207 sites. In 2020, she leveraged her team’s experience in laboratory medicine to respond to COVID-19 diagnoses.
Professor Stephen Tollman
Professor Tollman was awarded for his devotion to “bringing the best science” to bear on the challenges facing rural health and development in South and sub-Saharan Africa.
Professor Penny Moore
Professor Moore has contributed to over 165 papers, focusing predominantly on antibodies and their interplay with evolving viruses. This is a result of extensive collaborations within South Africa and internationally.
Dr Jinal Bhiman
SAMRC Scientific Merit Silver Award
Dr Bhiman was awarded for studying the dynamics between the HIV virus and its host examining how viral evolution during chronic HIV infection can be used to develop preventive vaccines.
Professor Bavesh Kana and Dr Edith Machowski
NRF Societal Impact Award
Professor Kana and the DSI/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research team, led by Dr Edith Machowski, were awarded for their innovations that have positively shifted medical care in Africa and the world.
Dr Courtney Olwagen
Faculty Best Publication Research Prize
Dr Olwagen received this prize for her publication "Bacterial nasopharyngeal colonisation in children in South Africa before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: an observational study" which was published in Lancet Microbe. Dr Olwagen is a researcher at Wits VIDA.
Dr Devin Finaughty
Paper published in Nature Scientific Reports
Dr Finaughty from the Human Variation and Identification Unit and collaborators reported on the novel technology they developed for experimental taphonomic research.
Professor Emeritus Maryna Steyn
Lifetime Achievement Award: International Association for Craniofacial Identification (IACI)
Professor Steyn was recognised for her contributions to craniofacial identification research and practice and her service as IACI president and council member.
Professor Penny Moore
Named: Cell Press’ 50 notable scientists “who inspire”
Professor Moore was selected for her work to drive impactful studies of viral diseases in low- and middle-income countries.
Professor Peter Kamerman
IASP Award for Excellence in Pain Research and Management in Developing Countries
Professor Shabir Madhi
Professor Keith Klugman
Sabin Gold Medal
Professors Madhi and Klugman were both recognised for their seminal combined contributions to the development of vaccines against pneumonia and diarrhoeal disease.
Dr Simone Richardson
Meiring Naude Medal
Dr Richardson was awarded for her outstanding early career contributions to the furtherance of science.
Dr Zainub Jooma
Best Abstract Paediatric Anaesthesia Track: World Congress of Anaesthesia Singapore 2024
Dr Jooma presented: “Perioperative Critical Events and Outcomes of Neonatal Surgeries at an Academic Institution in South Africa”.
Professor Thesla Palanee-Phillips
Dr Nkosi Ndlovu
Significant Research Publications and Outputs
Professor Palanee-Phillips and Dr Ndlovu were co-principal investigators on two trials related to the use of Lenacapavir as pre-exposure prophylaxis. The trials demonstrated that Lenacapavir provides 100% protection from HIV in Adolescent girls and young women and 96% efficacy among MSM, TGW, and gender non-binary people. This has resulted in the active drug being rolled out to all participants now. These findings led to the naming of Lenacapavir as the 2024 "Breakthrough of the Year" by Science Magazine.
Notable Research Funding
Professor Jeremy Nel
Professor Wendy Stevens
Associate Professor Lesley Scott
Professor Bruce Bassett
Wits IDORI, Wits DIH, Wits School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics
NovoNordisk Global Grant: $1 Million for an Interfaculty and multidisciplinary Project titled “IMPACT: AI-Powered Optimization of Empiric Therapy to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance”.
Dr Kristie Bloom
Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit
Awarded the following research grants for the preclinical development and local manufacturing of TITAN mRNA vaccines:
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Grant: $1 746 512 (in collaboration with UCT)
Good Ventures Foundation Grant: $665 617
South African mRNA Vaccine Consortium Hub Grant:
$1 200 000 (Joint project with UCT and Afrigen)
Professor Maria Papathanasopoulos
HIV Pathogenesis Research Unit
Awarded an NIH RO1 Grant: $4 600 000 with collaborators at the University of North Carolina and Utrecht University.
