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Science
Embracing science
The Community
Embracing the community

Departments | COMMUNITY TEAM

Dots

By participating in clinical research, you contribute to groundbreaking medical advancements that can enhance health outcomes for future generations.

Our clinic actively engages with the local community to recruit participants, fostering strong relationships and ensuring inclusive representation in our studies.

In 2022, uThukela District had a population of 789,092, with 30.5% under 15 years, 63.5% between 15 and 64 years, and 6.0% over 65. The region faces significant socio-economic challenges, including a high unemployment rate of 44% and limited access to basic services—only 46.5% of households have flush toilets, 45.2% receive weekly refuse removal, and 40.7% have piped water indoors. Despite 94.8% having electricity for lighting, 62.7% of residents live in poverty, making uThukela one of South Africa’s ten poorest districts.

Through clinical research, we strive to bridge healthcare gaps, bring innovative solutions to underserved populations, and improve overall well-being.

NM Mhlongo

Qualifications
Year Qualification Institution
1994 Matric Ezakheni High School
2018 Higher Certificate HIV/AIDS Counselling & Management Boston City Campus & Business College
Work Experience
Period Position Employer
1999 – 2003 Consultant & Site Agent at ABI Field Street Personnel
2007 – 2008 Receptionist Qhakaza Mbokodo Research Clinic
2009 – Current Community Liaison Officer / Community Engagement Manager Qhakaza Mbokodo Research Clinic
Studies
Year Protocol Number Designation
2012- 2016 IPM 027 Community Liaison Officer
2012 - 2015 FACTS 001 Back-up Community Liaison Officer
2016 – 2019 IPM 032 Community Liaison Officer
2016 – 2019 ECHO Back-up Community Liaison Officer
2017 – Current HVTN 702 Community Engagement Manager
2016 – Current HVTN 108 Community Engagement Manager
2018 - Current HVTN 705 Community Engagement Manager
2020 – Current HVTN 405 Community Engagement Manager
2020 – Current VAC31518COV3001 Community Engagement Manager
2021- Current CoVPN 5001 Community Engagement Manager
2021- Current CoVPN 3008 Community Engagement Manager
2021- Current MK8591-022 Community Engagement Manager
2022 - Current Sisonke 4 (SHERPA) / mRNA-1273-P508 Community Engagement Manager
2022 – Current INSIGHT Cohort Community Engagement Manager
2022 – Current GS-US-412-5624 Community Engagement Manager
2023 – Current MK8591A-053 Community Engagement Manager
2024 – Current HVTN 605/A5421 Community Engagement Manager
2024 – Current MK8527-007 Community Engagement Manager
2024 – Current Gates MRI-TBV02-301 Community Engagement Manager
2024 – Current Pfizer C3671032 Community Engagement Manager

NM Hadebe

Qualifications
Year Qualification Institution
1996 Matric Steadville High School
2004 Certificate DOTS Programme Rotary Club
2005 Home Based Care MABSA
2006 HIV/AIDS Counselling Azini HIV/AIDS Development Network
Work Experience
Period Position Employer
2004 - 2007 Volunteer – Chairperson Siyanakekela Organization
2007 - 2019 Recruiter Qhakaza Mbokodo Research Clinic
2020 – Current Recruiter Qhakaza Mbokodo Research Clinic
Studies
Year Protocol Number Designation
2012 – 2016 IPM 027 Recruiter
2012 – 2019 IPM 007 Recruiter
2012 – 2015 FACTS 001 Recruiter
2016 – 2019 ECHO Recruiter
2016 – 2019 HVTN 108 Recruiter
2017 - 2019 HVTN 702 Recruiter
2018 - 2019 HVTN 705 Recruiter
2020 – Current HVTN 405 Recruiter
2020 – Current VAC31518COV3001 Recruiter
2021 – Current CoVPN 3008 Recruiter
2021- Current MK8591-022 Recruiter
2022 - Current Sisonke 4 (SHERPA) / mRNA-1273-P508 Recruiter
2022 – Current INSIGHT Cohort Recruiter
2022 – Current GS-US-412-5624 Recruiter
2024 – Current HVTN 605/A5421 Recruiter
2024 – Current MK8527-007 Recruiter
2024 – Current Gates MRI-TBV02-301 Recruiter

