About Us • MatCH ResearchMatCH Research

Jenni Smit

Executive Director: Match Research Unit

Jennifer Smit has worked in the field of Sexual and Reproductive Health for over 30 years. Her work focuses on reproductive health, with an emphasis on contraception and HIV prevention, including extensive research on barrier methods (female condoms, microbicodes, diaphragms), safer conception for sero-discordant couples, perinatal depression, medical male circumcision, dual protection, long-acting hormonal injectable contraceptives, emergency contraception, new contraceptive technologies, health services delivery, including RH/HIV service integration, and policy development at local, regional, and international levels. Professor Smit is the site principal investigator of several studies and has over 80 publications in peer reviewed journals. Prof Smit is a qualified Pharmacist, with a Masters in Science. Her PhD focused on injectable contraceptives, in particular the user, social and pharmacological perspectives, which contributed important new information in the fields of reproductive health and pharmacology, addressing the paucity of rigorous community-based research on the widely used injectable hormonal contraceptives.

Zonke Mabude

Deputy Executive Director

Zonke Mabude has over 30 years of experience as a nurse, educator/ lecturer and researcher, working in the field of Sexual and Reproductive Health. Her work focuses on HIV prevention, contraception, including extensive research on microbicides, barrier methods (especially the Female Condom), dual protection, and new contraceptive technologies, health services delivery, including RH/HIV service integration, and policy development. Zonke has been a site principal investigator and investigator of several studies and has managed a number of complex microbicide trials at the MatCH Research Edendale site. She has over 30 publications in peer reviewed journals. She holds a Masters in Health and Population Studies ad is registered for a PhD at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Mags Beksinska

Deputy Executive Director

Mags has worked in the field of SRH for almost 20 years and her research has included clinical and operations studies in a broad area of reproductive health with a focus on barrier methods for dual protection. She has specialized in research on female condoms (FCs) and is a member of the UNFPA/WHO FC Technical Review Committee and involved in the development of International Standards and Specifications for condoms. She was an author of the WHO/UNFPA Female Condom Specifications. Beyond her research activities, she is actively involved in Global FC programming and advocacy. She acts in an advisory role with UNFPA and the Universal Access to Female Condoms Joint Programme (UAFC). Mags has a Bachelor of Science in Genetics and Cell Biology, a Masters in the Neurophysiological Basis of Behaviour and her PhD focused on the effect of hormonal contraception on bone mineral density in adolescent and perimenopausal women. She has authored over 70 peer-reviewed publications.

Bongiwe Zulu

Project Coordinator

Bongiwe holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Post Graduate Diploma Psychology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She has been working in the field of sexual reproductive health and HIV/ AIDS research for 9 years and has been actively involved in the National evaluation of Female condom programme.

Busi Maphumulo

Clinical Trial Coordinator

Busi holds a Diploma in General Nursing and Diploma in Midwifery and Neonatal Nursing science from Natal College of Nursing, Diploma in Project Management from Unischool

Cecilia Milford

Senior Researcher

Cecilia Milford is a registered research psychologist who has been working in social science research using mainly qualitative research methodologies and processes since 1999. Her research has largely been in the field of reproductive health, HIV prevention and care. Her research has spanned diverse populations using a variety of research frameworks to understand and explore issues. She has authored over 20 peer-reviewed publications. Cecilia holds a Master of Social Science in Research Psychology from the University of Natal. She is currently registered for a PhD at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Claudia Ngoloyi

Project Manager

Claudia is a professional nurse and holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Duduzile Lembethe

Community Liason Officer

Duduzile has a Health Technlogy certificate from Natal Technikon

Ivana Beesham

Medical Officer

Ivana holds a MBChB degree from the University of Cape Town and a Postgraduate Diploma in the Clinical Management of HIV/AIDs from the University of Kwazulu-Natal. She has a keen interest in HIV, TB, primary health care and occupational medicine. She is currently registered for the Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational and Environmental Health at the University of Kwazulu-Natal, and has completed an online operational research course offered by the University of Cape Town and the Desmond Tutu HIV Centre.

