NEWSLETTER
Dear Colleagues and Students
Welcome to the May 2026 edition of the School of Clinical Medicine Newsletter
This issue reflects the remarkable dedication, innovation, and collaborative spirit that continue to shape our School From academic appointments and promotions to outstanding research achievements, international collaborations, student successes, and impactful community initiatives, we celebrate the many contributions of our staff and students who uphold the values of excellence in clinical care, teaching, and research
I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to all colleagues who have recently received appointments, promotions, awards, and research recognition Your achievements strengthen the reputation and impact of our School both locally and internationally
We are also proud to highlight the accomplishments of our students and trainees, whose research and academic excellence demonstrate the future of healthcare and medical science in South Africa and beyond
This edition also marks an exciting period of transition and growth within the School, as we prepare to welcome new leadership and continue strengthening our academic, clinical, and research mission We remain confident that through shared purpose and collective commitment, the School of Clinical Medicine will continue to advance innovation, excellence, and meaningful impact in healthcare education and service delivery
As we navigate an evolving healthcare and academic landscape, let us remain committed to collaboration, compassion, innovation, and service to our communities. Together, we are building a School that advances knowledge, transforms healthcare, and inspires future generations. We also look forward to welcoming Prof Salome Maswime as the new Head of School from 1 June 2026, and we wish her every success in this important leadership role.
I hope you enjoy reading this edition and encourage you to continue sharing your achievements, initiatives, and stories with us for future newsletters.
Thank you for being part of the School of Clinical Medicine community
Prof Mboyo-Di-Tamba Willy Vangu Acting Head of School
StaffAppointmentsandPromotions
HeadofSchoolAppointment
We are pleased to introduce Prof Salome Maswime, who will be joining us as the new Head of School on 1 June 2026.
AcademicHeadofDivisionAppointments
Division of Paediatric Endocrinology
Congratulations to Prof Kebashni Thandrayen with her appointment as Academic Head of Division for the Division of Paediatric Endocrinology, May 2026
Prof Thandrayen holds five qualifications: MBBCh (Wits), FCPaed (SA), MMED (Wits), Certificate in Paediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism and PhD (Wits) She obtained her PhD in 2014 on “Bone mass and fractures in South African children”
She has been the Head of the Metabolic Bone Clinic at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH) since 2011 and appointed as the Head of Paediatric Endocrinology at CHBAH since October 2020 and is currently the Divisional Head of Paediatric Endocrinology at Wits
Her long-term research interests pertain to Metabolic Bone Disorders in children and bone health
She has first authored and co-authored 26 peer-reviewed articles mainly on metabolic bone disorders and co-authored 5 book chapters She has presented talks or papers at national and international conferences in this field.
Prof Thandrayen also has substantial experience in clinical trials on Metabolic Bone disorders such as Osteogenesis Imperfecta and through these trials; she has networked with international experts in this field.
She is an executive member of NOFSA (2020) and on the steering committee for the Type 1 Diabetes disease burden study.
She has supervised 15 MMed students and 1 MSc student to completion and she is currently supervising an additional 6 MMed students.
Her current research interests pertain mainly to bone health, endocrinology including diabetes and metabolic bone disorders The majority of her practice involves paediatric clinical endocrinology at CHBAH and her focus now is to promote and expand the training, teaching and research in Paediatric endocrinology and diabetes at the University of the Witwatersrand, together with inter-departmental, inter-provincial and international collaborations.
Division of Neonatology
Congratulations to Prof Firdose Nakwa on her appointment as Academic Head Division for the Division of Neonatology, May 2026.
Prof Nakwa is a Neonatologist at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital
She is a Witsie having completed all her training, both undergraduate and postgraduate at the University of the Witwatersrand.
Her credentials include MBBCh (Wits), FCPaeds (SA), Masters in PaediatricsMMed Paeds (SA), Certificate of Neonatology (SA), Certificate of Paediatric Neurology (SA) and the International Postgraduate Diploma in Infection Control (IPDIC Stell).
