Eastern Cape region

Member: Ilse Truter

Utilization

 Member: Riaan van de Venter

Institution: Nelson Mandela University

Dr Riaan van de Venter is a lecturer in the Department of Radiography. Their professional background is in diagnostic radiography, bioethics, health law, tertiary education and distance higher education. They teach at all four-year levels in the Bachelor of Radiography in Diagnostics programme, at fourth year level in the MBCHB programme, and supervise final year undergraduate, master’s and doctoral research projects. They were a research assistant at City, University of London during 2020/2021. They have published more than 20 peer-reviewed articles, 4 book chapters, and presented more than 30 national/international conferences presentations (podium and poster).

Riaan’s research focusses on workforce development, professional education, artificial intelligence, role extension, image interpretation, person-centred care, as well as gender and sexual minorities. They are currently the president of the Society of Radiographers of South Africa, a steering committee member of the International Academic Network Research Group of the International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists, an Associate Editor for the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, the co-editor for The South African Radiographer.

  Member: Mrs Razana Williams

Razana Williams is a diagnostic radiographer and has a master’s degree in radiography. She has been a SAAHE member since 2015 and is a member of the SAAHE Simulation SIG in the Eastern Cape. Razana was the 2023 SAAHE Conference Chair and was thus, co-opted as a SAAHE council member for 2023/2024. In addition, she held the position of Head of Department: Radiography for 10 years. She was also the Acting Director of the School of Clinical Care Sciences April – December 2016. Mrs Williams is a board member on the Health Professions Council of South Africa, Radiography and Clinical Technology Board (RCT Board) since 2020. She serves on the RCT Board, Preliminary Enquiry and Professional Practice Committees and have been part of several task teams on behalf of the RCT Board. As a novice researcher, Razana’s interest is simulation, professional conduct and practice, radiographic technique, and clinical practice. She is a Faculty Postgraduate Studies Committee member and reviews research proposals. Razana served on the Ethics Committee of Livingstone Hospital from 2006 – 2009. As a diagnostic radiographer, Razana is a member of the Society of Radiographers of South Africa (SORSA) and served as chairperson, treasurer, and education representative at Port Elizabeth branch level from 2003 – 2012, respectively. Razana is constantly striving to better herself as a health professions educator by attending various development activities at institutional and faculty level.

  Member:  Dalena van Rooyen

BCur, BHons, MCur, PhD, PGD Edu & CC, ACGM, ANSAf

Professor Dalena van Rooyen is a seasoned senior academic leader with an extensive international network. She is a well-respected researcher, educator and activist; advocating for quality transformative health professional education and training. Professor van Rooyen has extensive experience in the higher education sector, particularly relating to strategic leadership in health professionals education. She has fulfilled numerous leadership positions (appointed and elected) and commendably steered the Academy of Nursing of South Africa (ANSA) as president for numerous years. Professor van Rooyen serves on the South African Committee of Health Sciences Deans (SACOHSD) as a board member, as well as on the Committee of Medical Deans.  Currently, she holds the position of Vice-Dean in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Nelson Mandela University.

She serves on the review board of various accredited journals and has published numerous peer-reviewed articles. In her commitment to supporting students to achieve their potential, Professor van Rooyen successfully promoted and supervised more than 80 PhD and Magister candidates. Many of these graduates have since reached the highest ranks in their field. She has led various national and international interprofessional research and development projects. As a researcher, she has contributed strongly in the areas of evidence-based practice, barriers to health care and the right to health of vulnerable people as well as the scholarship of teaching and learning in health professions education.

  Member: Madeleine Muller and  Sue Burton

Dr Madeleine Muller is a Family Physician and Senior lecturer at Walter Sisulu University. She provides clinical services at Cecilia Makiwane Hospital in Mdantsane, East London, where she also mentors medical students and doctors. 

She is the convenor for the CMSA Diploma in HIV Management and serves on the CMSA Senate Examinations and Credentials Committee and the College of Family Physicians Council.

She is on the RuDASA (Rural Doctors Association of Southern Africa) executive committee, carrying the mentoring portfolio and overseeing the Rural Onboarding program and serves on the executive board of PATHSA (Professional Association of Transgender Health). She is enrolled in her MPhil in Health Professional Education through Stellenbosch University.

Dr Muller is passionate about inclusive clinical care, sexual and gender health, teaching, curriculum development, and supporting the growth of patient-centred clinicians.

Member: Ms Charne Christians

Ms. Charne Christians obtained her Baccalaureus in Speech-Language and Hearing Therapy at Stellenbosch University in 2018 and is currently studying her master’s degree in Speech-Language Therapy at the same institution.

She practiced as a rural speech-language therapist at Butterworth Hospital (Amathole district, Eastern Cape) and served multiple rural communities (01/01/2019 – 31/10/2021) before joining the University of Fort Hare (East London) as a clinical supervisor in 2021.

Her teaching and research areas of specialisation include, but is not limited to – rural health care, cerebral palsy, paediatric dysphagia, as well as multi-professional collaboration.

  Member: Rosalind Sugden

Rosalind Sugden is a qualified post-basic pharmacist assistant, registered with the South African Pharmacy Council. With several years of hands-on experience in community pharmacy, Rosalind built a foundation in pharmacy practice and patient care.

Rosalind holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Africa (Unisa) and recently completed the University of Cape Town’s Copy-editing course. She is committed to continuous learning and professional development.

Eleven years ago, Rosalind joined Nelson Mandela University and contributed to the Pharmacy Technician course. Recognised for her organisational skills, she assisted with the roll-out of third-year experiential placements, arranging student placements at corporate and independent community pharmacies. This role enabled her to build valuable relationships with external stakeholders and support academic staff and students.

In recent years, Rosalind has transitioned to serving as the personal assistant to the Director of the School of Clinical Care and Medicinal Sciences. Her role involves supporting our valued health educators and students and ensuring the smooth operation of educational programmes and initiatives.

Rosalind became involved with SAAHE in 2023, assisting the organising committee for the 2023 South African Association of Health Educationalists (SAAHE) Conference, hosted at the Nelson Mandela University, 2nd Avenue Business School in Gqeberha.

With a blend of practical experience and administrative expertise, Rosalind Sugden is eager to continue supporting the health education sector, students and educators.