PP Khambule

Qualifications
Degree Field of Study University Year completed
Grade 12 Secondary School Klip River High School 2006
Certificate ECD Education Universal College Outcomes 2013
Counselling Certificate HIV/AIDS Wise Training School 2016
Work Experience
Period Position Employer
2013 - 2015 Transporter Qhakaza Mbokodo Research Clinic
2017 - Current Recruiter Qhakaza Mbokodo Research Clinic
Studies
Year Protocol Number Designation
2013 - 2015 IPM 027 Transporter
2017 – 2019 ECHO Recruiter
2018 – Current HVTN 705 Recruiter
2019 - Current HVTN 702 Recruiter
2020 – Current HVTN 405 Recruiter
2020 – Current VAC31518COV3001 Recruiter
2021 – Current CoVPN 5001 Recruiter
2021 – Current CoVPN 3008 Recruiter
2021- Current MK8591-022 Recruiter
2022 - Current Sisonke 4 (SHERPA) / mRNA-1273-P508 Recruiter
2022 – Current INSIGHT Cohort Recruiter
2022 – Current GS-US-412-5624 Recruiter
2024 – Current HVTN 605/A5421 Recruiter
2024 – Current MK8527-007 Recruiter
2024 – Current Gates MRI-TBV02-301 Recruiter
2024 – Current Pfizer C3671032 Recruiter

TT Ndaba

Qualifications
Qualification Institution
Basic Computer Skills Certificate Wise Training Centre
Use of Fire Equipment Certificate Safeguard Fire Security
HIV/AIDS Counselling Certificate Insimu Trainers & Caterers
Sales & Marketing (National Certificate Short Term Insurance) Inseta
Work Experience
Period Position Employer
1999 – 2002 Admin Clerk AJ Charnaud & Co
2002 – 2007 Receptionist Elephant Clothing
2007 – 2011 External Sales Consultant Quest Staffing Solutions (ABSA Bank)
May 2012 – Current Recruiter Qhakaza Mbokodo Research Clinic
Studies
Year Protocol Number Designation
2012- 2016 IPM 027 Recruiter
2012 – 2015 FACTS 001 Recruiter
2016 – 2019 IPM 032 Recruiter
2016 – 2019 ECHO Recruiter
2017 – Current HVTN 702 Recruiter
2018 - Current HVTN 705 Recruiter
2020 – Current HVTN 405 Recruiter
2020 – Current VAC31518COV3001 Recruiter
2021 – Current CoVPN 5001 Recruiter
2021 – Current CoVPN 3008 Recruiter
2021- Current MK8591-022 Recruiter
2022 - Current Sisonke 4 (SHERPA) / mRNA-1273-P508 Recruiter
2022 – Current INSIGHT Cohort Recruiter
2022 – Current GS-US-412-5624 Recruiter
2023 - Current MK8591A-053 Recruiter
2024 – Current HVTN 605/A5421 Recruiter
2024 – Current MK8527-007 Recruiter
2024 – Current Gates MRI-TBV02-301 Recruiter
2024 – Current Pfizer C3671032 Recruiter

I Ngema

Qualifications
Degree Field of Study University Year completed
Diploma Theology Turfloop Seminary 1995
Certificate HIV/AIDS Facilitator Churches Channels of Hope 2006
Certificate Integrated HIV/AIDS and TB Management Palama 2011
Work Experience
Period Position Employer
2005 – 2013 HIV/AIDS Coordinator TMCC TAMCC & SACC
2013 - 2015 Community Liaison Officer Qhakaza Mbokodo Research Clinic
2016 - 2019 Public Relations Officer Qhakaza Mbokodo Research Clinic
2020 – Current Recruiter / Driver Qhakaza Mbokodo Research Clinic
Studies
Year Protocol Number Designation
2013 - 2015 FACTS 001 Community Liaison Officer
2016 – 2019 ECHO Public Relations Officer
2018 – 2019 HVTN 108 Public Relations Officer
2018 - 2019 HVTN 702 Public Relations Officer
2018 - 2019 HVTN 705 Public Relations Officer
2020 – Current HVTN 405 Recruiter / Driver
2020 – Current VAC31518COV3001 Recruiter / Driver
2021 – Current CoVPN 5001 Recruiter / Driver
2021 – Current CoVPN 3008 Recruiter / Driver
2021- Current MK8591-022 Recruiter / Driver
2022 – Current INSIGHT Cohort Recruiter / Driver
2022 – Current GS-US-412-5624 Recruiter / Driver
2024 – Current HVTN 605/A5421 Recruiter / Driver
2024 – Current MK8527-007 Recruiter / Driver
2024 – Current Gates MRI-TBV02-301 Recruiter / Driver
2024 – Current Pfizer C3671032 Recruiter / Driver