She is the Head of Neonatology at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital and the Divisonal Head of the Wits Academic Hospitals (2020-2025). She is the programme director for the Neonatal Fellow Training She is the Director of The Wits NeoPOCUS course. She has been involved with both retrospective studies and international prospective trials. Prof Nakwa has supervised a multitude of MMed Students in Paediatrics She is a resident reviewer for the SAJCH She has reviewed both Neonatal and Paediatric Neurological articles for international journals
She is a Co-PI on the NESHIE study (a multinational study on Neonates with Suspected Hypoxic Ischaemic Encephalopathy) and the NEO-INSPIRe study at the CHBAH site. She is an investigator on the NEOOBS and NEOSEP studies. She is a Neonatal Life Support (NLS) Task Force Member for ILCOR and a member of the Newborn Brain Society (NBS) Publications and Guideline Committee.
She is passionate about neonatal neurology and has a keen interest in perinatal asphyxia, cranial ultrasounds, all aspects of neonatal neurology and NeoPOCUS
AcademicHeadofSub-DivisionAppointments
Sub-division of Endocrine Surgery
Congratulations to Prof Ifongo Bombil with his appointment as Academic Head for the subdivision of Endocrine Surgery, November 2025
Prof Bombil became a Fellow of College of Surgeons of South Africa in 2003, he then went on to achieve a Master of Surgery from Wits University and a Degree of Laparoscopic Surgery from the University of Strasbourg, France between 2013 and 2015
He also became a Fellow of American College of Surgeons in 2015. He was appointed Associate Professor of Surgery at Wits University and is currently the Clinical Head of Unit 5 at CHBAH (Endocrine and General Surgery)
Sub-division of Breast Surgery
Congratulations to Prof Jenny Edge with her appointment as Academic Head for the subdivision of Breast Surgery from November 2025.
Prof Edge, MD currently works at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, Johannesburg as a general surgeon specializing in Breast Surgery She is the Clinical Head of the breast and endocrine unit with a joint appointment at the University of the Witwatersrand She was formerly at Stellenbosch University, after spending 18 years in private practice.
Her interests include surgical techniques (particularly for locally advanced diseases), barriers to access to care, and teaching. She is the founder and director of the Breast Course for Nurses specializing in teaching nurses at primary and tertiary level. She believes listening is the most important part of both research and life
Sub-division of Trauma
Congratulations to Dr Shumani Makhadi with his appointment as Academic Head for the subdivision of Trauma, February 2026.
Dr Shumani Makhadi is a Senior Trauma Consultant at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital and a Lecturer in the Division of Trauma Surgery at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa He holds an MBChB from the University of Pretoria, an MMed in Surgery from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, and subspecialty certification in Trauma Surgery from the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA)
In 2025, he was conferred a Fellowship of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and currently enrolled for a Postgraduate Certificate in Writing in Surgery and Evidence-Based Practice from the University of Edinburgh.
Promotions
Senior Clinical Lecturer
Congratulations to Dr Yvette Nel with her promotion to Senior Clinical Lecturer.
Dr Nel is a Psychiatrist, Clinician Researcher and joint appointee at the University of the Witwatersrand and Tara Hospital in Johannesburg South Africa, where she works as the senior consultant psychiatrist in a women’s mental health ward, managing women with severe mental illness and psychosis. She holds an undergraduate MBCHB from UCT, and postgraduate MMED in Psychiatry from Wits University, as well as a Fellowship of the College of Psychiatrists, SA
She serves as a supervisor for undergraduate and postgraduate research projects at Wits university, and as a lecturer and examiner for undergraduate and postgraduate students in psychiatry and neuroscience. She also serves as an examiner for the College of Psychiatrists
Her clinical and research interests lie in women’s mental health, specifically, the
management of serious mental illness in women who are parents, linked to intergenerational transmission of mental health disorders and psychosocial adversity. She is additionally trained in neuropsychiatry, parental mental illness, child aware adult practice and parent infant psychotherapy She is also passionate about patient rights and ethical treatment of mental healthcare users and serves as a member of the Wits HREC (medical). She is the secretary of the SASOP women’s mental health special interest group executive
Senior Researcher
Congratulations to Dr Clement Kufe Nyuyki with his promotion to Senior Researcher
Physician’s Update 2026
Dr Clement N. Kufe is a Researcher at the School of Clinical Medicine, and Research coordinator of the Department of Anaesthesiology where he carries out interdisciplinary research on cardiometabolic and endocrine epidemiology, HIV and metabolic health, mental health and indigenous populations’ health.
