Meet the Team

MEET THE TEAM

NOBOM MASIMINI

Senior Clinical Research Worker

WHAT DO THE TEAM HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THEMSELVES & EACH OTHER

Meet Dr. Amy Ward, the site director at Vuka Research Clinic. January 2023 marked 10 years of her work in Khayelitsha. We celebrate this achievement of this awesome leader who has been spreading her wings by providing knowledge and support in this community.

Yaaasss, you're now a certified kasi girl Dr Amza!

Meet Marcia Nwabisa Gom“I joined the Research Industry in 2020 and was very interested & eager to explore. I took the risk of the jumping in the boat during a very challenging time in our country, which was a scary and life-changing process but fortunately had a team of driven, enthusiastic, passionate, empathetic, hardworking, positive people to guide and succeed through this.My journey of being a Study Co-ordinator begin 3 years ago at the Site B Day Hospital with the EkhayaVac EK1 CRS Team.Joining Clinical Research and Clinical Trials, I have had the opportunity of making a difference in people’s lives, saving, and improving their quality of life.I’ve had the privilege of being part of the team that worked on the Covid-19 J&J Vaccine Study and currently working on various new trials in HIV Prevention/Exposure amongst Adolescent Girls and Young Women at risk of HIV Infection.”“Curiosity creates possibilities and opportunities.”

Meet Bulelwa Mnyango, Community Liaison Officer at Vuka Research Clinic who joined the team in 2020. Buli’s work entails working closely with the community of Khayelitsha and surrounds. Since she’s joined the team, she feels that she has gained the skills and confidence to meaningfully engage with and participate in HIV prevention advocacy work as well as other infectious diseases.

Meet Raudine Hoffman, a Laboratory Technologist at Vuka.
"I have a passion for science and research. Medical microbiology is my area of focus and I truly enjoy what I do.

My journey in clinical research started when I joined Vuka in the beginning of 2023. What a year it’s been! This is my first time working in this area of research and I’ve had the privilege of learning more about clinical research as part of this vibrant and diverse group of people. Each one imparting in me their knowledge and experience. Albeit lab related, clinical or aspects of community engagement, I knew nothing about.

I feel that I’ve really grown in my capacity and skills as a lab technologist as well as a human. Although my role tends to be behind the scenes, I still love the fact that I am working towards something great because our communities are facing a tremendous disease burden with limited resources and knowledge.

Each day I feel motivated to continue working effectively with our team, in our little lab. So, let’s 'Vuka' towards wellness!"

Meet Denise Prinsloo, Research Pharmacist at Vuka a.k.a our “Gym Fanatic and Yoga Queen”. Although she only joined the team in Jan 2022, this is her 5th year working in Khayelitsha and loves it as she feels that Khayelitsha is deeply rooted in her heart. She’s passionate and loves our country’s unique culture, diverse communities and being able to contribute to alleviating the burden of disease no matter how small. Another passion of hers is Aerial Yoga (she’s doing the splits in this photo BTW) and she actually has an upcoming showcase on the 9th&10th of June 2023. Go Denise!

Meet Nomvula Makade, also known as ‘Vuvu’, a Community Educator and Recruiter at Vuka.

Her journey in Clinical Research Trials started in 2008 under the Prof Wilkinson group. There she served as an administrator on many clinical trials for over a decade. In 2023 she then joined the Prof. Meintjes group at the Vuka Research Clinic and transitioned from being an administrator to becoming a Community Educator and Researcher (CER).

Vuvu is passionate about working with local communities especially Khayelitsha which she regards as her second home. She also appreciates that she gets to engage with various stakeholders as part of her work.

Meet Chermòn Africa, the Research Administrative Officer at Vuka, who joined the team in 2022. She comes from a finance and office admin background within the NGO and NPO space. Chermòn's work entails administrating all things Finance and HR related for the team. She loves what she does and loves learning new things about her job that come with the territory. The research environment is fairly new to her, but she has found her footing while settling into a brand new team and space.

Meet Lebo Tsekela also known as Sis Lebza who is a Research Nurse Coordinator at Vuka.
Her journey in Clinical Research started in 2008 under Prof Robert Wilkinson group at Ekhaya-Vac Site B. There she served as a Clinical Research Nurse who worked in multiple studies and Clinical Trials. In 2017 she left Ekhaya-Vac and joined Prof Lynnette Deny at the Cervical Cancer Screen and Treat where she served as a Chief Leading Research Nurse.

