John P. Makhwitine, hailing from Milbank, Bochum, Limpopo, is an aspiring Intern Medical Scientist with a Master’s degree in Medical Microbiology from University of KwaZulu-Natal, he possesses a strong academic foundation. With a passion for groundbreaking research, he has explored the field of traditional medicine, pioneering the discovery of novel therapeutic drugs and innovative strategies. His contributions have earned recognition through publications in high-impact factor journals, showcasing his commitment to advancing medical knowledge. Presently, his focus is on infectious diseases research, where he strives to explore and understand the complexities of pathogens that threaten public health. With a keen eye for scientific exploration and a dedication to advancing medical knowledge, John is prepared to make meaningful contributions to the field and drive positive impacts in healthcare.

Brilliant is an intern medical scientist in the discipline of medical microbiology. He holds an honours degree in biomedical science from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. He is driven by his strong passion for diagnosis and management of diseases. He projected his scientific journey to fields such as pharmacy and traditional medicine, with a goal to acquire knowledge on the approaches used by health systems in South Africa to address both acute and chronic illnesses. He is currently completing his master’s degree in the discipline of nursing and public health and looking forward to contributing to scientific knowledge. Brilliant envisions merging all his acquired skills and knowledge in research concerning infectious diseases posing a threat to communities, in means of improving and developing novel strategies and management of infectious diseases.

Dr Nontobeko Mvubu completed her PhD in 2016 and was appointed as a Lecturer in the School of Life Sciences (2017) and a Senior Lecturer in the School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences in 2023 at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She has secured two National Research Foundation grants (2018 and 2021) and became an awardee of the international European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership career development fellowship in 2021. She has supervised 6 Masters and 1 PhD students to completion in Tuberculosis, Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology research with several publications in Quartile 1 and Quartile 2 international journals. She currently holds a National Research Foundation (NRF) Y-rating (2023). Her research interests are on host immune response to Tuberculosis and exploiting Bioinformatics tools to understand infectious disease pathogenesis.

Ms Gloria Sukali Holds a Masters of Medical Science in Medicine degree obtained from the university of KwaZulu-Natal. She was funded by Prof Nathlee Abbai research funds at the clinical medicine laboratory. Her Masters project was on the: Characterization of Candida isolates from South African pregnant and non-pregnant women. The findings of her Masters project revealed a high prevalence of Candida in both pregnant and non-pregnant women. It also found a high level of resistance to the antifungal amphotericin B. ‘In the local setting, resistance patterns to commonly used antifungals to treat Candida infections are not being monitored.

Nikita Nundlall is a 24 year old clinical medical science PhD candidate at UKZN under the supervision of Professor Nathlee Abbai. Throughout her schooling career she participated in many Mathematics and Science programmes/ Olympiads and received academic awards. She completed her BSc degree majoring in Genetics and Microbiology (2017-2019), Honours degree majoring in Medical Microbiology (summa cum laude) (2020) and Masters degree majoring in Clinical Medicine (2021) at UKZN. She is a part of the Golden Key society and actively involved in demonstrations and workshops held at the clinical medical laboratory. Her research interests include clinical medicine focusing on new and emerging STIs among men and women. Her current research focuses on Trichomonas vaginalis and Mycoplasma genitalium infection in South African men who have sex with men. She is inspired to pursue a career in research as she is passionate about helping to make a difference. 

Nwabisa Rexe is currently pursuing her master’s degree in medical microbiology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), South Africa. She completed her undergraduate degree in BSc (Microbiology and Biochemistry). She is a growing Scientist with a big mind believing that one day she will be known for her remarkable work and innovations. She grew up having a hunger of improving the human health. Infectious Diseases and Molecular Biology are her areas of interest, and her current study is examining the distribution of pathogenic and antibiotic resistance determinants in Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) at the Academic Complex Central Hospital in Kwa Zulu-Natal.

Thasmika Durga is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Clinical Medicine at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Durban, South Africa. Her current project focuses on the antimicrobial resistance patterns of Gardnerella vaginalis clinical isolates. In 2021, she completed her Bachelor of Science Degree in Genetics and Microbiology at UKZN. Thereafter, in 2022, she completed her degree, Bachelor of Medical Sciences Honours in Medical Microbiology, and received a certificate of merit for her research project which focused on the genetic diversity of the vaginolysin gene from G. vaginalis across different BV states. She believes that her drive for success aids her in not only setting goals but achieving them. The research field that she isinterested in is sexually transmitted infections and diseases. Therefore, vaccine development as well as the identification of genetic markers which can aid in combatting STI’s and STD’s before aggressive progression of infection.

Dr Taliby Dos CAMARA (Ph.D), born on 17 July 1971 in Mamou (Republic of Guinea), Microbiology, MA at CAMES, Lecturer, Lecturer at the UGANC and the UMG, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Techniques at the UMG, Head of the Department of Medical Biology at the UMG, Head of the Master's Degree in Nutrition-Health at the UGANC. He has around twenty publications to his name, and he is also been a member of the jury for several dissertations, and have supervised 50 Master's and PhD dissertations. He teaches Microbiology, Virology, Bacteriology, Medical Microbiology, Biosafety and Research Methodology. He has taken part in Scientific Colloquia, Scientific Days and given lectures. He is an author with Editions MUSES (Le gamin du quartier and Un guinéen d'aujourd'hui). He is in the process of having three books published: Bacteriology, Virology and Microbiology). He is applying for the post of MC.

Zodidi Dilinga is currently a senior registrar in Medical Microbiology at Inkosi Albert Luthuli hospital/King Edward Hospital/National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) and the University of Kwazulu Natal in Durban. She completed her undergraduate MBChB degree at the university of NRM School of medicine in Kwazulu Natal followed by 2 years of internship, community service and medical officer in clinical medicine around some of the district hospitals in the province as well as clinics later she joined NHLS in 2020 just before the onset of the Covid19 pandemic. She has taken a keen interest in STIs and prevention especially in our high burden country, where she believe early diagnosis of STI especially in pregnancy will prevent so many complications to the unborn baby.

Toju Chibuzor Ogele, born on January 18, 1988, in Burutu, Delta state, he is a seasoned project management specialist with over 11 years of experience in public health interventions and organizational development. Currently he is pursuing an MBA, he holds a B.Sc(Ed) in Chemistry from the University of Benin, Nigeria. Ogele has successfully managed a portfolio exceeding USD 500 million in the health and social development sector, showcasing adaptability, analytical skills, and a results-oriented approach. Renowned for his passion and dedication, Toju Ogele has made significant contributions to program design, coordination, planning, implementation, and monitoring. His commitment has yielded positive outcomes in projects like the Nigerian Malaria Elimination Program and National Aligned HIV/AIDS Initiative. Beyond his professional achievements, Ogele engages in extracurricular activities and provides voluntary services. He currently leads two projects at eHealth Africa, contributing to the expanded immunization space and large-scale food fortification in Nigeria. Toju Ogele's story is an inspiration, exemplifying the power of perseverance on his journey to achieving remarkable success.