Associate Professor Lisa Ware
Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit
Wellcome Trust mid-career development award:
£2 581 002 for the study of Intergenerational Transmission of Cardiovascular Health in African Families (GenHeart study 2024-2032).
Professor Nelesh Govender School of Pathology
NIHR Global Health Research Professorship:
£2 000 000 for the study of AIDS-related infection.
Professor Yahya Choonara
Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform
Awarded a Tier 1 SARChI Chair: $1 800 000 (total over 3 cycles) to study Prototyping 21st Century Therapeutics with Advanced Drug Delivery, Nanomedicine and Pharmaceutical Biomaterials.
Dr Devin Finaughty
Human Variation and Identification Research Unit
O h i M i l T t S h l hi R425 000 f
Appointments to Research Bodies
Professor Andrea Fuller
School of Biomedical Sciences
Editor-in-chief: Conservation Physiology (Journal)
Professor Angela Woodiwiss
School of Biomedical Sciences
Fellowship: Royal Society of South Africa
Fellowship: African Academy of Sciences
Professor Marietjie Venter
Emerging Viral Threat; One Health Surveillance and Vaccines; Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute
Fellowship: Royal Society of South Africa
Professor Pradeep Kumar
Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform
Membership: Academy of Science of South Africa
Teaching&Learning Awards
Phillip V Tobias and Convocation Medal Distinguished Teacher Awards
Team Award
Associate Professor Richard Brooksbank
Dr Chloe Dafkin
This team conceptualised PhizzleBot, an AI-powered chatbot designed to support physiology students by providing instant, course-specific assistance and fostering independent learning. This innovative tool enhances accessibility through support and personalised feedback, significantly improving student engagement, comprehension, and academic performance.
Clinical Award
Dr Shehnaaz Kolia
Dr Kolia developed unique teaching strategies to connect the dental curriculum which attributes across multiple years of clinical training.
Dr Craig Keyes
Dr Keyes designed and developed a workshop to engage Honours students in understanding academic integrity in the age of AI, guiding them toward ethical and responsible AI use in scientific writing. This initiative stands out for its innovative, student-centred approach, which shifts traditional power dynamics by giving students greater agency in navigating AI ethically while fostering critical thinking and redefining assessment paradigms in higher education.
HumanResources Awards
Promotions: Professor
Professor Gill Nelson School of Public Health
Professor Nelson is an occupational epidemiologist, with training at McGill University in Montreal, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. In 2012, she obtained a PhD in Public Health. She worked at the National Institute for Occupational Health and the Perinatal HIV Research Unit before joining the Wits School of Public Health in 2011. She is the Head of the Occupational Health Division. She is an Adjunct Professor at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, USA, and was an honorary Associate Professor at University College London from 2019 to 2021. Her research is related to exposures and respiratory diseases in mining and other industries, but she also conducts environmental studies. Since 2013, she has been the editor of Occupational Health Southern Africa, the only peer-reviewed occupational health journal in Africa.
allied medical professionals in seven universities in three countries. He was involved in the establishment of two anatomy departments in the continent and functioning in curriculum and re-circulation in human anatomy. His primary research niche is toxicology, on xenobiotics toxicity and drug interactions in body tissues and interplay with malnutrition. He has published widely and has graduated 9 PhD and 24+ MSc students, a member of several scientific associations and the National Research Foundation, C2-rating
Professor Veronica Ntsiea School of Therapeutic Sciences
Professor Ntsiea is a leading researcher in stroke rehabilitation, focusing on participation restrictions, return to work, and stroke prevention. Her research has significantly contributed to improving the quality of life for stroke survivors and their caregivers, addressing gaps in post-stroke rehabilitation, long-term care, and selfmanagement. With over 50 original research publications; 21 MSc and 5 PhD graduates, she has influenced stroke h bilit ti t t i t d li Sh
Professor Ziyaad Dangor
Wits Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Research Unit
Professor Dangor is the Research Director at Wits VIDA and also works as a paediatric pulmonologist in the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health. As a researcher, he has undertaken investigator-initiated, original research to establish a successful research output.