Kedibone Sithole

Project Coordinator

Kedi holds a Bachelor degree in Social Science from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Kedi is currently completing her Honours degree in Development Studies. She has been working in the field of sexual reproductive health and HIV/ AIDS research for 12 years working specifically with high risk populations.

Keshlin Pillay

Operations Coordinator

Keshlin holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree obtained from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville).

Keri Singh

Grants Manager

Keri holds a Bcomm degree from the University of KZN. Keri provides financial oversight on project expenditure, reviews contracts, ensures donor compliance and develops budgets. Keri also oversees the operational side of MRU in terms of IT, assets and facilities.

Mandisa Mlangeni

Medical Technologist

Mandisa Mlangeni holds a national diploma in Biomedical technology from the Durban Institute of Technology.

Manjeetha Jaggernath

Senior Research Medical Officer

Manjeetha qualified with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery Degree from the Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine (University of KwaZulu Natal).

Marlene Naidoo

Regulatory Manager

Marlene holds a Certificate from Durban Commerce and Computer College in Computer Operations Proficiency and a Certificate from Wits Health Consortium in Management Development Programme.

Mthokozisi Mtshali

Project Co-ordinator

Mthokozisi holds a Masters degree in Development Studies from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. He has been working in the field of sexual and reproductive health and HIV/AIDS for the past three years.

Mthokozise Nxongo

Medical Officer

Mthoko holds MBchB degree from University of UKZN.

Nomkhosi Mtshali

Operations Coordinator

Nomkhosi holds a Diploma in Project Management she is currently registered with University of South Africa for her Bachelor Degree in Business Management. She has more than 10 years research experience, including clinical trials with the Africa Centre and University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Mxolisi Mathenjwa

Junior Researcher

Mxolisi holds a Masters degree in the Development Studies from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. His interest is in Behaviour and Identity. He has been working in the field of sexual and reproductive health and HIV/AIDS research for the past four years and has been actively involved in a range of projects areas including several Safer Conception projects.

Nonhlanhla Mphili

Project Coordinator

Nonhlanhla holds a Diploma in General Nursing from University of Zululand , Diploma in Midwifery and neonatal science from Natal College of Nursing , Diploma in Community Nursing from Durban University of Technology and a Diploma in Nursing Management from UKZN

Nzwakie Mosery

Programme Manager

Nzwakie holds a Bachelor degree in Social Science from University of Natal (Durban) and is completing her Masters in Population Studies with the University of KwaZulu Natal (Durban). Nzwakie has fifteen years working experience in the SRH and HIV Research. She has been actively involved in conducting behavioural and operational research focusing on integration of health services, male circumcision, safer conception for sero-discordant couples, perinatal depression, ARV recreational drug use and barrier methods. She has specialised in CAPI using Filezilla and ODK program.

Phumla Nkosi

Project Manager

Phumla holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) from University of KwaZulu-Natal, and BA Cur (Nursing) from UNISA.

Shannon Evans

Medical Officer

Shannon holds a MBChB degree from the University of Cape Town and a Diploma in HIV Management from the College of Medicines of South Africa. She is currently registered for the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health at the University of South Africa (UNISA).

Sibusiso Sibiya

Data Coordinator

Sibusiso holds a Diploma of Information Processing and Administration from DIT College.

Sifiso Buthelezi

IPM data co ordinator

Sifiso Buthelezi holds a B-Tech in Public Management obtained from Durban University of Technology.

Simangele Bhengu

IPM project manager

-24 yrs of Nursing Practice with 6 years working in microbicides.

- Holds Diploma in General Nursing Science ,Diploma in Miwifery and Neonatal Nursing Science from College of Nursing

-Holds Diploma in Community and occupational Health from UKZN.

-Holds Higher Certificate in Management from FPD.

Sindile Ndlovu

ECHO data co ordinator

She is a professional nurse,holding a Diploma in Nursing (General,Psychiatry,Community ) and Midwifery.

She has vast experience in research nursing,having been involved in various clinical trials in the field of HIV/AIDS prevention and reproductive health.

