Bio

Dr Noluthando Toni is the Director of Teaching Development in the Learning and Teaching Collaborative for Success (LT Collab) Division at Nelson Mandela University. She is passionate about the advancement of learning and teaching in higher education, particularly the transformation of curriculum for the advancement of learning opportunities for all students. Noluthando’s career path progressed from a primary school teacher to becoming an academic and teacher educator. She then proceeded to hold various leadership roles in academic development in higher education. Her experience as a schoolteacher, lecturer, head of department and director of school still informs her thinking in her current Director of Teaching Development role. Her published work that links with teaching development includes aspects of reflective practice and managing the link between Academic Development and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning.

Bio

Dr Aayesha Kholvadia is a senior lecturer and health sciences educator specializing in interprofessional education and collaborative practice (IPECP), with a focus on public health, digital innovation in physical rehabilitation, and student-centered learning. She leads IPECP strategy and research, preparing future health professionals for equitable, team-based, and technology-enhanced care.

Abstract

Educational Strategies and Students’ Attitudes Towards Interprofessional Education (IPE) in South African Health Professions Education.

Students Supporting Students in Wellness: An Interprofessional Education and Collaboration Practice (IPECP) Activity.

Bio

Prof Annelie Gresse is Head of Department of Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics and involved in interprofessional projects at Nelson Mandela University since 2012, including projects on the Nutritional Status of School Children, Work Integrated Learning and The Nutritional Status of Mothers and Children visiting Health Clinics in Gqeberha.

Abstract

A Novel Pilot Project in Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice.

Readiness for hybrid learning by staff and students in Health Sciences.

Bio

Ms Carien Moolman, has been a nurse educator for the past five years. She holds a B.Soc.Sc degree in Nursing from the University of the Free State, a Bachelor Honours degree in Medical and Surgical Nursing Science from Nelson Mandela University, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Education from Stellenbosch University. Most recently, she completed her master’s degree at Nelson Mandela University, further enhancing her contribution to nursing education and practice.

Abstract

Students’ perceptions of online teaching at a Private Nursing Education Institution in the Eastern Cape.

Bio

Ms Celeste Naude is a passionate pharmacy educator at Nelson Mandela University since 2014, following 10 years as a pharmacy technician in the UK. She is committed to empowering future healthcare leaders, with a special interest in pharmacy support personnel and game-based learning in education.

Abstract

Game-Based Learning in Pharmacy Education: A final-year pharmacy elective module.

Bio

Mrs Cindy Booysen is a lecturer in Primary Health Care in the Department of Medical Practice, Medical School, Nelson Mandela University. She holds a master’s degree in Nursing. She has an interest in Primary Health Care research and practice, Clinical Simulation and Interprofessional Education in health science education.

Abstract

Leveraging written reflective reports to augment survey evaluations of student engagement.

Bio

Mr Daniel Brink is a lecturer and Work-Integrated Learning Coordinator at Nelson Mandela University's Emergency Medical Care Department. Since transitioning from an operational paramedic into education in 2017, he has specialised in clinical assessment frameworks, digital portfolios, and educational technology. His research focuses on generative AI applications addressing healthcare educator shortages in the Eastern Cape.

Abstracts

A Novel Pilot Project in Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice.

Integrating AI in Health Sciences Education: Balancing Innovation with Human-Centred Learning.

Transforming Clinical Assessment: A Case Study of Educational Innovation Addressing Healthcare Educator Shortages.

Bio

Ms Doina Naude is a clinical pharmacy expert with over two decades of experience and academic professional in the Pharmacy Department at Nelson Mandela University. She coordinates clinical pharmacy modules and implements innovative teaching methods. She focuses on bridging the gap between theory and practical application in pharmaceutical education.

Abstract

A Novel Pilot Project in Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice.

Bio

Prof Elma de Vries is a family physician who is passionate about the right to access healthcare for marginalised populations. She is the MBChB Programme Coordinator at the School of Medicine and has completed a PhD in Health Science education.

Abstract

How does power manifest in the curriculum? The case of gender-affirming healthcare

Bio

Mr Joastin Naidoo is an anatomist and Lecturer at NMU Medical School. He has a special interest in medical ethics and efforts towards decolonising higher education.

Abstract

Ubuntu: Incorporating Harmony and Respect for persons in undergraduate medical education.