He serves on university, government and international committees, including the WHO Technical Advisory Group on GBS Vaccine Development, the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Foodborne Illness, South African Paediatric Association, Discovery Foundation Screening Committee and the Faculty Graduate Studies and Research committees.
Professor Philippe Gradidge School of Therapeutic Sciences
Professor Gradidge is the Chair of the Research and Postgraduate Committee in the School of Therapeutic
S i d th R h C di t i th
work highlights the need for effective physical activity interventions in underserved communities. He collaborates internationally with the Women’s Health Initiative in the US and the University of Edinburgh.
Professor Aletta Millen
School of Biomedical Sciences
Professor Millen is the Director of the Integrated Molecular Physiology Research Initiative (IMPRI). Her research focuses on understanding inflammation’s role in the development of non-communicable diseases, particularly cardiovascular and neurological disorders. She has a strong emphasis on translational science, ensuring that laboratory findings have clinical relevance. A key milestone in her career has been expanding the region’s capacity for molecular research and diagnostics through driving the development of novel metabolomic techniques.
Aletta holds an MBA from Wits University. Passionate about authentic leadership in academia, she is committed to building research capacity and developing strategic partnerships.
Professor Eliton Chivandi
School of Biomedical Sciences
Professor Chivandi, a C2 NRF-rate scientist, became a Lecturer at Wits University in May 2009. He graduated with a PhD in 2012 and a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science
Education in 2015. His research focus is food and nutrition security as well as Consumer Health. He has published 78 articles in accredited journals and 3 book chapters. He has supervised 15 Honours, 12 Master of Medicine (Physiology) and 11 PhD students to graduation. He serves on School, Faculty and University committees. He was a Warden at Wits Knockando Residence.
Promotions: Reader
Associate Professor Ryan Wagner School of Public Health
Associate Professor Wagner is an epidemiologist and clinician based with the MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt). Over the past 16 years, he has conducted longitudinal, populationbased research and trials in rural Africa, where he has contributed to developing and implementing innovative field and computing methodologies. Professor Wagner’s scientific contribution is in the field of neurological health, with his ongoing work seeking to document the complex disease burden, particularly related to brain health, and its impact on rural South Africans and developing contextually relevant, sustainable interventions that respond to this need.
Associate Professor Michelle Groome Wits Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Research Unit
Researcher at Wits VIDA, overseeing multiple projects, including the Maternal Immunisation Readiness Network.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she played a key role in South Africa’s response as Head of Public Health Surveillance at the NICD. She has over 100 publications, serves on advisory boards, and has received multiple awards, including the NIH Emerging Global Leader Award (2016) and the SAMRC Scientific Merit Award (2017).
Associate Professor Joel Francis School of Clinical Medicine
Professor Francis is a Reader in the Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care. He is rated at the NRF-C2 level by the South Africa National Research Foundation. He holds a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Dar es Salaam, an MSc in Epidemiology from Harvard University, and a PhD in Epidemiology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. He is actively involved in 1) Research supervision and mentorship of undergraduate, Master, and PhD candidates in Epidemiology, Family M di i d P bli H lth 2) H lth h f i
Associate Professor Lisa Ware School of Clinical Medicine
Associate Professor Ware has published >100 papers in peer-reviewed biomedical and social science journals (H-index 27; >2200 citations; one quarter IF≥5). She has raised over R83 million in research funding as PI/Co-I with co-Is from five of the six WHO global regions and has been invited to talk on hypertension at international and national conferences. She has served as Associate Editor for several journals and reviews funding applications for multiple funders. She is the founder of Wits Health Hubb (witshealthhubb.org) and trains youth and healthcare providers in behaviour change communication. She has mentored/supervised 14 postdoctoral fellows and postgraduate students.
