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Research Teams

PEOPLE DIRECTORY

One community, connecting by the common vision for teaching, training, and research

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Academic and Research Staff

From left: Dr. Mzawandile Mbele, Ms Ntombenhle Sishi, Dr. Kevin Dzobo, Dr. Rajan Sharma 

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Analytical Unit

Front, from left: Mr. Asavela Fotoyi. Dr. Mufaro Mugari. Back, from left: Ms. Qiqa Mavana, Ms. Tehillah Mbada, Dr. Michelle Mukonyora, Dr. Ntandoyenkosi Buthelezi. Dr. Rajan Sharma

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Wound Healing Keloid Lab

From far left: Mr. Sizwe Nkosi, Mr. Sbonelo Khanyile. Second back row, from left: Dr. Mzwandile Mbele, Mrs. Philisiwe Molefe. Mr. Dumisani Chiumia, Dr. Kevin Dzobo, Mrs. Rukeya Amthony.  Front, from left: Dr. Farzaneh Ghasemi. Mr. Lutho Dyasi

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Postdoctoral Researchers

Back row, left: Dr. Ntadoyenkosi Buthelezi, Dr. Sincengile Ntshingila, Mr. Sbonelo Khanyile. Front row, from left: Mrs. Philisiwe Molefe, Dr. Luveni Sonka, Dr. Mufaro Mugari, Dr. Farzaneh Ghasemi, Dr. Michelle Mukanyora. 

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Molecular Biology Unit 

Front, from left: Dr. Sicengile Ntshingila, Dr. Kevin Dzobo, Mr. Lutho Dyasi. Back, from left: Dr. Mzwandile Mbele, Mr. Armaan Akoojee, Dr. Luveni Sonka, Ms. Nonceba Bhebe, Mr. Sizwe Nkosi  

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Hair and  Fibre Lab

From left: Mr. Ntahla Mbimbi, Professor Malebogo Ngoepe, Dr. Ntandoyenkosi Buthelezi, Ms. Claire Van Den Berg

Cosmetic Formulation Lab

Back row, from left: Ms. Cade Rhode, Ms. Nhlamulo Mathebula, Ms. Sonali Moodliar, Mr. Shaningwa Vahekeni, Ms. Kgomotso Ramotsongwa, Ms. Mbali Mtsweni, Ms. Cindy Nkosi. Front row, from left: Ms. Siyathokoza Sithandiwe Msinaga, Ms. Nonhlanhla Hlatshwayo, Ms. Tauhira Samsodien, Ms. Anna McKay, Dr. Ntombenhle Sishi, Ms. Maryam Seedat, Ms. Kamogelo Masha, Ms. Sarah-Jane Grootboom, Ms. Sarah Kgasago

2026 Advanced Diploma in Cosmetic Formulation Science, with course converner: Dr. Ntombenhle Sishi

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The Africa Research Initiative for Skin Health (ARISE) is based at the University of Cape Town and works in close partnership with the Hair and Skin Research Lab.

 

Led by Prof. Nala Khumalo and Prof. Ardeshir Bayat from the Division of Dermatology, ARISE combines traditional knowledge, scientific excellence, and innovation to position Africa at the forefront of globally relevant research and development in skin and hair health.

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Contact us

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© 2025 African Research Funding Accerelator

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