He is involved in database-driven studies that align with modern data-intensive clinical research for translational research, capacity building and commitment to African health priorities. He holds a Master of Medicine (MMED) in Epidemiology and Biostatistics and a PhD.
DepartmentNews DepartmentofInternalMedicine
Congratulations to Wits Alumnus Prof
Kubedi Patrick Mokhobo for being bestowed the The Order of the Baobab in Silver at the National Orders Awards.
National Orders are the highest awards that our country, through the President, bestows on our citizens
The Order of the Baobab recognises South African citizens who have
contributed to community service, business and the economy, science, medicine and technological innovation.
Prof Mokhobo is awarded for leaving an indelible mark on the academic and medical communities His trailblazing work in cardiology is a testament to his resilience and passion for medicine. His unwavering dedication has not only shaped the medical field but has also uplifted communities
The ceremony was held on the 19th May 2026
Watch as he received his award here: https://www.youtube.com/live/BdeY0hbyVhk?si=5eX6LUfHJNtCM75f&t=6153
Eventsnews
Physician’s Update 2026
The Physician’s Update is the premier event in the Gauteng medical calendar, offering an unparalleled opportunity for interaction with a broad spectrum of clinicians in private and state practice The 2026 event was hosted at the Wits Public Health Building during 28 and 29 March 2026, with 170 delegates attending over the weekend, including 18 trade sponsors and exhibitors.
This year’s programme featured expert speakers and cutting-edge topics from all eleven disciplines of Internal Medicine covering the latest topics relevant to both the Public and Private sectors
Dr Lyle Murray was the Chair of the 2026 Organizing Committee
Wits Medical Students and Supervisors Win Prize for Innovative Diabetes Cognitive Screening Research
A group of final-year medical students won Best Research Poster at the 2026 Wits Physician’s Update for their study titled: “The performance of a novel, diabetesspecific cognitive screening tool against the MoCA in older adults with type 2 diabetes”
Supervised by endocrinologist, Professor Farzahna Mohamed, and geriatrician, Dr Anu Mathew, the research project was conceptualised in the students’ fourth year of study and completed in their fifth. The team developed a novel cognitive screening tool tailored for older adults with type 2 diabetes, aimed at enabling more efficient and practical assessment in busy, resource-limited settings.
PoCUS Workshop
This year, the PoCUS Workshop was organised in conjunction with EMSSA as an added event to the congress which was held on 27 March 2026 in Internal Medicine. The full day event was sponsored by EcoMed Medical The course focused on skill development in point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) for the specialist physician and spaces were filled by COSMOs, MOs, registrars and consultants in the Department of Internal Medicine. The event was a huge success and the department plans on hosting similar workshops in the near future
Dr Richard Crawford
Drs Riaan Pretorius and Chido Nyatsambo
Recent publications
1 Safety and equity in scaling minimally invasive surgery worldwide in 109 countries using cholecystectomy as a tracer procedure: a prospective cohort study Kamarajah, Sivesh K et al The Lancet Global Health, Volume 14, Issue 2, e199 - e212
2 Identification of multiple cardiotonic steroids in faecal material of untreated humans and rat strains. Zelie F. Masso, Hannah Bint Ebrahim Mullah. Anza Thiba, Sarhana Dinat, Ekene E Nweke, Gavin R Norton, Angela J Woodiwiss, Duncan Cromarty, Geoffrey P. Candy.Steroids. Volume 227, March 2026, 109747
3 Devar J, Baichan P, Elebo N, Candy G, Smith M, Nweke EE Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes and Associated Immune Cell Types In South African Gallbladder Cancer Patients Sci Rep 15, 39429 (2025) https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-23056-1