Associate Professor Clare Cutland School of Pathology
Associate Professor Cutland is the coordinator of the Master f S i (MS M d) i th fi ld f V i l d h
Institutional Biosafety Committee and postgraduate assessment committees. Globally, she chairs the ‘International Collaboration in Advanced Vaccinology Training’ (ICAVT) committee, and serves on several scientific advisory committees and Data Safety Monitoring Boards.
Promotions: Associate Professor
Associate Professor Jacqui Miot
Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office
Associate Professor Miot (PhD, University of London; B. Pharm., Rhodes University) is the Division Director of the Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office (HE2RO). Her research focuses on health economics and health systems strengthening particularly in HIV, TB, and non-communicable diseases. She is actively involved in shaping health policies through key committees including the South African National Essential Medicines List Committee, National Pricing Committee, and Ministerial Advisory Committee on COVID-19. Dr. Miot has over 50 peer-reviewed publications and has secured over R370 million in research funding. She is a committed mentor and teacher having supervised numerous Masters and PhD students.
Associate Professor Ekene Emmanuel Nweke
School of Clinical Medicine
hepatopancreatobiliary cancers among patients of African ancestry by utilising a multi-omics approach. He is the recipient of several other awards/fellowships including the 2023 NRF Research Excellence Award for emerging/early career researchers, the African Research Excellence Fund/Medical Research Council fellowship (2024/2025) and the Friedel Sellschop Award (2025-2027). He is actively engaged in student supervision and training.
Associate Professor Charl Verwey School of Clinical Medicine
Associate Professor Verwey is intricately involved in the development and management of paediatric pulmonology teaching programmes for undergraduate, postgraduate and fellowship students. He is involved in both teaching and examining of students, locally and nationally, across paediatrics and paediatric pulmonology. He has supervised and examined multiple research projects from the MMed to the PhD level. He is currently involved in multiple research projects himself, centered around external influences on the d l i l f hild hi h h l i t d i th
Associate Professor Nimmisha Govind School of Clinical Medicine
Associate Professor Govind is the Academic Head of Rheumatology at Wits and heads Rheumatology at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. She was a recipient of the Carnegie Clinician Scientist Award and completed her PhD on the ‘Genetics of Rheumatoid Arthritis’. She is an executive committee member of METEOR, an international collaboration on RA. She is also the Africa Lead of the Myositis Collaboration and Trail Consortium. She is on the editorial board of the African Journal of Rheumatology. She is an executive member of the College of Physicians of South Africa and the national convenor of the clinical examination.
Associate Professor Nokuthula Nkosi School of Therapeutic Sciences
Associate Professor Nkosi is a mental health nurse specialist with a distinguished academic background and a wealth of i i b th li i l ti d d i H i
children, and the elderly. Her research addresses the complex relationships between mental health, chronic illness, and psychosocial support. She has made significant contributions to the field of mental health nursing and disease progression.
Promotions: Adjunct Professor
Adjunct Professor Gary Reubenson School of Clinical Medicine
Adjunct Professor Reubenson is a Paediatric Infectious Diseases subspecialist based at Rahima Moosa Mother & Child Hospital. He has held representative positions with FIDSSA, CMSA, SAPA, the Ministerial Advisory Committees for Antimicrobial Resistance and COVID-19 therapeutics, and the NEMLC. He has served as examiner, moderator and convenor of the Paediatric Infectious Diseases subspecialty exam, the DCH exam, and the FCPaed Part 1 and Part 2 exams. He is passionate about practising, teaching and evaluating evidence-based medicine within the fields of Paediatrics and Infectious Diseases. His research interests include vaccine-preventable illnesses, neonatal and antimicrobial-resistant infections, and infectious disease surveillance.