Thando Patience Gwetu

Medical Officer

Thando Gwetu holds a MBChB degree from the University of Zimbabwe. She is an experienced public health clinician with a keen interest in health information management, skills development, medical research and epidemiology. She is currently registered for a Public health degree at the University of Kwazulu-Natal.

Thuleleni Dlungwana

Medical Technologist

Thuleleni holds a National Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology with speciality in the category of Exfoliate Cytology from (Edendale Technical College) which is now Mangosuthu University of Technology and a certificate in (IAC) International Academy Cytology. She holds a Diploma in Theology from the University of KwaZulu- Natal.

Yolandie Kriel

Researcher

Yolandie has a background in nursing research and holds a masters in health science. As a health researcher her main area of focus is in access, uptake and adherence to sexual and reproductive health strategies, including: Family planning, contraceptive methods use, and HIV prevention and treatment. Currently she works as a clinical trial coordinator on a project that will evaluate the uptake and adherence to safer conception strategies, including the use of PrEP during the periconception phase”

Data Team, Commercial City

Commercial City - Data Team

From Left to Right: Nomusa Dladla Savannah Shezi , Mthokozisi Khuzwayo, Sanelisiwe Msomi , Ntuthuko Khumalo, Sibusiso Sibiya, Skhumbuzo Mzimela

Community Echo Team, Edendale

Community Team

Left to Right: Brenda Khuzwayo(Recruiter),Nokwazi Zungu(EN-Recruiter),Sizakele Khanyile(EN-Recruiter),Douglas Msomi(Driver),Londiwe Luthuli(CLO),Gugu Bhengu(Retention Officer)

HIV counselors and retention officer, Edendale

From Left to Right

Khanyisile Sosibo, Dumisile Mbhele (Retention officer), Sindisiwe Nene, Celiwe Zondi

HIV counsellors, Commercial City

Nothando Mhlaba, Noluthando Samsom and Mbali Khomo.

Research Nurses, Edendale

From Left to Right

Scones Dlamini, Khetla Zwane, Nokwazi Mthembu

Medical Technologists, Commercial City

Medical Technoligists

Left to Right: Nkosinathi Makhoba, Nomphumulelo Mnikathi, Andile Kweza,

Administrators, Commercial City

Left to right: Simone Padayachy, Sharon Reddy, Sithembile Chonco, Thandiwe majola, Tatum Arnolds, Delisiwe Mkhize and Prashanth Shoeshanker

Administrators, Edendale

From left to right:

Portia Khanyile, Olwethu Zweni, Lungile Maphumulo

Outreach Team, Edendale

From left to right: Thulisile Ngcobo, Nokuthula Zama, Libuile Ngcobo, Sbonelo Mkhize, Nobuhle Zwane, Zenhlanhla Ngcobo, Slindile Mbhele

Research Nurses, Edendale

From Left to Right

Philile Thembela, Thobeka Lebenya, Jabu Dlamini

Data team, Edendale

From left to right:

Sbonelo Phakhathi, Sibusiso Mhkize, Lunga Shababalala

HIV counsellors, Edendale

From left to right

Gugu Ndlovu, Andile Ngubane, Notobeka Sosibo

Project Coordinators, Commercial City

From Left to Right: Bongiwe Zulu, Kedibone Sithole, Nonhlanhla Mphili, Mthokosizi Mtshali, Nomkhosi Mtshali

Research Nurses, Commercial City

From left to right: Nokwazi Zungu, Nompumelelo Mnikathi, Alice Ndlala, Lindiwe Masaka, Londiwe Mabanga

Outreach team, Commercial City

From Left to Right: Muriel Kubeka, Sizakele Khanyile, Brenda Khuzwayo

Research Assistants, Commercial City

From Left to right: Zinhle Zwane, Nalinie Lazarus

Project Assistants, Commercial City

From left to right: Faith Luthuli, Nonhlanhla Phume, Gugu Bhengu, Sifiso Mvelase, Sphamandla Gumbi, Nonhlonipho Bhengu, Marcia Ngcobo, Thobile Dlamini, Amanda Mona and Nomvelo Mkhize.