4 Foley Catheter Balloon Tamponade for Actively Bleeding Wounds Following Penetrating Neck Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis: annals journal & bulletin journal – Awaiting Production Proof
5. The RoboDev Guideline: Key Requirements and Recommendations for Developing and Expanding Global Robotic Surgical Programmes Impact Surgery – Pending Publication
6. Anyomih TTK, Mulliez A, Elhadi M, Ademuyiwa A, Adisa A, Dawson A, et al. Appendicitis Global Outcomes (AlliGatOr) Study Protocol: Identifying areas for whole systems strengthening in emergency care pathways Impact Surgery [Internet]. 2025 Sep. 30 [cited 2025 Nov. 11];2(6):185-92. Available from: https://impact-journalsorg/indexphp/pub/article/view/204
7. Safety and equity in scaling minimally invasive surgery worldwide: a prospective cohort study in 109 countries using minimally invasive cholecystectomy as a tracer procedure. NIHR Global Health Research Unit on Global Surgery*, GlobalSurg Collaborative – Pending Publication in Lancet Health
8 Edmiston T, Bath MF, Caceres E, et al Variation in global trauma care: a survey of 187 hospitals across 51 countries. BMJ Glob Health 2025;10:e021784. doi:10.1136/ bmjgh-2025-021784
We encourage staff and students to make use of this valuable support.
9. Bath MF, ET AL, GOAL COLLABORATIVE GROUP: Evaluating patient factors,
operative management and postoperative outcomes in trauma laparotomy patients worldwide: a protocol for a global observational multicentre trauma study. BMJ Open. 2024 Apr 5;14(4):e083135. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-083135. PMID: 38580358; PMCID: PMC11002395.
10. Kinandu K, Bobat B, Crawford R, Eagar M, Gaylard P, Khan Z, et al. Acute cellular rejection in adult liver transplant recipients in Johannesburg, South Africa. S Afr Med J [Internet]. 2025 Oct. 2 [cited 2025 Oct. 15];115(9):e3231. 8. Surgical health policy 2025–35: strengthening essential services for tomorrow's needs Jul 2025 The Lancet DOI: 101016/S0140-6736(25)00985-7
11 PErioperative respiratory care and outcomes for patients underGoing hIgh risk abdomiNal surgery (PENGUIN): a randomised international internal pilot trial. Jun 2025. BJA Open 14(5):100396 DOI:10.1016/j.bjao.2025.100396
12. Max E R Marsden ,Peter C T M W Havell, Francois J A Du Plessis, Riaan Pretorius Autotransfusion in traumatic haemothorax using the Sinapi chest drain system. BMJ Mil Health 2026;0:1–2. doi:10.1136/military-2025-003176
13Devorah Wineberg , Richard Crawford, Naadiyah Laher, Victor Kong , Daniel Lee , Riaan Pretorius , Frank Plani , Damian Clarke . Trauma Electives in South Africa Provide Invaluable Experience to International Doctors - The Johannesburg Experience. Journal of Surgical Research https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jss.2025.11.025
14. Muhango L, Lhoza S, Pretorius R, Pswarayi R. The epidemiology of trauma patients presenting to a large urban public hospital trauma centre in South Africa. Wits Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2025, 7 (2) 71 76
PhD Completion
Dr Sarah Nietz is a breast surgeon affiliated with the University of the Witwatersrand, has successfully completed her PhD examining quality of care and outcomes in breast cancer in South Africa
We encourage staff and students to make us
Her research utilised data from the South African Breast Cancer and HIV Outcomes (SABCHO) study to evaluate adherence to established quality indicators and their association with overall survival. Non-adherence to key quality indicators was associated with a significantly
increased risk of mortality, underscoring the direct impact of care delivery on patient outcomes
The findings highlight critical gaps in the delivery of breast cancer care within resource-constrained settings and identify priority areas for targeted intervention. This work contributes to a growing body of evidence supporting the standardisation of breast cancer care and provides an important foundation for ongoing health system strengthening initiatives.