Adjunct Professor Chrysis Sofianos
certified in plastic surgery and has published extensively in both local and international journals. Over the past year, he has taken on key leadership roles as Secretary of the College of Plastic Surgeons and an Executive Committee Member of the Association of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeons of South Africa. He recently hosted a highly successful national registrar symposium and serves as a surgeon for Operation Smile and the Smile Foundation, providing life-changing cleft and reconstructive surgery to children in need.
Adjunct Professor Malcolm Davies School of Clinical Medicine
Adjunct Professor Davies is the Head of the Division of Nephrology at Helen Joseph Hospital. He is a member of the Executive Committee of the South African Nephrology Society, a member of the Transplantation Committee of the African Nephrology Association, and the Deputy Chair of the National Kidney Foundation of South Africa. His research programme focuses on the experiences of people living with kid di l di t hi t bli hi i li t
Adjunct Professor
Mantoa Mokhachane School of Clinical Medicine
Adjunct Professor Mokhachane has led two successful Wits MBBCh accreditation processes – 5 years in 2019 and 2024. Her interest in medical education is epistemic justice and employing a decolonial approach. She has published in highimpact journals and contributed several book chapters. She has collaborated with peers locally and internationally at the universities of Toronto and Berlin. The latest international collaboration book chapter is titled “Future Directions and Disruptive Innovations in Medical Professionalism”. She is a member of several local (HREC until 2022) and international committees. She recently joined SAGER (Sex and Gender Equity in Research) Working Group.
Adjunct Professor
Dinesh Naidoo School of Clinical Medicine
Adjunct Professor Naidoo is a Witsie. He has been at the University since the early 1990s and a consultant at Ch l tt M k J h b A d i H it l i
examiner for the final neurosurgery exam at the College of Medicine and is regularly invited as a reviewer for approximately 15 international journals.
Adjunct Professor Jayati Basu School of Clinical Medicine
Adjunct Professor Basu is a principal specialist obstetrician and gynecologist in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is known for her teaching excellence among undergraduate and postgraduate students over two decades. Her excellence in research supervision for students made her a beloved mentor. Her research focus is on maternal morbidity and mortality where she critically analysed the conditions related to obesity, labour, abortion, antenatal care, HIV, COVID-19, teenage pregnancy and health system issues. Many of her papers were the first paper published on those topics in Africa contributing to the new knowledge on African women.
Adjunct Professor Paula Barnard-Ashton
S h l f Th ti S i
Integration. A national council member of SAAHE, she chaired the 2022 Scientific Committee. Her research spans sensory integration, health professions education, and interprofessional collaboration. Recognized for innovation, she received the 2017 Wits Vice-Chancellor’s Teaching Award, was an Inspiring Fifty SA woman in STEM (2019), and is a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert and Fellow.
Adjunct Professor Firdose Nakwa
School of Clinical Medicine
Adjunct Professor Nakwa is a distinguished neonatologist serving as the Head of Neonatology at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH) and the Divisional Head of Neonates at the University of the Witwatersrand’s Faculty of Health Sciences. She holds an MBBCh from Wits, FCPaed (SA), MMed from Wits, and certificates in Neonatology and Paediatric Neurology. She leads the induced hypothermia (cooling) programme and the Neurodevelopmental Follow-up Clinic at CHBAH, reflecting her keen interest in neonatal neurology. Dr Nakwa is actively
Long Service Awards
35 Years Long Service
Professor Sithembiso Velaphi
School of Clinical Medicine
Adjunct Professor Vesna Karic
School of Oral Health Sciences
30 Years Long Service
Dr Elizabeth Ho
School of Clinical Medicine
Dr Kasonga Bulabula
School of Clinical Medicine
Dr Tshikanda Paul Mbaya
Professor Adelin Muganza
School of Clinical Medicine
