Page 3 - BOPHELO - Life - 2026

KEY CONTRIBUTORS

1. Prof Glenda Gray (SAMRC, Wits), Prof Nigel Garrett
(Desmond Tutu Health Foundation), Prof Penny Moore
(The National Institute for Communicable Diseases),
Fatima Abrahams (SAMRC)
2. A/Prof Yandisa Skweyiya (SAMRC, Gender and Health
Research Unit)
3. Dr Bianca Moffett (University of Witwatersrand),
Darryn Williams, Dr Mary Bitta (Aga Khan University),
Stash Gomes (University of Witwatersrand), Tamera
Nkuna (University of Witwatersrand), Constance Mabia
(Global Mental Health Peer Network), Prof. Alastair
van Heerden (University of Witwatersrand), Prof. Mark
Tomlinson (University of Stellenbosch), Prof. Holly
Erskine (University of Queensland), Prof. Robbert
Gibbons (University of Chicago), Prof. Mary-Anne
Hartley (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)

4. Prof Collet Dandara, Prof Phumla Sinxadi, Ms Nosipho WHY BOPHELO?
Mabizela, Dr Nyarai Soko, Dr Khuthala Mnika, A/Prof
Erica Jones, A/Prof Bianca Davidson, Prof Dirk Blom, The ability to preserve time can be attributed to a number of things:
Prof Rayner Brian, Dr Stuart More, Dr Kevin Dzobo, matters that are within our control, and those things we cannot
Dr Marelize Immelmann, Dr Sipho Dlamini, Prof control. Within this, our biggest consideration is how we care for
Mpiko Ntsekhe, Prof Richard Naidoo, Mr Jonathan our well-being. Taking care of our well-being requires access to the
Katsukunya, Ms Bianca Kruger, Mr Manase Kilonzi,
Ms Francina Mbongwa, Mr Miagel Mouton, Ms Thina right health information, particularly from evidence-based research.
Gcobo, Ms Bianca Obadic & Ms Zimasa Mdlulwa Most of the time, acquiring that information occurs when our health
is already compromised, and we need to know how to deal with the
5. A/Prof Rabia Johnson & Dr Hannah Fokkens (SAMRC,
The Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform) outcome. We preserve time so that we can experience more of life,
sustainably. Applying sustainable solutions in a country facing numerous
6. Dr Cindy George & Dr Dipuo Motshwari (SAMRC, Non- challenges, including high rates of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and non-
Communicable Diseases Research Unit)
communicable diseases. The SAMRC plays a crucial role in addressing
7. Prof Michael S. Pepper (SAMRC/UP Extramural these challenges through its research and science advocacy. Efforts to
Research Unit)
lead in this area, particularly at such a pivotal time, demand cutting
8. Dr Duduzile Ndwandwe (SAMRC, Cochrane South across communication lines to reach the South African population. This
Africa) magazine is a SAMRC Corporate Marketing and Communications effort
9. Prof Rajendra Maharaj (SAMRC, Malaria Research to reach you with the research science that will equip you with health
Group) information to advance your life. Taking up a new strategic approach to
10. Prof Craig Kinnear & Dr Nadia Carstens (SAMRC, speak to various audiences in what we hope makes an impact on you
Genomics Platform) and those around you. Bophelo, meaning life, is one way of building
on the idea that health research science concerns us all, enabling
11. Dr André Rose (SAPRIN)
conversations on health and related social issues.
12. Dr Wanga Mkabile-Zembe (SAMRC, Health Systems
Research Unit)
Yours in service:
13. Dr Nireshni Chellan (SAMRC, Biomedical Research &
The South African Medical Research Council
Innovation Platform) and Dr Richard Gordon (SAMRC,
Director: International Business Development)

THE COMMUNITY ISSUE 1