Project REACH Successfully Launched in Limpopo Province
The NIHR Global Health Research Unit (GSU) South Africa Hub, Rural Health Division, proudly launched Project REACH at Seshego Hospital on 10 March 2026. This initiative focuses on improving post-surgical care by training Community Health Workers (CHWs) to recognise early signs of wound complications and surgical site infections.
The programme equips CHWs with essential skills in wound care, patient education, and community outreach, strengthening healthcare support at the grassroots level. Training was conducted across multiple sites, including Seshego Hospital and surrounding primary health centres, with Pietersburg Hospital serving as a referral facility
More than 24 CHWs were trained, enhancing their ability to support patients after surgery, facilitate referrals, and contribute to community-based data collection. This work supports the broader mission of the NIHR Global Surgery Unit, which aims to improve surgical outcomes globally through collaborative research and capacity building.
Project REACH represents a significant step forward in community-driven surgical care in South Africa, helping to reduce complications and improve patient outcomes
Read more: Successful Launch of Project REACH in Limpopo Province
We encourage staff and students to make use of this valuable support.
DepartmentofRadiationSciences
DivisionofNuclearMedicine
Going Further Together Where Healing Meets Learning -
By Dr Shireen Dhoodhat
The Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging recently came together in a spirit of compassion and collaboration to raise funds internally for the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg (CMJ) Hospital School Through collective contributions and shared commitment, the department funded the purchase of a paediatric wheelchair to assist in transporting young patients from the transport bus to the classroom and back to the wards
Situated within Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, adjacent to the nurses’ housing (Gate 8, B block, 1st floor), the school serves children undergoing long-term or life-threatening treatment, many of whom are hospitalised for extended periods. This simple yet meaningful intervention helps ensure that physical limitations do not prevent these learners from accessing the education and sense of normalcy the school provides.
Founded in 1923 by volunteers who recognised that illness should not interrupt a child’s education, the school has grown into a dedicated facility and was officially recognised as the Johannesburg Hospital School on 19 October 1983 The school currently offers a full curriculum from Grade R to Grade 12 in a supportive and uplifting environment. As an educational institution, it has performed exceptionally well, achieving a 100% bachelor’s and diploma matric pass rate for the past three consecutive years.
It stands as a reminder that healing is not only physical, but also emotional and intellectual. Health workers who have not yet experienced the school are encouraged to visit and witness firsthand the resilience of these children and the impact of integrated care. Supporting initiatives like this not only enhances patient well-being but also strengthens our shared commitment to truly holistic healthcare.
By raising awareness about the CMJ Hospital School, the Department of Nuclear Medicine hopes to foster a spirit of Ubuntu among staff at Wits and CMJAH.
“If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” (African proverb) Let’s go further together.
DivisionofForensicMedicineandPathology WorkshopNews
Human Decedent Identification Workshop (23-27 March 2026)
The Division ation with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), hosted a workshop on the forensic methods used to identify unidentified deceased individuals A variety of local and international experts presented on the forensic techniques used for evidence collection, standard operating procedures, and best practices related to the identification of the deceased
Presenters included experts from Wits’ Department of Forensic Medicine and Pathology, Department of Anatomical Sciences (Human Variation, Identification and Research Unit), Gauteng and Western Cape Forensic Pathology Services, ICRC, and Forensic Missing Migrant Initiative
Participants represented Wits (Department of Forensic Medicine and Pathology and Department of Anatomical Sciences), FPS (Gauteng and Western Cape), Kamazu University (Malawi), University of the Western Cape, University of the Free State, and Montpellier University (France)
International Humanitarian Law and the Separated, Missing and Dead Workshop (21–23 April 2025)
BHSc Honours in Forensic Sciences students, together with academic and technical staff from the Division of Forensic Medicine and Pathology, participated in a workshop on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and the Separated, Missing and Dead: From Law to Practice. The workshop was organised by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in collaboration with the University of Johannesburg (Faculty of Law, South African NRF Research Chair in International Law)
The workshop examined IHL obligations relating to missing persons, the dead,
and their families, with a particular focus on how legal frameworks and forensic practice intersect to ensure the dignified management of the dead and appropriate support for affected families. Topics included the protection of the dead under IHL forensic practice in armed conflict military personnel identification, and on‐international armed conflicts in
Participants represented a range of institutions, including Wits (Departments of Forensic Medicine and Pathology and Anatomical Sciences), the University of Johannesburg, the ICRC, Forensic Pathology Services (FPS), the African Union’s African Child Policy Forum, and the South African National Defence Force’s South African Military Health Service
As part of the programme, Wits’ Human Decedent Identification Unit (Johannesburg FPS) hosted a practical demonstration in which Forensic Science Honours students showcased the processes used in human identification This session reinforced the theoretical discussions from the workshop and was especially valuable for legal scholars who do not routinely engage with the deceased or the complex forensic procedures involved in human identification, thereby strengthening multidisciplinary collaboration between law and forensic practice
Congratulations to the supervisors and students with their achievement. We are super proud of everyone!
