Meet The team

The Executives

Waheed is an aspiring clinician-scientist-entrepreneur deeply invested in research, education, and the evolving landscape of e-commerce. At ARS, he channels his personal ambition to create inclusive spaces for young researchers. His mission is to contribute to the empowerment of Africa by promoting STEM education and advocacy.


Waheed, an aspiring clinician-scientist-entrepreneur, is focused on empowering Africa through STEM education and advocacy.

UCT Chapter President 2024, NPO Co-Founder

Waheed Amanjee

Barbara is a medical student and social justice advocate. She is passionate about leveraging her influence in everyday spaces to uplift marginalised voices. She believes that through Afro-centric research and inquiry, we can find uniquely tailored solutions to our challenges and create an impact that sets an example in the global arena.

Barbara, a medical student and social justice advocate, focuses on uplifting marginalized voices through Afrocentric research and inquiry.

Vice President (Engagement)

Barbara Alusala

 Thando Kubheka is a dedicated researcher, currently pursuing an MSc in Medicine (Haematology). She is passionate about facilitating access to research opportunities and resources for students. She is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in research and academia. She supports students in their academic writing and participates in various outreach initiatives, including mentoring and community volunteering.

Thando Kubheka, an MSc Medicine (Haematology) student, promotes diversity in research and academia and supports students through mentoring and outreach.

UCT Chapter Administrative and Financial Officer 2024

Thando Kubheka

Driven by a commitment to research and social change, he takes his work seriously—but not himself. He thrives on bridging tradition with innovation, adding a bit of color and light-heartedness to the world of academia.

Driven by a commitment to research and social change, he takes his work seriously—but not himself. He thrives on bridging tradition with innovation, adding a bit of color and light-heartedness to the world of academia.

Vice President (Strategy)

Sayuran Pillay

The COMMIttEE

Iloke Alusala is a digital innovator with a knack for turning visionary ideas into reality. Passionate about robotics and software development, he embraces challenges and plays a key role in designing impactful solutions, including this website.

Iloke Alusala is a digital innovator with a passion for robotics and software development, known for turning visionary ideas into impactful solutions, including this website.

Director of Digital Strategy

Iloke Alusala

Chloe Ash, a medical student passionate about activism, is dedicated to empowering and serving others. She’s all about making meaningful connections, driving positive change in communities, and embracing growth as she overcomes challenges.

Chloe Ash is a medical student passionate about activism, dedicated to empowering others and driving positive change in communities.

Director of Social Responsibility

Chloe Ash

Amin Banderker is a medical student inspired by the research done by young people across Africa. He sees ARS as a platform to promote the work of such individuals and motivate others to involve themselves in research.

Amin Banderker, a medical student, sees ARS as a platform to highlight and promote research by young people across Africa.

Project Co-ordinator for Innovation

Amin Banderker

Danika Govender, a third-year medical student, is dedicated to advancing healthcare equity and empowering women in STEM. With a strong foundation in research and leadership, she aims to create impactful opportunities that foster collaboration and drive meaningful change within communities.

Danika Govender, a third-year medical student, is committed to advancing healthcare equity and empowering women in STEM through research and leadership.

Director of STEM

Danika Govender

Sunmin Im is a medical student interested in learning more about the world and people’s minds. She values the vision of research and supporting innovation of Africa, and making knowledge more accessible for students. She is involved in co-ordinating events for ARS that harbour inspiration and ambition amongst aspiring researchers.

Sunmin Im, a medical student, values research and innovation in Africa, coordinating events that inspire aspiring researchers.

Signature Events

Sunmin Im

Nondumiso Nkosi is a medical student who passionately believes in the power of inclusivity. She champions the idea that success is not a solo journey—when you rise, you should lift others with you. Her vision is to strike a harmonious balance between equality and equity, recognizing that true equality is achieved through equitable practices. She embraces diversity, advocating for the appreciation of our differences by being inclusive, regardless of background or social status, because you never know the gem hidden beneath the surface.

 


Nondumiso Nkosi, a medical student, champions inclusivity and believes in lifting others as you rise, advocating for equity in all spaces.

Director of Signature Events

Nondumiso Nkosi

Thompho Mathoni is a passionate medical student with a deep curiosity for the Health Sciences. Driven by curiosity and creativity, she is dedicated to the collective pursuit of saving lives and enriching communities through research and collaboration.

Thompho Mathoni, a curious and creative medical student, is dedicated to saving lives and enriching communities through research and collaboration.

Project Coordinator of Health Sciences

Thompho Mathoni

Raquel Mitchelson is a medical student who has a special interest in representation of marginalised communities within spaces of research. She believes in the importance of Afrocentric research and the advancement of knowledge and innovation through collaboration to achieve meaningful outcomes across the continent.

Raquel Mitchelson, a medical student, is passionate about representing marginalized communities in research and advancing knowledge through collaboration.

Director of Transformation

Raquel Mitchelson

Raabia Ravat is a passionate business science student who brings creativity to life through social media content creation . Her dedication to African research and innovative ideas enhance every project she undertakes. Outside of university work, she enjoys reading and hiking.

Raabia Ravat, a business science student, excels in social media content creation and is dedicated to African research and innovation.

Project Coordinator of Media and Marketing

Raabia Ravat

Tsaiyu is a third-year medical student interested in exploring ways to make medical research more Afrocentric. She is passionate about integrating local context into health science knowledge, to foster inclusive and relevant research.

Tsaiyu is a third-year medical student interested in exploring ways to make medical research more Afrocentric. She is passionate about integrating local context into health science knowledge, to foster inclusive and relevant research.

Director of Health Sciences

Tsaiyu Shih

Sunali Parbhoo is a published author and a medical student. She has a flair for compelling narratives and often finds herself painting pictures with words, if not a paintbrush. Sunali integrates her creativity and storytelling into social media and content creation.

Sunali Parbhoo, a medical student and published author, combines her flair for storytelling with content creation, bringing creativity to social media.

Director of Media and Marketing

Sunali Parbhoo

Kimi Pather is a driven molecular biology and anatomy student. Committed to learning about the future of work, she aims to bring about tangible change to South African communities through innovative healthcare technology solutions. She is passionate about health policy development and enforcement, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. When she needs fuel for this ambitious dream, she enjoys running and baking to blow off some steam and recharge.

Kimi Pather, a molecular biology and anatomy student, is committed to bringing innovative healthcare technology to South African communities and is passionate about health policy development.

Head of Innovation

Kimi Pather

Sarah Philander is a medical student driven by a deep commitment to social change. She channels her creativity and determination into crafting solutions that aim to foster a more equitable society.

Sarah Philander, a medical student, channels her creativity and determination into crafting solutions for a more equitable society.

Co-Director of Social Responsibility

Sarah Philander