Ms Nondumiso Atricia Nkosi

Medical Scientist | Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

PathReD proudly celebrates Nondumiso Atricia Nkosi, recipient of the Best Oral Presentation Award in Medical Virology for the presentation “Increased Detection of HBV DNA and Mutational Analysis in Hepatitis B Surface Antigen-Negative Specimens at NHLS DGM Tertiary Laboratory.”

Nondumiso’s research examined hepatitis B virus (HBV) in specimens that tested negative using the routine hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) screening test. The study investigated whether HBV DNA could still be detected and examined viral mutations that may contribute to infections being missed by routine testing. The findings showed that HBV DNA remained detectable in a significant number of HBsAg-negative specimens, adding to evidence supporting improved HBV detection towards the WHO 2030 elimination goal.

The study was inspired by the gap between routine laboratory testing and what may be happening in patients. During training and work as an intern in medical virology, Nondumiso became interested in infections missed when the virus is present at very low levels or when viral protein changes affect detection.

The journey included resource constraints, reagent delays, sample-sourcing difficulties, and clinical data access challenges. Nondumiso responded by maximizing available laboratory materials, remaining resourceful, and maintaining strong working relationships with supervisors and collaborators.

Look beyond standard laboratory data and focus on critical health gaps affecting communities. Submit your abstracts, seize opportunities to present, and allow every experience to build your confidence and skills.

Dr Olivia Mmakau Keetse

Registrar | Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)

PathReD proudly celebrates Dr Olivia Mmakau Keetse, recipient of the Best Oral Presentation Award in Anatomical Pathology for “Pathologic Characterisation of Gastrointestinal B-cell Lymphoma over a 15-year Period at an Academic Laboratory in Northern Pretoria, South Africa.”

The study reviewed gastrointestinal B-cell lymphoma cases diagnosed in the region to describe who was affected, which histological subtypes occurred most often, and where in the gastrointestinal tract the cancers arose. Highly relevant in a high-HIV setting, the baseline regional profile supports accurate recognition and classification by pathologists.

The study was motivated by limited published information describing gastrointestinal B-cell lymphomas in the local population despite an HIV burden that influences how these malignancies present. The goal was to contribute contextually relevant evidence reflecting regional patients rather than relying solely on findings from different settings.

Time management was the greatest challenge as a first substantial research project, balancing exam preparations and clinical training responsibilities. This was managed by breaking the project into smaller, achievable steps, with central guidance and mentorship from supervisors.

Submit the abstract and take the opportunity to present. Scientific presenting is a skill that improves with practice, and clean, focused presentation helps explain complex work in simple, accessible language.

Dr Kgothatjo Magolego

Chemical Pathologist | Division of Chemical Pathology, University of Cape Town (Groote Schuur Laboratory and Red Cross Laboratory)

PathReD proudly celebrates Dr Kgothatjo Magolego, recipient of the Best Oral Presentation Award in Chemical Pathology for “From Laborious to Effortless: Transforming Amino Acid Result Reporting with Automation.”

Amino acid analysis previously required manual data entry because no middleware was available to transmit results directly to the laboratory information system. This increased manual intervention and created opportunities for transcription errors. To address the bottleneck, Kgothatjo developed an in-house application using Python and AutoHotKey to automate the entry of test results into Trak, reducing result entry and verification time by 82% with zero errors during validation.

The Chemical Pathology Division at the University of Cape Town encouraged the use of automation and technology to improve efficiency. Kgothatjo was drawn to Chemical Pathology by the intersection of technology and physiology, recognizing a practical opportunity to translate that interest into a solution for a routine laboratory problem.

Programming and code development presented a steep learning curve with costly formal resources. Overcoming this involved drawing on available open-source materials, guidance from self-taught mentors, and countless hours of troubleshooting.

Do not become overwhelmed by the pressure to find a “big” research idea. Memorable research can begin with simple questions, keeping the question focused and execution rigorous.

Prof Jenifer Vaughan

Associate Professor | Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of the Witwatersrand and NHLS

PathReD proudly celebrates Prof Jenifer Vaughan, recipient of the Best Oral Presentation Award in Haematology for “A Prospective Evaluation of Dilute Russell’s Viper Venom Test Interpretation at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital.”

Antiphospholipid syndrome can increase the risk of blood clots and pregnancy complications. Diagnosis relies on specialised laboratory tests, but international disagreement remains about how the dilute Russell’s viper venom test (DRVVT) should be interpreted.

The study compared the South African interpretation approach with an international guideline using samples tested at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. The South African method identified more patients with potential disease while requiring fewer additional laboratory procedures, supporting context-appropriate, resource-efficient laboratory practice.