In January 2018, Sis Lebza, joined Prof Meintjies as a Clinical Research Nurse on the HVTN-702 HIV Prevention Clinical Trial and other infectious disease related studies.
Sis Lebza is passionate about research, motivating co-workers and a good team spirit to keep the work going. In the future, she would like envision herself see myself as a great health educator who is patient, a team player and a courageous advocate and counsellor.
“I'm blessed and I thank God that I chose this Career” says sis Lebza. “As a person, always be humbled and passionate for the rest will follow” – Sis Lebza.

Meet Dr Phillip Du Preez, our very own ‘Dr Phil’ at Vuka.

Dr Phil joined us amid the pandemic. He transitioned from emergency medicine to research, finding fulfillment on the other side of the sick bed by aiding people in outpatient research to enhance their health and wellness.

He believes patient education is key to this, especially in HIV, STI, and TB prevention. Clinical research provides the ideal opportunity for him to talk and help participants in a safe and supportive environment.

Meet Dr. Carla Kloppers, a recent addition to Vuka Research Clinic.
She brings years of clinical experience to the research space, with an extensive background in Emergency Medicine.

Khayelitsha is a familiar setting, as she spent many days and nights at Khayelitsha District Hospital after Internship at Tygerberg. Having loved the intensity and fast pace of emergency medicine, she has learnt to appreciate the change of pace and welcomes all the new challenges.

She continues to enjoy her part in this field, where she can spend the needed time with participants and actively work on a holistic approach to wellness.

Meet Reabetswe Nonyane, Laboratory Technologist at Vuka.

Reabetswe joined Vuka in September and has a vast background and knowledge in Chemistry, Forensic Science and Biology. Before getting into research, she worked in a private laboratory where she developed the skills and attributes to excel in a clinical environment. Apart from science, she enjoys gardening and baking.

"My mom is my biggest inspiration; she breaks her back to provide me with a stepping stone to reach greater heights - she is imbokodo. I strive to be a fraction of what she is."

Meet Monica Magwayi also know as 'Sis Mon', a counsellor at Vuka.

Her journey in Clinical Research started back in 2005, working under Prof. Meintjes' lead, when the team were still based at Groote Schuur and Jooste Hospital. She is currently in her 15th year with the team and enjoys her work very much. She is passionate about serving the people of her community and believes that helping others overcome their social problems is very important.

Meet Phathuxolo Vinqishe also known as “Owen” or “Bhuti kaSisi” who is a Community Educator and Recruiter at Vuka.

He is a talented young person, who is always eager to learn and strives to fight for change within our communities.
Owen has worked for the South African Youth Federation as Youth Co-ordinator under the umbrella of ‘Homeless Peoples Federation’ for almost 11 years.

In 1997 he started volunteering for the Department of Sports and Culture, to develop indigenous games. In the same year he and some members registered an NPO called the Yep (clan) youth empowerment project that promotes youth development and a healthy lifestyle through cycling.

In 1999 he was elected as the chairperson for the Khayelitsha Sports Council. Between that time and the year 2004, he was also playing for the Premier United soccer team in the first division league.
In 2003 he enrolled as a student at Boston College studying Sports Management, however, was unable to complete the course due to financial constraints.

In 2010 he participated in the Books on Bikes initiative collecting books in previously disadvantaged community libraries in the Western Cape and all-over South Africa.
In 2013 his journey as a Community Educator and Recruiter began whilst working for the University of Stellenbosch TB centre for 4 years and even won a champion award as the top recruiter and educator in that year.

He later joined the University of Cape Town research group under the Prof Meintjes group in 2017 and has been with us to date.
Owen continues to push for change in communities through sporting activities and has had the privilege of registering another NPO in Khayelitsha called the Jukskei Club in December 2022.

Meet Nonceba Gobe, also known as ‘Sis Ncebsie’, a counsellor (Research Worker) at Vuka.

My journey in research started in 2006 when I join the Desmond Tutu TB Centre, under Prof. Beyers. There, I worked as a Research Worker, until the year 2011. I later joined the UCT research group in 2012, first under Prof. Robert Wilkinson until 2018 and then I later joined Prof. Meintjes’ group from 2018 up until now.

What I enjoy about my work is working with people of varying ages. What I have noticed in my community is that we as a people are faced with many challenges and societal issues that cannot be resolved in one day and as a counsellor, I use my skills to be that place of comfort and support whenever they need it.