Bio

Mr Kagiso Dikgomo is a lecturer in Medical Communication in the Department of Medical Practice, Medical School, Nelson Mandela University. He is a Registered Biokineticist and holds a Master’s Degree in Health Innovation. He has an interest in student engagement (Health Professions Education) and physical activity & public health.

Abstract

Leveraging Clinical Communication Skills to Augment the Student-Innovator’s Toolkit: An Approach to Enhancing User-Interviewing During Design Thinking.

Leveraging written reflective reports to augment survey evaluations of student engagement.

Bio

Dr Mea van Huyssteen is a pharmacist and senior lecturer in clinical pharmacology at NMU Medical School. She is currently involved in the collaborative development of the Missionvale medicinal garden as a resource for learning and teaching, research and community engagement. Her interests include social accountability in health care education.

Abstract

Medicine, culture and religion AND a medicinal garden plant hunt!

Bio

Mr Mtetelei Biko is a Senior Biokineticist and Associate Lecturer in Human Movement Science, bringing a blend of clinical experience and academic insight to my role. I lecture anatomy and exercise science and supervise Biokinetics students. His involvement in the Interprofessional Education (IPE) committee and related projects fuels my passion for creating dynamic learning environments that foster interprofessional engagement among students.

Abstract

Students Supporting Students in Wellness: An Interprofessional Education and Collaboration Practice (IPECP) Activity.

Bio

Mrs Nicole Worthington is a Pharmacist and educator passionate about pharmaceutical manufacturing.  She studied her BPharm at UPE before embarking on an industrial career during which time she undertook her MPharm (Industrial) at NMU part-time.  In 2018 she graduated Cum Laude and joined the Pharmacy department as a lecturer.

Abstracts

Flipping the classroom to promote student attendance and participation.

Creating a question bank in FUNDA by harnessing the power if AI.

Bio

Raeesah Ackerdien is a lecturer in Academic Literacy & Reasoning in the Department of Medical Practice, Medical School, Nelson Mandela University. She holds a master’s degree in Applied Language Studies. She has an interest in academic literacies, learning & teaching in language and influence of language on identity construction.

Abstract

Leveraging Clinical Communication Skills to Augment the Student-Innovator’s Toolkit: An Approach to Enhancing User-Interviewing During Design Thinking.

Bio

Dr Reno Morar is currently the Head and Director of the Medical School in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha.

He is a Public Health Medicine Specialist and Executive Coach. He holds a medical degree (MBChB) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal; and postgraduate qualifications in public health (MMed Public Health Medicine, UCT and Fellowship of the College of Public Health Medicine of South Africa). In management, his qualifications include a Post Graduate Diploma in Health Management, Economics and Financial Planning (UCT); and a Post Graduate Certificate in Professional Coaching Practice (University of Stellenbosch Business School).

Reno was appointed as Chief Operating Officer of the University of Cape Town (UCT) from 2019 to 2023 having served the University since 2008 in various positions in the Faculty of Health Sciences including Health Services Advisor to the Dean, Deputy-Dean of Health Services and Human Resources, Acting Deputy-Dean of Faculty Operations, and as Acting Dean. Prior to Reno’s appointment at UCT, his executive experience was as Medical Director and Head of the Clothing Industry Health Care Fund of the Western Cape Clothing Industry Bargaining Council. He has served as a Board member of several Non-Governmental Organisations.

In the health sector, Dr Morar served as a Council member on three national regulatory bodies – the Council for Medical Schemes (Executive Member); the Health Professions Council of South Africa (Executive Member) and the Medical and Dental Professions Board (Vice-Chairperson); and the South African Medicines Pricing Committee (Vice-Chairperson). Reno is currently Deputy-Chairperson of the Office of Health Standards Compliance in South Africa and a member of the South African Ministerial Advisory Committee on Human Resources for Health Policy Review.

Abstract

New Wars, Old Scars: Fighting for Health Equity in a Hostile World.

Bio

Dr Riaan van de Venter facilitates learning and teaching of undergraduate radiography students using predominantly a blend of constructivist, transformative and cognitivist pedagogies. Their educational interests are: AI for academic purposes, technology-enhanced pedagogy, curriculum design and alternative, creative methods for learning, teaching and assessment.

Abstract

Undergraduate diagnostic radiography students’ reflections on the impact of using the living library as a strategy to facilitate revision and critical thinking.