The research was motivated by a long-standing discrepancy between international recommendations and the South African guideline routinely used in local laboratories, turning an observation from everyday practice into a focused question with direct relevance to South African patient care.

Conducting a prospective study within a busy diagnostic laboratory presented challenges, including the limited availability of certain results and detailed clinical records. These hurdles were addressed through careful planning, systematic data collection, close collaboration with colleagues, and support from a BHSc student mini-research study.

Remain curious, do not be afraid to ask simple but important questions, and ensure conference presentations are communicated clearly and confidently through thorough preparation.

Ms Balebogiye Mathlogonolo Motlalepula Nonyane

Medical Scientist | NHLS Braamfontein (Currently working at Ampath)

PathReD proudly celebrates Balebogiye Mathlogonolo Motlalepula Nonyane, recipient of the Best Oral Presentation Award in Human Genetics for the presentation “An Audit of Genetic Testing Performed for Intersex Patients.”

The study examined genetic testing provided to patients presenting with intersex variations, reviewing requested investigations and assessing how effectively available testing contributed to diagnosis. The audit showed that these conditions are complex and that combining appropriate tests with a multidisciplinary team approach is vital.

The study was prompted by the laboratory’s responsibility to ensure that genetic testing offered to patients is appropriate, useful, and clinically meaningful, addressing how testing can be improved to better support patient diagnoses.

Gathering and organising data distributed across archived files and disparate laboratory records required substantial time and careful review. Consolidating these sources reinforced the importance of persistence, organisation, and meticulous data management.

Take every opportunity to present work—even while still learning—to build confidence, gain exposure to new ideas, and strengthen scientific communication skills.

Mr Kgothatso Ashley Rakgate

PhD Student | University of Limpopo, Department of Pathology and Medical Sciences

PathReD proudly celebrates Kgothatso Ashley Rakgate, recipient of the Best Oral Presentation Award in Immunology for research on Olea africana and Kigelia africana extracts against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, lymphocytes, and neutrophils.

The study investigated the antibacterial and immunomodulatory effects of two South African medicinal plants. Their activity was tested against MRSA—a pathogen associated with difficult-to-treat infections—while their effects on lymphocytes and neutrophils were examined.

By considering bacterial inhibition alongside immune-cell effects, the research provided a broader laboratory perspective on how potential therapeutic agents may interact with both a pathogen and the host immune response. Both plants contained biologically active components warranting further investigation. Although still at the research stage and not yet ready for clinical application, the findings establish a foundation for further laboratory and translational studies.

The growing problem of antimicrobial resistance and the role of clinical and diagnostic laboratories in responding to resistant infections motivated the study. Because MRSA can be difficult to manage due to resistance to commonly used antibiotics, interest was also directed toward medicinal plants traditionally used in African communities to scientifically investigate their biological activities.

Laboratory experiments did not always produce expected results, requiring patience, careful troubleshooting, and optimization of conditions. Treating unexpected findings as opportunities to understand the experimental system more deeply strengthened laboratory skills, critical thinking, and appreciation for rigorous evidence generation.

Understand the larger problem behind the work rather than just focusing on laboratory techniques, and take opportunities to present at conferences to build confidence, gain feedback, and foster collaborations.

Mr Njabulo Mlotshwa

PathReD proudly celebrates Njabulo Mlotshwa, recipient of the Best Poster Presentation Award in Anatomical Pathology for “Clinicopathological Features of Malignant Lipomatous Tumours: A 10-Year Single-Centre Experience from Northern Pretoria.”

The study examined the clinical and pathological features of liposarcoma, an aggressive cancer arising from adipose tissue, commonly involving the extremities including the thighs. In the Ga-Rankuwa cohort, the mean age at presentation was about 45 years (vs. ~60 years in literature), and the mean tumour size was about 32 cm (vs. ~10 to 15 cm reported elsewhere). The myxoid subtype was most common, and a statistically significant relationship was found between tumour subtype and tumour size.

The project began after several liposarcoma cases received by the laboratory appeared unusually large, prompting closer investigation. Because liposarcoma was not well characterized in South Africa, this created an opportunity to describe its local features and determine differences from international literature.

Characterising tumours by anatomical location was challenging due to gaps in clearly documented clinical histories, pathological information, and specific diagnoses, highlighting the importance of complete documentation in retrospective research.

Emerging researchers are encouraged to learn from supervisors, ask questions, remain open to continuous learning, and engage constructively with audiences. Future plans include master’s and doctoral studies, publication of molecular work, and researching other cancer types.