A group of final-year medical students won Best Research Poster at the 2026 Wits Physician’s Update in March 2026 for their study titled “The performance of a novel, diabetes-specific cognitive screening tool against the MoCA in older adults with type 2 diabetes”
Their research was also among the 18 projects selected for an oral presentation at the national congress of the Society for Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes South Africa (SEMDSA) which took place in Cape Town in April 2026. Their work has now been accepted for publication in the BMC Geriatrics Journal by Springer Nature.
Supervised by endocrinologist, Professor Farzahna Mohamed, and geriatrician, Dr Anu Mathew, the research project was conceptualised in the students’ fourth year of study and completed in their fifth. The team developed a novel cognitive screening tool tailored for older adults with type 2 diabetes, aimed at enabling more efficient and practical assessment in busy, resource-limited settings.
SchoolInformation/News
School Funding Publication Funding
The School of Clinical Medicine is pleased to announce that funding is available to support publication costs for all staff and students within the School. This initiative aims to promote high-quality research outputs and ensure the broader dissemination of scholarly work.
Staff and students within the School are encouraged to apply using the link below.
1. Application deadline: Monday 30 November 2026
�� [Click here to apply for School publication funding]
2. Additionally, publication funding is also available at the University level.
�� [Click here for more information on University funding opportunities]
We encourage staff and students to make use of this valuable support.
MMedFunding
Boost your research Present your work Get the support you need
The School of Clinical Medicine invites MMed students to apply for fundingplease see the details below:
�� What’s available?
✅ Conference registration (for presenters only):
• Up to R10,000 for local conferences
• Up to R20,000 for international conferences
✅ Research-related expenses:
• Up to R40,000 (negotiable, based on project needs)
✅ Additional support:
• Remote study resources
• Refreshments (up to R1,000)
• Petrol (SARS rate - R4 95 per km)
• Data and airtime
�� Application Deadlines:
29 May | 31 July | 30 September 2026
�� Apply now:
�� SOCM MMed Fund Application
Kindly access the links via https://app.gideononline.com/login or FHS Library https://libguides.wits.ac.za/c.php?g=145330&p=953318
WitsJournalofClinicalMedicine
The Wits Journal of Clinical Medicine (WJCM) is a peer-reviewed scientific research journal published tri-annually It is a forum to showcase scientific research from Clinical Medicine Departments at institutions in South Africa and internationally. The journal is also a portal to highlight pressing health issues of our times and will publish opinion pieces or commentaries in this regard.
The journal aims to provide an opportunity for emerging researchers to publish their work as Open Access and sets out to be the primary dissemination portal for clinical medical scientists from southern Africa The editorial policy of the journal is guided by scientific quality, originality and integrity, and all publications are peer reviewed.
WJCM especially welcomes submissions from younger academics including registrars, fellows and junior consultants, who are encouraged to submit their research
The Wits Journal of Clinical Medicine is hosted by ScienceOpen.
Please join the WJCM WhatsApp group to stay informed with the latest news and publications at your convenience: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7feWhK0IBixpdmrY21
Kindly liaise with Pam Singh regarding submissions on pam@wjcmcoza
Please send news that you would like to be included in our next newsletter to Rita.Kruger@wits.ac.za
Deadline: 30 June 2026