Bio

Mrs Robynne Gilchrist-Park is a healthcare lecturer and researcher specialising in collaborative care. Her work explores the experiences of key role players to align healthcare education with the realities of person-centred practice, preparing future professionals to deliver high-quality, coordinated, and responsive care in team-based healthcare settings.

Abstract

Education (IPE) in South African Health Professions Education.

Educational Strategies and Students’ Attitudes Towards Interprofessional Education (IPE) in South African Health Professions Education.

Bio

Dr Teri-Lynne Fogarty is a passionate educator with over 20 years’ experience in practice and training. She specialises in workforce development and pharmaceutical education, mentors’ postgraduate students, and promotes innovative teaching. Recognised for excellence, she actively contributes to curriculum design, professional training, and international dialogues in pharmacy education and support personnel development.

Abstract

Game-Based Learning in Pharmacy Education: A final-year pharmacy elective module.

Leveraging Generative AI’s Deep Reasoning Capabilities to Foster Critical Thinking in Pharmacy Law and Ethics Education.

Bio

Mr Thapelo Makgoba is an Associate Lecturer in Human Nutrition and Dietetics since November 2024, he teaches Food Science Applications Principles and Food Science Applications to first-year students. Formerly a laboratory technician, he brings practical expertise to his teaching. He also leads the Buddy Program, an initiative to enhance English proficiency and incorporate multilingualism, helping students overcome university challenges while fostering inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and academic success in the department.

Abstract

Improvement of English and study proficiency for first year students in the Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics.

Medicine, culture and religion AND a medicinal garden plant hunt!

Bio

Ms Tracey Hutton is a lecturer and nGAP scholar in the Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics with expertise in all areas of dietetics.  She is in the process of completing her PhD, which centres on the development and integration of IPECP curricula.

Abstract

A Novel Pilot Project in Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice.

Students Supporting Students in Wellness: An Interprofessional Education and Collaboration Practice (IPECP) Activity.

Bio

Dr Yoshna Kooverjee is a medical doctor, bioethicist and Senior Lecturer at NMU Medical School. Her interests include bioethics education and approaches to decolonising medical education.

Abstract

Medicine, culture and religion AND a medicinal garden plant hunt!

Ubuntu: Incorporating Harmony and Respect for persons in undergraduate medical education.

Bio

Prof Zoleka Soji is the Director of School:  School of Behaviour and Lifestyle Sciences.  She has extensive experience in learning and teaching, student counselling and managing of staff during trying times, such as COVID-19.

Abstract

Readiness for hybrid learning by staff and students in Health Sciences.

Bio

Ms Zukiswa Ntlokonkulu is a lecturer in the Department of Nursing, with over 12 years of academic experience. Since joining Nelson Mandela University in 2023, she worked in clinical education, particularly in simulation-based learning and nephrology nursing. She is dedicated to advance nursing education and student competence in clinical practice.

Abstract

A Novel Pilot Project in Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice.

Bio

Prof Zukiswa Zingela is a distinguished psychiatrist, academic leader, and researcher with over 25 years of experience in medicine and mental health. She currently serves as the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Nelson Mandela University, where she leads strategic initiatives, including the establishment of a new medical program.

In addition to a basic Medical Degree from University of KwaZulu Natal (formerly UND), Professor Zingela holds an MMed Psychiatry (UP), PhD in Psychology and is a Fellowship of the College of Psychiatrists of South Africa. Her career encompasses leadership roles both nationally and internationally in both academic and clinical settings, notably as precious Head of the Department of Psychiatry at Walter Sisulu University and Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, previous Head of Unit at Dora Nginza Hospital, and previously was a Consultant Psychiatrist of a Community Mental Health Team in the NHS in the UK. She also currently serves as Vice-Chair of South Africa’s National Advisory Committee on Mental Health and is the Chairperson of the Health Committee of the Medical and Dental Board of the HPCSA. Internationally, she is a member of the United Nations’ International Narcotics Control Board, having held positions such as First Vice President and Chair of the Standing Committee on Estimates. 

Her research focuses on catatonia, genetics of psychosis, health worker mental health and mental health systems, contributing to over 60 publications with more than 1,500 citations, a Google Scholar h-index of 17 as of 21 May 2025, and i10 index of 21. Notably, she has served as first or last author on several of these publications, reflecting her leadership in research initiatives.

Professor Zingela's commitment to advancing mental health care, both in South Africa and globally, underscores her suitability for membership in the Academy of Science of South Africa.