DE Rasimeni

Qualifications
Year Qualification Institution
1992 Matric Embizeni High School
2006 Basic Ambulance Assistant Sharaj Training Services
2006 First Aid Level 2 St. John Ambulance
Work Experience
Period Position Employer
1993 – 1996 Customer Service BP Filling Station
1997 – 2001 Customer Service Caltex Filling Station
2002 – 2004 Distributor Swisgard Health Care
2007 – 2012 Driver Mavuso’s Classic Funeral Service
2012 – Current Driver Qhakaza Mbokodo Research Clinic
Studies
Year Protocol Number Designation
2012 - 2016 IPM 027 Driver
2012 – 2018 IPM 007 Driver
2012 - 2015 FACTS 001 Driver
2016 – 2019 ECHO Driver
2017 – Current HVTN 702 Driver
2017 – Current HVTN 108 Driver
2018 - Current HVTN 705 Driver
2020 – Current HVTN 405 Driver
2020 – Current VAC31518COV3001 Driver
2021 – Current CoVPN 5001 Driver
2021 – Current CoVPN 3008 Driver
2021- Current MK8591-022 Driver
2022 – Current INSIGHT Cohort Driver
2022 – Current GS-US-412-5624 Driver
2024 – Current HVTN 605/A5421 Driver
2024 – Current MK8527-007 Driver
2024 – Current Gates MRI-TBV02-301 Driver
2024 – Current Pfizer C3671032 Driver

ZCN Mvelase

Qualifications
Qualification Field of Study Institution Year completed
Grade 10 Grade 10 Windsor Secondary School 2003
NIC-NSC Hospitality Certificate Hospitality Mnambithi TVET College 2004 - 2005
Work Experience
Period Position Employer
2009 – 2016 Launderer & Linen Orderly CMC Ravenna – South African Branch
2021 – 2022 Porter Worker Ladysmith Provincial Hospital
2022 - Current Driver / Recruiter Qhakaza Mbokodo Research Clinic
Studies
Year Protocol Number Designation
2022 - Current MK8591-022 Driver / Recruiter
2022 – Current CoVPN 3008 Driver / Recruiter
2022 – Current INSIGHT Cohort Driver / Recruiter
2022 – Current GS-US-412-5624 Driver / Recruiter
2024 – Current HVTN 605/A5421 Driver / Recruiter
2024 – Current MK8527-007 Driver / Recruiter
2024 – Current Gates MRI-TBV02-301 Driver / Recruiter
2024 – Current Pfizer C3671032 Driver / Recruiter

SW Jele

Qualifications
Degree University Year completed
HIV/AIDS Care and Counselling Certificate WISE Training Centre 2011
Basic Computer Literacy Certificate WISE Training Centre 2011
ARV Treatment Literacy Programme WISE Training Centre 2011
Work Experience
Period Position Employer
2008 Driver Brewery
2009 Driver Sasko
Oct 2011 – Aug 2022 Driver Qhakaza Mbokodo Research Clinic
May 2023 – Current Driver Qhakaza Mbokodo Research Clinic
Studies
Year Protocol Number Designation
2012 - 2016 IPM 027 Driver
2016 – 2019 IPM 032 Driver
2017 – 2022 HVTN702 Driver
2017 – 2022 HVTN 108 Driver
2018 - 2022 HVTN 705 Driver
2020 - 2022 HVTN 405 Driver
2020 – 2022 VAC31518COV3001 Driver
2021 – Current CoVPN 3008 Driver
2021 – Current MK8591-022 Driver
2022 – Current GS-US-412-5624 Driver
2023 – Current MK8591A-053 Driver
2024 – Current HVTN 605/A5421 Driver
2024 – Current MK8527-007 Driver
2024 – Current Gates MRI-TBV02-301 Driver
2024 – Current Pfizer C3671032 Driver