Professor Michelle Wong
School of Clinical Medicine
25 Years Long Service
Dr Bridget Armstrong
School of Clinical Medicine
Dr Dinesh Naidoo
School of Clinical Medicine
Dr Jones Omoshoro -Jones
School of Clinical Medicine
Professor Ifongo Bombil
School of Clinical Medicine
20 Years Long Service
Associate Professor Denis Evans
Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office
Dr Lizil Gilliland
School of Clinical Medicine
Dr Anneline Lochan
School of Pathology
Dr Nonhlanhla Mbenenge
School of Pathology
Associate Professor Mashudu Nethononda
School of Clinical Medicine
Dr Jurek Pietrzak
School of Clinical Medicine
Dr Vinayagie Premviyasa
School of Oral Health Sciences
Dr Fetolang Simelela
School of Clinical Medicine
Adjunct Professor Gary Reubenson
School of Clinical Medicine
Busisiwe Sibuyi
School of Public Health
Dr Fatimah Moosa
School of Clinical Medicine
Dr Kubendran Naidoo
School of Pathology
Associate Professor Mary Kawonga
School of Public Health
Professor Risimati Rikhotso
School of Oral Health Sciences
Dr Athar Jameel Arain
School of Clinical Medicine
Professor Maeyane Moeng
School of Clinical Medicine
Brigitte Walsh
School of Oral Health Sciences
15 Years Long service
Dr Rajiv Bhatt
School of Clinical Medicine
Dr Neetha Erumeda
School of Clinical Medicine
Dr Navanthree Govender
School of Clinical Medicine
Dr Ayesha Khan
School of Clinical Medicine
Dr Sadhna Kooverjee
School of Clinical Medicine
Dr Vikash Lala
School of Clinical Medicine
Adjunct Professor Thifhelimbilu Luvhengo
School of Clinical Medicine
Dr Cathrine Malau
School of Oral Health Sciences
Adjunct Professor Victor Mngomezulu
School of Clinical Medicine
Dr Simphiwe Mose
School of Clinical Medicine
Dr Bongiwe Nkomo
School of Clinical Medicine
Dr Nandi Ntuli
School of Clinical Medicine
Dr Brendon Billings
Department of Anatomical Sciences
Chien-Teng Chen
School of Therapeutic Sciences
Associate Professor Tobias Chirwa
School of Public Health
Nurit Dahan-Farkas
School of Therapeutic Sciences
Professor Philippe Gradidge
Department of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine
Rukeya Harris
Department of Anatomical Sciences
Dr Dragan Mandic
School of Clinical Medicine
Dr Busisiwe Maseko
Department of Anatomical Sciences
Phumzile Molefe
School of Clinical Medicine
Zacharia More
School of Clinical Medicine
Sipho Mtshali
Department of Anatomical Sciences
Ngonidzashe Ngwarai
MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions
Research Unit (Agincourt)
Dr Glenda Norman
Department of Physiology
Associate Professor Ronel Roos
School of Therapeutic Sciences
Azwidowi Sibara
Department of Anatomical Sciences
Neereshnie Singh
Health Sciences - Business Management Office
Professor Nasreen Mohammed
School of Clinical Medicine
Dr Zandiswa Gulube
School of Oral Health Sciences
Dr Mpho Molete
School of Oral Health Sciences
Dr Patricia Saffy
School of Clinical Medicine
Dr Kalpesh Jivan
School of Clinical Medicine
Dr Saidah Tootla
School of Clinical Medicine
Retirees
Dr Neil Butkow
School of Therapeutic Sciences
Adjunct Professor Antoinette Cilliers
School of Clinical Medicine
Dr Leonie Harmse
School of Therapeutic Sciences
Mogamat “Noor” Jardine
Health Sciences - Business Management Office
Dr Irene Kearns
School of Therapeutic Sciences
Thabitha Magethi
Health Sciences - Faculty Registrar's Office
Adjunct Professor Sebastian Magobotha
School of Clinical Medicine
Ethel Mpungutye
School of Clinical Medicine
Professor Mrudula Patel
School of Pathology
Adjunct Professor Christina Hajinicolaou
School of Clinical Medicine
Sandra Benn
Health Sciences - Faculty Registrar's Office
Dr Vinitha Philip-Cherian
School of Clinical Medicine
Professor Daynia Ballot
School of Clinical Medicine
Adjunct Professor Anthony Robertson
School of Clinical Medicine
Professor Martin Smith
School of Clinical Medicine
Dr Amme Tshabalala
School of Therapeutic Sciences
Glynis Veale
Department of Anatomical Sciences
Emeritus Professors
Vice-Chancellor’s Awards
Vice-Chancellor’s Awards Recipients
Vice-Chancellor’s Research Award
Professor Lizette Koekemoer
Professor Koekemoer has established several groundbreaking research fields for South Africa, including the sterile insect technique project, and co-raised funds to build the first mosquito mass-rearing facility in the country and the continent.
