Team
Principal Investigators and Post-doctoral Fellows
Prof Clive Gray
Professor of Immunology
Dr Tariq Webber
Post-doctoral Fellow
Dr Doty Ojwach
Senior Scientist
Dr Carine Kunsevi-Kilola
Post-doctoral Fellow
Dr Helen Payne
Clinical Lecturer
PhD Students
Brandon Antony Paarwater
PhD Candidate
In 2022, Brandon enthusiastically joined the RIRCA lab, fueled by a deep passion for exploring immune tolerance in the context of inflammation, infection, and reproductive immunology. One of RIRCA’s research niche is maternal-foetal interface immunobiology, utilizing the placenta to study localized immune responses. Brandon’s project revolves around a captivating investigation of T cells within this unique immunological microenvironment, specifically focusing on pregnant women grappling with HIV-1 and/or Human Cytomegalovirus co-infection. At the heart of his research question lies the exploration of cytotoxic T cells, and he has developed a profound appreciation for the complexity inherent in these remarkable immune warriors!
Lesedi Dikhoba
PhD Candidate
Inflammation and T cell immunity in placentae of HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected South African women.
Lesedi is exploring the dynamics of inflammation and T cell immunity in the placentae of South African women, both HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected. Beyond her scientific pursuits, she finds joy in cooking, modelling, and photography.
Research Staff
Bernice Alinde
Research Project Manager
Berenice plays a pivotal role in our organization, focusing on the effective management of a diverse array of research projects within our group. She serves as the central point of coordination and supervision, bridging the gap between administration, clinical activities, and laboratory operations. With a remarkable 15-year journey in the biomedical sciences field, she has acquired invaluable experience and has left her mark on numerous scientific publications. Originally hailing from the Republic of Benin, Berenice's academic and professional journey has taken her through various regions across the African continent, including Ivory Coast, Benin, Tunisia, Ghana, and South Africa. Her extensive exposure to diverse African environments has enriched her perspective and contributed to her wealth of experience. Berenice's vision harmonizes seamlessly with the mission of the RIRCA, which is to actively participate in nurturing the next generation of scientists in Africa, with a special focus on the realm of Reproductive Immunology.
Fuad Waja
Biorepository Database Coordinator
Fuad assumes a crucial position within RIRCA, overseeing the data management and storage of all biological specimens received from our laboratories. As the Biorepository Database Coordinator, Fuad meticulously follows GCLP and IATA guidelines, ensuring the safe transportation and handling of our valuable samples. In his free time, Fuad is an avid enthusiast of the ocean, dedicating free time to activities such as diving and boating.
Franklin Erasmus
Logistics Officer
Since 2018, Franklin has actively contributed to various research initiatives, assuming a crucial role in ensuring the secure transportation of staff and clinical trial specimens to and from diverse clinical sites. Beyond the professional realm, Frankline’s interests include indulging in soccer games, savouring the outdoors, hosting braais, and cherishing quality family time.
Michael Mndini
Study Coordinator
Michael is a certified professional nurse, having earned a Comprehensive Diploma in Nursing Science from the University of Transkei. With a robust background spanning 26 years in clinical research projects, Michael brings extensive experience to the table. His professional journey led him overseas to the UK, where within 12 years, he progressed from a junior trained professional nurse to the role of ward operational manager.
Michael is also recognized as a contributor to various research articles such as the Human Genetics Research Paper on the Genetics of Schizophrenia in the South African Xhosa, published in http://sciencemag.org on January 31, 2020.
Committed to community service, Michael is involved in various voluntary work in disadvantaged communities. They particularly support men seeking temporary employment on the streets and every Sunday in Emfuleni location, they provide food and soup as part of their efforts to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need.
Nicole Prins
Scientific Officer
Nicole earned her BSc in Human Life Science from Stellenbosch University. She plays a crucial role in processing research specimens according to SOP and GCLP guidelines.
In addition to her responsibilities, she takes on the role of training new staff and students, as well as managing stock orders for the diverse research projects at RIRCA. Nicole’s passion lies in reproductive immunology and all things related to the placenta.
Currently pursuing an Honours degree on a part-time basis, her project focuses on examining the structure of trophoblast cells using Fluorescence Microscopy. Beyond her academic pursuits, Nicole finds joy in reading, hiking, and exploring the scenic landscapes of wine farms in her free time.
Portia Manngo
Laboratory Manager
Portia Manngo is a dedicated researcher with extensive experience in laboratory management, specimen processing, and immunological techniques. Her expertise includes curation of placental tissue, flow cytometry, microscopic techniques, and Luminex experiments. She is skilled in managing research logistics, including quality control, shipment coordination, panel discussions and ensuring accurate and reproducible results. With a strong background in experimental design and pathology, she has contributed to advancing studies through meticulous attention to detail and problem-solving.
Asanda Ntlahla
Research Assistant
Asanda is a Research Assistant at RIRCA, where we specialize in projects focused on reproductive health. He has a keen eye for detail and plays a crucial role in organizing, cleaning, and analysing complex datasets to support research on the intersection of immunology and reproductive health for various ongoing projects.
Asanda works closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure data accuracy and consistency. His contributions help shape research findings that aim to improve maternal and reproductive health outcomes in diverse African communities. He is committed to contributing to RIRCA’s mission of advancing reproductive health research for a healthier Africa.
Bokamoso Molamu
Technical Officer
I hold a BSc Honours in Microbiology and I am a certified Laboratory Assistant (Clinical Pathology/Media) registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). I have a strong passion for clinical research, driven by my keen interest in understanding the complexities of diseases and their impact on human health.
Gertrude Van Rensburg
Research Nurse
I am a research nurse and I have been involved in the Trophoblast and CHERI study since August 2024.
I recruit premature infants with a birth weight of less than 1.5kg and less than 14 days old at Tygerberg Hospital. I take consent from the parents after informing them about the study; that we are doing a voluntary anonymous study to check whether babies have been exposed in-utero or in the hospital to CMV (Cytylomegalo virus).
After I have obtained consent, I do weekly saliva swabs in the baby’s mouth and record clinical information regarding the baby’s growth, blood results, cranial ultrasound and hearing screening results.
I ask doctors in the ward to collect 0,5ml blood for the study as they perform their routine blood tests. If the baby tests positive for CMV; 1.5ml blood is requested for a Gene pax screening.
Follow-up is done weekly until the baby is discharged or transferred. All results are captured on a spreadsheet and Redcap data capturing system.
Bianca Snyders
Project Coordinator
Bianca has 10 years of experience within the NGO, research and academic sectors with excellent experience in administration and project coordination.
With a background in psychology, she has worked in various communities and populations. Bianca has experience with HIV research, mental health and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health. Her experience with social research has led to project coordination and implementation.
Bianca is hardworking and dedicated. She takes the initiative, engages well, and is empathetic.
Bonamy (Bon) Holtak
Senior Communication Officer
Bonamy (Bon) Holtak is a seasoned communication professional with a strong background in strategic communication. Currently serving as a Senior Communication Officer. Her role involves creating content, digital marketing strategies, and managing social media channels to increase online engagement.
Bon also works on other related projects such as Immunopaedia Foundation NPC, TIGRIS, the Ukukhanya Arts Project and more. Bon is experienced in website development, digital marketing, and online course development.
Bon earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Cape Town and has many communications-related certifications. She is currently enrolled in a part-time MBA.
