Manager:
Samridhi Sharma
Samridhi Sharma holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) Degree, and is currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmacy at Rhodes University. Samridhi is part of the Global Shapers Community, an initiative of the World Economic Forum to drive dialogue, action and change led by young people. She became part of the Rhodes University COVID-19 Science Engagement Team in 2020, and is the youngest member of the Scifest Africa Advisory Committee since 2019. She is also the first student from the Faculty of Pharmacy at Rhodes University to have completed an Internship at the World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
Samridhi is an Alumni of the Brightest Young Minds (BYM) Cohort of 2021. She was a finalist for the Rhodes University Community Engagement Award for the Student Researcher of the Year in 2020, and received the Investec Rhodes Top 100 Student Leadership Award in 2018. She is a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society.
Samridhi is also an author to numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals, a contributing author to a Pharmacovigilance Textbook, and has presented at many national and international conferences.
Samridhi is extremely passionate about engaging with people to improve health outcomes, and to make a difference in this world. She aims to work in the field of Pharmacy Practice, Public Health and Research.
Media and Marketing Officer:
Steph Dvorak
Steph Dvorak holds a Bachelor of Journalism from Rhodes University. As our Media and Marketing Officer, she works across various media formats creating the marketing, PR and content for Scifest Africa.
From a multicultural background that took her from South Africa to Mauritius and the Czech Republic, Steph writes from a unique perspective, having studied law and anthropology before delving into media. She is passionate about using written and visual communication to make real-world differences.
2022 National Youth Service Intern Team
Sanelisiwe Kula
Sanelisiwe Kula is a BSc Life Sciences Biochemistry and Microbiology graduate, obtained at UNISA. She has a passion for the sciences and discovering new things which led her to pursue a career in microbiology and biochemistry. She had a strong interest in research and aspires to lead in the sphere.
Nombasa Kunene
Nombasa Kunene obtained her Honours Degree in Biological sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She is a member of an international Golden Key organization for top achievers. She has always been confident about sharing her thoughts and making an impact in science. She takes pride in tutoring fellow mates or younger individuals. She aspires to become a mentor for those starting their careers in science just as she is currently.
Vusumzi Tsipa
Vusumzi Tsipa holds a BSc Hons Environmental Geography degree and recently completed his MSc in Botany. His interests lie in the physical environment and natural processes. Vusumzi’s research interests are also in human-environmental interactions; and in the governance and sustainable management of complex socio-ecological systems.
Nomabhelu Mbane
Nomabhelu Mbane is an MSc candidate in Human Kinetics and Ergonomics at Rhodes University. She was born in Alice but completed all her studies in Makhanda. She is passionate about community development programs that help empower less privileged communities. Her research is about investigating and quantifying the demands of women’s rugby union players in the Sarah Baartman District using Global Positioning Systems.
Mponyana Mbikanye
Mponyana Mbikanye received her Honours degree in Geographical Information Systems at Nelson Mandela University. She has worked as a lecturing assistant for two years at NMU; participated in the Beyond the Classroom programme, and has been the regional administrator for the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists in the Makhanda region. She is a woman who is passionate about self-development, learning and making a positive impact on others. She prides herself on integrity, flexibility and her ability to work with people.
Sibabaliwe Manyube
Sibabaliwe Manyube holds a BSc Hons in Geographical Information Systems and an Advanced Certificate in Pharmacy Technician from Nelson Mandela University. Sibabaliwe is interested in promoting better primary healthcare services and aims to be part of the change in promoting health outcomes in South Africa. She has previously worked as a Post Basic Pharmacist Assistant Dora Ngindza Hospital and Veeplaas Clinic in Nelson Mandela Bay. She is also passionate about research in environmental studies, as well as fashion.
Sinclair Bulelwa Mayfield
Sinclair Bulelwa Mayfield is a Public Relations Graduate from Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay Gqeberha. She is passionate about Communications and enjoys connecting with people. Sinclair previously completed in-service training at Forever Friday, as well as Bunu & Bunu Funeral Services, expanding her knowledge and evolving her creativity. Sinclair finds it exhilarating to work in an ever-evolving industry as communication and technology advance the PR industry. She considers herself a young change-maker and creative genius.
Emile Hails
Emile Hails holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in marketing and business management which he completed at Nelson Mandela University. He was born in Grahamstown but moved to Port Elizabeth at a young age. He has a passion for digital marketing as it allows him to express his creative side in the business environment. Emile hopes to gain relevant experience during his marketing internship and is also looking to create connections that could last a lifetime.
Photo Credits Lu-M Photography and Samridhi Sharma