Frank Warren 2023 | Protea Hotel Ranch Resort | 3 - 7 December 2023
Local Organizing Committee
Prof CM Nkambule (Tshwane University of Technology) Chairperson
Dr Comfort Mduduzi Nkambule is an Associate Professor of Chemistry at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), where over the last 20 years he has worked as a lecturer, postgraduate student supervisor, and a principal research investigator. His research interest is on the application of synthetic organic chemistry as a tool to address problems in three (3) areas of chemistry: chemical biology, chemical technology, and mechanisms of organic reactions. A key focus of the research group is the development of innovative “extraction and separation processes” for selective extractions of target compounds, plus the design and synthesis of valuable or bioactive small heterocycles.
Comfort is also part of the Marketing & Entertainment Committee
Dr N Khanyile (University of Mpumalanga) Deputy Chairperson
Dr. Nokuthula Khanyile obtained a PhD in chemistry from Rhodes University (RU). She is currently a chemistry lecturer, researcher, and postgraduate supervisor at the University of Mpumalanga (UMP). Her research interests are in the development of nanomaterials and applying them in various fields, including agriculture, environment, and point-of-care sensors. Dr. Khanyile is a member of SACI and serves on the coordinating committee of the SACI-NS, where she is the incoming Deputy Chairperson.
Dr M Bvumbi (University of Venda) Secretary
Dr Mpelegeng Victoria Bvumbi completed her PhD degree in Organic Chemistry at CSIR and University of Johannesburg. She is a senior lecturer in the Chemistry Department at University of Venda (Univen). Besides lecturing undergraduate and postgraduate organic and general chemistry modules, Dr Bvumbi is also a researcher and leader of a research group supervising postgraduate students (Hons-PhD levels). Her area of research is synthetic organic chemistry. She is very interested in drug design, discovery and medicinal chemistry with malaria, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis as diseases of concern. She is a member of the departmental higher degrees committee, currently serves as the Non-Examination Chair of the department and a staunch community engagement (science outreach programmes, women in science workshops etc.) participant. Mpelegeng is also part of the Marketing & Entertainment Committee
Prof SS Mnyakeni Moleele (University of Venda) Treasurer
My name is Simon Mnyakeni Moleele and I graduated with a PhD in organic chemistry from the University of Witwatersrand. I worked for the CSIR between the years 2008 and 2012 before joining the University of Venda (Univen) as a senior lecturer in June 2013. Since joining Univen I have graduated 2 PhD students and 6 MSc students. My research interests include but not limited to synthesis of antituberculosis and antidiabetic drugs containing 5 membered rings such as thiazolidinediones, rhodanines and hydantoins. I am currently the Head of Chemistry Department since 2016 and the chairperson of SACI North Section (SACI-NS) since January 2023.
Dr VJ Tembu (Tshwane University of Technology) Chair, Scientific Programme
Dr. Jacqueline Tembu is a Senior Lecturer, Research Scientist, and Head of the Department of Chemistry within the Faculty of Science at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). Her research is dedicated to discovering novel natural compounds and drug leads from Southern African traditional medicinal plants. This involves the isolation and structural elucidation of natural compounds, metabolomics studies, and rigorous evaluations of their biological activities against diseases such as triple-negative cancer. As the principal investigator of TUT's Natural Products research group, Dr. Tembu actively promotes postgraduate research and has successfully supervised/co-supervised fourteen master's and two doctoral students. She publishes frequently and is dedicated to fostering the creation of new knowledge in the field of Natural Products for drug development.
Dr RL Mohlala (Mintek) Scientific Programme
Dr Reagan Lehlogonolo Mohlala a scientist at Mintek under Health platform group where he is a researcher and postgraduate supervisor in collaboration with academic institutions. His research interest are: Organic synthesis, nanomaterial synthesis and computational chemistry towards medicinal chemistry (cancer, HIV-1, Tb and anti-microbial agents) and electrochemistry (sensors) applications. Reagan is a SACI member and part of the Frank Warren LOC: Scientific committee.
Prof W Nxumalo (University of Limpopo) Scientific Programme
Winston Nxumalo is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Limpopo. Prof Nxumalo’s research interests are in medicinal chemistry, focusing on synthesis of heterocyclic compounds and isolation of bioactive compounds from medicinal plants which are tested for activity against various diseases such as TB, malaria and cancer. He has supervised and graduated 1 PhD, 12 MSc and 12 honours students, and published over 25 articles in peer reviewed journals since joining the university. He currently supervises 3 PhD and 4 MSc students. He has established collaborations with a number of research groups in South Africa, China, Italy and USA. He is a member of SACI attached to the SACI North Section (SACI-NS) where he is serving in the scientific sub-committee.
Dr MA Selepe (University of Pretoria) Scientific Programme
Mamoalosi obtained a bachelor of chemical technology degree from the National University of Lesotho. She completed BSc Honours and PhD from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (Pietermaritzburg campus) under the supervision of Prof Fanie van Heerden and Prof Siegfried Drewes. She worked as a scientist at iThemba pharmaceuticals, a drug discovery start-up company that was based in Johannesburg before joining the University of Pretoria. Mamoalosi’s research focuses on identification and isolation of bioactive compounds from medicinal plants, as well as investigation of new synthetic strategies and total synthesis of natural compounds.
Mr NFH Makhubela (Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University) Marketing & Entertainment
Mr Nkosinathi F.H. Makhubela is an Organic Chemistry Lecturer at The Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU). He is currently enrolled for his PhD studies undertaking the pharmacological evaluation and health risk assessment of common African medicinal herbal concoctions used in South Africa. He is a member of SACI attached to the SACI North Section (SACI-NS) where he is serving in the marketing and entertainment sub-committee. He is currently involved in the co-supervision of masters’ students and the research committee within the Department of Chemistry at SMU.