Meet Erica Boshoff, Research Pharmacy Manager at Vuka.
After years of practicing as a retail and hospital pharmacist, I have found my happy place in clinical trial research.
Starting out 9 years ago working on trials with new drugs and regimens in the development pipeline for treating MDR-TB in KZN, I joined UCT research in 2021 and have been involved in Covid-19 vaccines, DS-TB, and HIV prevention trials ever since.
To experience the hope research brings to the lives and communities where TB is the #1 killer and HIV/AIDS devastates lives and communities on our doorstep and globally, working on UCT academic and global trials alongside the vibrant and passionate Vuka Team, brings me the greatest job satisfaction.
I have witnessed the first new TB drug developed in over 50 years (Bedaquiline) which was included into our local and global recommended 9-month treatment regimen for MDR-TB in 2015, a massive step forward from the previous 18–24-month regimen.
Hopefully, I get to experience the thrill of being part of breakthroughs in TB vaccines, and improvements in TB treatment and HIV preventative therapy with our current trials.
The wellness of every person we live life with matters and at Vuka Research Clinic we live that passion to make a difference!

Meet Nobom Masimini, also known as ‘Sis Bomza’, a counsellor (Research Worker) at Vuka.

‘My journey started in 2006 working at various Khayelitsha ARV clinics as an adherence counsellor. I then branched into the hospital wards with ill patients at GF Jooste, working under Prof. Meintjes. I spent about four years there before moving to the Khayelitsha Clinical Research site in 2013.

This year marks 10 years of working in research focusing on TB/HIV care, prevention and recently Covid-19 as well as other infectious diseases.

Meet Jessica Ndengane

My journey started 18 years ago, I know right but Am not that old lol.
At the early age of fourteen I got introduced to Basketball. One day a guy from my community called me and asked if I wanted to go with him and others to the basketball court, I was excited, curious and confused at the same time, I mean what is basketball ? As a young, black female in Khayelitsha, how would I know Basketball Right? Little did I know that’s how my life would change.
I joined the team, fell in love with the sport and all that it taught me, I even wanted to play professionally but life happened. Instead, I became a coach and a facilitator for Hoops4Hope a non-profit organization that was fighting crime through sport. While I was busy with that, I was also a volunteer for LoveLife as a Scamtho ground breaker.
In 2011, I went to study sports management at CPUT and I was involved in a lot of extra mural activities. That’s when a friend of mine told me about Lead for Life, a company that was/is running leadership camps and one day programs for schools. That is how I became a leadership facilitator and mentor. Also my administration journey started with Lead for Life.
In 2015 after university, I got a job as a nanny, I know Right such is life. I was a nanny for 2 years within those two years of raising that beautiful little girl, I got curious and wanted to learn more about child development, so I studied Early Childhood Development and became a teacher at WHWPP and at CKC.
In 2018 my administration journey began, by now I should be called the Jack of all trades because WOW. I was an administrator for Rondebosch United Church, I was unfortunately retrenched due to COVID-19. In 2020 I got a job at Hamadi Laboratories, there I was a specimen receiver, receptionist ,and a data capturer . In 2021 I got a job at UCT as a data capture for The Department of Human genetics and now I am here at VUKA!

Meet Zintle Sidondi

I am Zintle Sidondi, also known as “Zee”. I am a Clinical Nurse Practitioner by profession and I recently obtained my Health Service Management certificate for the year "2024". Previously, I worked for the Khayelitsha District Hospital for around 9 years, of which the last 8 years were spent in a paediatric ward. In 2022, while enrolled in a Primary Health Care degree at CPUT, I developed an interest for clinical research. Today, I am proud to say that I recently started working at Vuka Research Clinic as a Research Nurse.

I'm also a wife, mother, and daughter. My family is everything to me, and seeing them happy is my ultimate desire. I enjoy how research has allowed me to spend more time with my family because the hours are less demanding than those in the public sector. I believe that the training I have received in research has helped me grow as a person, and I am excited about what lies ahead.

Meet Bianca De Vos

I am a Phlebotomy Technician (AKA “The vampire”) and I have worked in pathology for 7 years. I have a passion for people and delivering compassionate, professional care. I am new to the world of clinical research and look forward to working with like-minded professionals, learning from their expertise, and contributing my own skills and experience to drive innovation and progress. I also believe that a sense of humour makes even the most chaotic days fly by faster and a little kindness goes a long way. So, if you need someone to inject enthusiasm (and maybe a few needles) into your research team, I’m your gal! Let’s change the world, one blood sample at a time.