PhD Trio Advances Vaccines through Vital Partnership
The graduation of Dr Nomfundo Ntombela, Dr Matome Matsiela and Dr Ziphezinhle Mbhele with PhDs in Biochemistry was a significant step for both veterinary vaccine research and scientific transformation – it highlighted the power of academic-industry collaboration and expanded the representation of Black South African women in science.
The topics of the research done by the three biochemists – who were supervised at UKZN by Dr Thandeka Khoza – were developed in partnership with industry.
‘I’m beaming with pride as I see my three PhD students complete their studies on veterinary vaccine development, tackling diseases affecting farming and enhancing diagnostic tools for early detection,’ said Khoza. ‘The accomplishment demonstrates their expertise and the importance of building a skilled workforce in vaccinology, especially in light of the lessons learned from COVID-19.
‘They are well-positioned to make a significant impact in the health sector and are fit for purpose; I have no doubt they will excel in their future endeavours,’ she said.
Matsiela developed a safe, effective combination vaccine for sheep aiming to improve vaccination coverage in endemic areas and protect livestock from these economically significant diseases. Matsiela hopes her development of a novel, single vaccine formulation, which has strong potential for commercialisation, will be cost-effective for farmers and reduce economic losses.
Mbhele’s research involved developing a vaccine to protect ruminants against haemorrhagic enteritis, or red gut, caused by the Clostridium perfringens type A bacterium, which leads to significant economic losses for the livestock industry. Mbhele’s findings could alleviate the challenges associated with the production of haemorrhagic enteritis vaccines to increase their availability, improve vaccine coverage and lead to improved control of the disease.
Ntombela developed and evaluated recombinant lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) proteins as potential vaccine candidates and effective, accessible diagnostic tools to improve prevention and detection of this economically significant cattle disease. Ntombela hopes her research will contribute to the development of effective vaccines and diagnostics for LSDV and model the application of recombinant technologies to animal health challenges in resource-limited settings, demonstrating the power of science in solving agricultural problems, promoting livelihoods and strengthening biosecurity and food security in Africa.
Matsiela, Mbhele, and Ntombela each achieved remarkable firsts in their families: Ntombela is the first scientist and PhD holder, Mbhele the first PhD graduate, and Matsiela the first to pursue tertiary education.
Matsiela, originally from Limpopo, completed her undergraduate and honours studies at the University of Venda, going on to an internship with Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP), and then with funding from the National Research Foundation (NRF), enrolled for a master’s degree at UKZN under Khoza’s supervision, continuing with her PhD through OBP’s Professional Development Programme.
Mbhele and Ntombela completed all their studies at UKZN. Ntombela began her journey in UKZN’s Access Augmented Programme, which provided her with the academic foundation and confidence to thrive. UKZN’s strong mentorship, excellent research facilities, and supportive academic environment kept both at the Institution for their postgraduate studies.
Matsiela, who originally wanted to become a medical doctor, was drawn to the scientific study of the causes and pathways of infectious disease to inform the development of treatment regimens and preventative measures that preserve life.
Mbhele of Ilfracombe in KwaZulu-Natal, was drawn to the wide range of career possibilities in biochemistry and its ability to explain life at a molecular level, combining several scientific disciplines.
Ntombela grew up in the rural area of Melmoth in KwaZulu-Natal. Witnessing the effects of disease on livestock and livelihoods motivated her to be part of the solution to protect communities through scientific innovations.
All three women faced the devastating and sudden deaths of close family members during their studies: Matsiela, lost her grandmother; Mbhele, her brother; and Ntombela, her mother. For Ntombela, the delays brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic added to the strain.
Overcoming these losses required a combination of faith, perseverance, staying goal-oriented, and the support of family, friends and supervisors.
Mother to a four-year-old child, Matsiela had to balance parenting with her studies, but hopes her achievement will inspire her son. She is now a postdoctoral fellow at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization in Canada, continuing her research on livestock vaccine development.
Mbhele trained at OBP while conducting her research and plans to continue working in the vaccine industry, broadening her interdisciplinary skills.
Ntombela is now a Research Scientist on the Technology Innovation Agency’s Bioprocessing Platform, managing the Institute for Diagnostics Research laboratories and contributing to impactful research in diagnostics, vaccine development, and biotechnology-based solutions for African challenges.
Balancing her academic research with work and family life imparted lessons in time management, resilience and dedication.
Matsiela and Ntombela thanked their supervisors, Khoza and Dr Nobalanda Mokoena for their assistance, mentorship and encouragement, Mbhele thanked her supervisors, Khoza, Dr Faranani Ramagoma and Dr Lungile Thwala, and all three acknowledged OBP’s Dr Bethuel Nthangeni for his support.
All three said family and friends played a vital role in their success, and OBP provided essential training and co-supervision.
Words: Christine Cuénod
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini and supplied