Ms Drew MacArthur

PathReD proudly celebrates Drew MacArthur, recipient of the Best Poster Presentation Award in Chemical Pathology for “TSH Can Predict FT4 Levels via a Negative Log-Linear Relationship that is Dependent on Both Sex and TSH Range.”

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) are central to thyroid function and follow a recognised physiological relationship. The study used multiple large datasets from routine South African laboratories to examine this relationship statistically. Findings showed that FT4 levels could be predicted from TSH and that the relationship was influenced by population region, sex, and thyroid status represented by high or low TSH ranges.

The project formed part of a broader programme in the University of Pretoria’s Chemical Pathology department using large NHLS datasets for health and laboratory research. The analytical challenge involved turning routinely generated laboratory information into insights about thyroid physiology in the South African population.

The main challenge was transforming a very large raw dataset of laboratory results into a format that could be manipulated, analysed, and visualised reliably, which required learning data extraction and analytical pipelines through online resources.

Emerging researchers are encouraged to avoid comparing themselves with more established peers, learn from those around them, and remain willing to enter unfamiliar spaces as evidence of growth.

Dr Maemu Gededzha

PathReD proudly celebrates Dr Maemu Gededzha, recipient of the Best Poster Presentation Award in Immunology for “Prediction of Candidate MicroRNAs Targeting Hepatitis B Virus Genotype A, as a Potential Therapeutic Target.”

Despite vaccination and therapeutics, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains an important public health problem and can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The study sought microRNAs that could potentially recognise and regulate parts of the HBV genotype A genome.

The high burden of HBV infection and the need for innovative treatment strategies motivated the research. We combined molecular virology and bioinformatics to investigate whether computational methods could identify promising microRNA candidates for future laboratory investigation.

A major challenge was managing large volumes of sequence and computational data while ensuring that predictions remained biologically meaningful. We addressed this by using more than one analytical tool, reviewing the scientific literature, and evaluating results against established biological knowledge.

I encourage emerging researchers to believe in the value of their work and take every opportunity to present it. Questions and constructive criticism should be welcomed because they can reveal areas requiring clarification and strengthen the research.

Ms Siphiwe Ruthy Matukane

PathReD proudly celebrates Siphiwe Ruthy Matukane, recipient of the Best Oral Presentation Award for “16S rRNA as a Pathogen-Directed Biomarker of Early Treatment Response in Patients with Susceptible Tuberculosis.”

The PhD research asks whether RNA can provide an early indication of how well treatment is working in patients with drug-susceptible tuberculosis. Current assessment often occurs after eight weeks and may detect both living and dead bacteria. Measuring selected RNA targets associated with viable Mycobacterium tuberculosis may offer a more timely indication of treatment response.

Having worked on TB research during Honours and MSc studies, Siphiwe was already committed to addressing South Africa’s TB burden. Prof Bernard Fourie’s translational approach—moving laboratory discoveries into practical applications for patient care and public health—strongly resonated.

The study required multiple regulatory approvals and trust-building with healthcare workers. COVID-19 brought research close to a standstill for nearly two years, while balancing a young family, relocation to Cape Town, and travel to Pretoria demanded high resilience.

Researchers are advised to lean on mentors, colleagues, and peers rather than navigating the journey alone. Choose work that inspires genuine passion, respect individual timelines, avoid comparison, and create pathways for those who follow.

Mr Sanele Mkhabela

Student | University of Limpopo, Department of Pathology and Medical Science

PathReD proudly celebrates Sanele Mkhabela, a student at the University of Limpopo and recipient of the Congress Leaderboard Participation Award after earning 5,890 points through active engagement on the Congress virtual platform. Regular participation in scientific sessions, polls, discussions, networking opportunities, and the Scavenger Hunt transformed the Congress into a rewarding journey of learning, interaction, and discovery.

The Congress virtual platform offered an opportunity to learn, connect, and make the most of the event. Sanele remained active by exploring content, attending sessions, and participating in interactive activities. While progress on the leaderboard provided additional motivation, the main goal remained learning, sharing knowledge, and gaining value from the Congress experience.

The strategy was simple: log in regularly, explore new content, attend scientific sessions, complete challenges, and participate in polls and discussions. By focusing on learning and networking rather than points alone, leaderboard progress followed naturally, keeping the experience enjoyable and rewarding.

Sanele encourages future delegates to be fully present and use every opportunity offered by the Congress. Attend sessions, participate in polls, complete activities like the Scavenger Hunt, and connect with other delegates by focusing on connection and contribution rather than points alone.