VC Academic Citizenship Award
Amber Cheng
Ane Orchard
David Bayever
Fatima Kathrada
Muhammed Vally
Razeeya Khan
The clinical pharmacy team was awarded for developing and establishing an innovative screening and testing programme called (STEPPS) to equip pharmacy students with essential primary care skills to screen for non-communicable diseases, HIV, and mental health, which are all critical health challenges in South Africa.
VC’s Staff Excellence Award
Doris Lamola
Lamola, Senior Administrator of the Radiology Department, played a key role in improving the efficiency of the Academic Head Office by introducing effective administrative processes that save time and resources.
ExceptionalService Awards
Exceptional Service Awards: Professional and Administrative Staff
Faith Lazarus
School of Pathology, Wits Research Institute For Malaria
Ms Lazarus is recognised for her outstanding administrative contributions to the unit since June 2022. She streamlined administrative systems, enhanced operational efficiency, managed finances and contracts, and supported students with registration and bursary issues. She has fostered a positive influence and dedication to a cohesive work culture. Her resourcefulness, professionalism, and dedication make her a deserving candidate for this recognition.
Lerato Podile
School of Public Health
Ms Podile is awarded the Exceptional Service Award for her dedication, creativity, and leadership. Since 2018, she has managed over 40 courses, processed hundreds of applications yearly, and fostered inclusivity and collaboration. Her initiatives, such as "Let's Talk" sessions and the Akanani Administrative Community, enhance the postgraduate experience. Her professionalism, positivity, and commitment make her an outstanding candidate for this award.
Exceptional Service Awards: Academic Staff
Dr Aviva Ruch
School of Clinical Medicine, Unit for Undergraduate Medical Education
Dr Ruch is awarded for her leadership in MBBCh curriculum improvements, ensuring they meet evolving medical standards. Her leadership fosters collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. Passionate about teaching, she supports students and staff through mentoring and workshops. Her commitment to excellence, adaptability to change, and impactful contributions make her a deserving candidate for this recognition.
Dr Mohammed Patel
School of Clinical Medicine, Unit for Undergraduate Medical Education
As head of the Case-Based Learning team, Dr Patel ensures high-quality student learning, even during challenges. He has enhanced the curriculum by expanding the Simulation Lab, integrating Team-Based Learning, and reintroducing InterProfessional Education. His leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence make him a vital in diversifying the teaching methods within the curriculum.
Thank you!
Celebrating Excellence
Today, we honor the outstanding research achievements that define our faculty. With a Nobel Prize Winner, one DSI/NRF Centre of Excellence, and two ANDI Centres of Excellence, we are at the forefront of groundbreaking discoveries.
Our six Research-Intensive Schools and eight DSI/NRF SARChI Chairs drive innovation and leadership in health sciences education, while our nine A-rated scientists and 28 research entities push the boundaries of knowledge.
This excellence is made possible by the support of our exceptional professional and administrative staff, whose dedication ensures that research and innovation thrive.
Together, we shape the future through world-class research, collaboration, and impact.
Here’s to discovery, excellence, and innovation!