Dr Hlambani Shirinda

Senior Medical Scientist | CMJAH (Infection Control)

PathReD proudly celebrates Dr Hlambani Shirinda, recipient of the Best Oral Presentation Award in Microbiology for “Phenotypic and Molecular Characterization of Clostridioides difficile from Private and Public Healthcare Settings in Gauteng, South Africa.”

Clostridioides difficile is a hospital-associated bacterium that can cause severe diarrhoeal illness, particularly in vulnerable patients. The research examined how different strains spread and differ genetically, with the aim of improving diagnosis, surveillance and outbreak detection in South Africa. The study identified the hypervirulent ST1 strain in Gauteng and recognised it as part of an outbreak cluster, providing evidence to strengthen infection control, antimicrobial stewardship and molecular surveillance.

The research was inspired by the absence of active Clostridioides difficile surveillance or a coordinated research programme in South Africa. This gap leaves circulating strains, antimicrobial resistance patterns and transmission dynamics poorly understood, limiting the evidence available to guide stewardship and infection control.

Limited local data, diagnostic gaps and constrained public laboratory resources made it difficult to establish a surveillance baseline. Dr Shirinda responded by establishing a focused research group, prioritising capacity building and developing local and international collaborations. Structured protocols, persistence and mentorship helped transform these barriers into opportunities for growth and impact.

Dr Shirinda encourages emerging researchers to present a clear and confident scientific narrative, practise delivery, stay within time and use visuals to make complex findings accessible. Researchers should communicate impact while acknowledging limitations, and use conferences to ask questions, seek feedback and build connections that may lead to future collaborations.

Reflecting on the achievement, Dr Shirinda shared: “I was excited and emotional when the award was announced, viewing the recognition as confirmation that hard work had paid off.” The award affirms the resilience, sacrifice and passion behind the research journey, while strengthening professional credibility and creating opportunities for collaboration, funding, leadership and mentorship. The next phase will extend the work through ribotyping, whole-genome sequencing and antimicrobial resistance profiling.

Ms Pholenyana Petronela Letlonkana

Medical Scientist | University of the Witwatersrand, Virology Department

PathReD proudly celebrates Pholenyana Petronela Letlonkana, recipient of the Best Oral Presentation Award in Virology for “Cytomegalovirus genetic diversity among patients in Johannesburg, South Africa, 2022–2023.”

Cytomegalovirus, or CMV, is particularly important in neonates and immunocompromised individuals, including transplant patients. The study characterised CMV strains circulating in South Africa during 2022 and 2023, addressing the limited local information on viral genetic diversity.

The research found that the gB3 genotype was the predominant CMV strain circulating in Johannesburg during the study period. This provides valuable baseline data for future surveillance and a stronger understanding of CMV epidemiology in South Africa.

Because different strains may influence disease outcomes, the findings may support future CMV surveillance, vaccine development, treatment and disease management, benefiting clinicians, laboratories, researchers and public health programmes.

Working in a molecular diagnostic laboratory exposed Letlonkana to a substantial number of CMV specimens submitted for viral load testing. The frequency of positive cases highlighted that viruses sometimes regarded as less prominent may still affect vulnerable populations. This observation motivated an investigation of the genetic diversity of CMV strains circulating in Johannesburg.

A serious health challenge in 2023 disrupted the original research timeline and created uncertainty about completing the study. Support from Dr Florette Treurnicht, Dr Bonolo Mashishi, family, friends and the medical team helped Petronela navigate the difficult period and complete the research. The experience made resilience central to the research journey.

Petronela encourages emerging researchers to put themselves forward even when they do not feel fully ready or confident. Researchers should not underestimate the value of their work or wait to feel like experts before sharing it. Conferences offer opportunities to present findings, learn, network, receive feedback and build confidence.

I was not present at the ceremony. Even so, the award carried deep personal and professional significance after a difficult period. The recognition renewed confidence, affirmed the ability to make a meaningful contribution and strengthened motivation to continue pursuing research. The next step is to publish the findings and encourage larger studies linking CMV genotypes with disease outcomes.

Ms Dinah Mohlele

Lecturer | University of Limpopo, Department of Pathology and Medical Science

PathReD proudly celebrates Dinah Mohlele, a lecturer at the University of Limpopo and first-place recipient of the Congress Leaderboard Participation Award after earning 4,105 points.

The changing preliminary leaderboard results made the final outcome difficult to predict. When the result was confirmed, the digital score became a tangible moment of recognition and pride in sustained participation. Dinah used the virtual platform to revisit projects from parallel sessions that could not all be attended in person, reviewing poster videos and oral presentations later to submit questions where clarification was needed.

Dinah initially explored the online abstracts to identify possible PhD research topics and studies that could inform future work. As the score increased, the leaderboard added encouragement, but the original aim remained continuous learning, research development, and engagement with interesting scientific projects.

Dinah advises future delegates not to network only for points. Networking should support collaboration, growth, and meaningful discussion about research. Delegates should use it as a social icebreaker, engage with people from different institutions, and pace themselves through the programme rather than focusing only on leaderboard scores.

Dr Reola Haripersadh

Haematopathologist | Lancet Laboratories KZN

PathReD proudly celebrates Reola Haripersadh, recipient of the Best Poster Presentation Award in Haematology for “Impact of Rapid Centrifugation on Routine Coagulation Assays in South Africa.” Coagulation testing requires platelet-poor plasma, produced by centrifuging blood samples. Because centrifugation takes time, it can become a bottleneck in the laboratory and delay the availability of clinically important results.

The study examined whether a shorter centrifugation period at a faster speed could provide results comparable with the standard method. Rapid centrifugation for 10 minutes produced similar results to the 15-minute reference method.

The approach could reduce coagulation sample turnaround time by approximately five minutes. Faster reporting may support earlier clinical decisions, more efficient patient management and an improved patient experience.

Turnaround time is an important measure of clinical laboratory performance. In coagulation testing, the need to prepare platelet-poor plasma means that centrifugation can delay the analytical process. We wanted to investigate whether this step could be shortened without compromising results. The project was motivated by the possibility of returning reliable results sooner, supporting quicker decisions and reducing waiting times for patients and clinical teams.

Participation was voluntary, which created an imbalance between normal and abnormal assay results in parts of the study. To strengthen representation of abnormal coagulation screens, the team attempted to recruit volunteers from wards and clinics where patients were receiving treatment for haematological or oncology conditions. This required careful recruitment and collaboration while maintaining the voluntary nature of participation. The experience highlighted the practical challenges of assembling a balanced clinical laboratory cohort.

I encourage emerging researchers to have faith and confidence in themselves and their work. A project may appear small or highly focused, but it can still make a meaningful contribution to laboratory practice and patient care. Researchers should work consistently, maintain a clear end goal and recognise that rigorous evaluation of everyday laboratory processes can produce evidence with practical value.

Ms Carole Metekoua

PhD Candidate | University of Bern | National Cancer Registry, NHLS

PathReD proudly celebrates Carole Metekoua, recipient of the Best Oral Presentation Award in Public Health for “Integration of HIV Status in Cancer Surveillance: A Call for Action.”

HIV increases cancer risk, yet cancer registries rarely record whether a person diagnosed with cancer is living with HIV. Without this information, it is difficult to understand how the HIV epidemic shapes cancer patterns in South Africa.

The study linked National Cancer Registry records with NHLS HIV test results and used text mining of pathology reports to determine HIV status among people diagnosed with cancer in public laboratories between 2004 and 2021.

HIV status was assigned to 41% of almost 500,000 cancers. Documentation improved from 29% in 2004–2009 to 52% in 2016–2021, but more than half of people with cancer still had no documented HIV status.

Working with the National Cancer Registry showed me both the value of South Africa’s cancer information and a critical gap: HIV status was often missing. In a country with one of the world’s largest HIV epidemics, this information is essential for understanding cancer patterns. We wanted to show that existing national laboratory data could help close the gap and support routine capture of HIV status in cancer surveillance.

The project required linking very large national datasets that did not share a common unique identifier. We built and validated a careful record-linkage approach. HIV information was also frequently embedded as free text in pathology reports, requiring rules to extract it reliably. Persistence, collaboration with colleagues at the National Cancer Registry, NHLS and University of Bern, and guidance from supervisors were central to overcoming these technical and analytical challenges.

I would advise researchers to choose questions that matter to them and to the people they serve. Do the work thoroughly even when recognition is not the goal. Keep the presentation message simple, identify the one or two points the audience should remember, practise, seek feedback and do not be afraid to submit. Every conference is an opportunity to learn and connect with people who can strengthen the research.

I was genuinely surprised because the study formed part of the PhD journey and an award had not been expected. The recognition made me feel special and revealed the broader public-health impact of the work. The study was published in Cancer Medicine in 2026. The next goal is routine reporting of HIV status to the National Cancer Registry, with linked data supporting studies of cancer trends and outcomes among people living with HIV. Future work should include point-of-care results and clinical records to improve completeness.