Invited South African Speakers
Courtesy of
Dr Gwyneth Arendorf
Dr Gwyneth Arendorf is a specialist dermatologist in private practice at City Bowl Dermatology in Cape Town. She is also a sessional consultant in the Dermatology Department at Stellenbosch University where she teaches dermatology to registrars.
She completed her MBChB at the University of Cape Town in 2002, and her specialisation at the University of Stellenbosch in 2019. During this time she also locally and abroad in a number of disciplines including emergency medicine, ophthalmology and preventative medicine. She also obtained her diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology from the Royal College in London, and a post-graduate diploma in clinical dermatology from the Queen Mary University of London.
Dr Arendorf is passionate about patient education, preventative dermatology and dermatopathology. Areas of special interest areas include molecular screening, cutaneous cancers, and inflammatory and pigmentation disorders.
Dr Temi Awotedu
Dr Temi Awotedu obtained her medical degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 2008 and then qualified as a dermatologist in 2018. In addition to, she is a fellow of the South African College of Medicine in the clinical speciality of dermatology. She also holds a Master’s of Medicine (MMed) Dermatology degree from the University of the Witwatersrand.
She is also a board-certified aesthetic physician qualified with the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine; a member of the South African Dermatology Society; the South African Society of Dermatologic Surgery; the American Academy of Aesthetics Medicine; Women’s Dermatological Society; and an associate member of the International Society of Dermatology.
‘Dr Temi’ treats both adult and paediatric patients suffering with dermatologic disorders, and has appeared on health educational television programmes, has written numerous articles, and has been invited to speak at various scientific meetings in both private and public sectors.
She sits on the medical advisory board of a number of pharmaceutical and dermocosmeceutical companies, nationally, and is also key sectors. While being a philanthropist involved in and dedicated to charity work, Dr Temi has an active, thriving private dermatologic practice servicing paediatric, medical, surgical and cosmetic care.
Courtesy of
Dr Saskya Claasens
Dr Saskya Claasens is a qualified dermatologist who is currently undergoing further specialist training in anatomical pathology, with the aim to becoming a dermatopathologist.
She qualified with a medical degree from Stellenbosch University in 2009 and worked as a medical officer in neonatology and internal medicine. During this time, she obtained a diploma in HIV Management while participating in research in AIDS-related systemic mycoses and skin diseases in people living with HIV.
Dr Claasen’s special interest in the manifestation of opportunistic infections and systemic diseases led to her decision to pursue a career in dermatology. She completed her specialist training in dermatology at Tygerberg Academic Hospital in 2021.
Under the mentorship of Professor Jordaan, Dr Claasen developed a passion for dermatopathology. Since 2021, she has been working as a registrar in anatomical pathology with the aim to completing this qualification by 2026 to enable extended excellence between dermatologists and anatomical pathologists through careful clinics-pathological correlation.
Dr Johann de Wet
Dr Johann de Wet is a dermatologist and Mohs Micrographic Surgeon. He is the founder of The Dermatology and Skin Cancer Institute, based in Stellenbosch, a referral centre for skin cancer patients. Dr de Wet was awarded his fellowship from the College of Dermatologists with distinction and obtained his MMed degree in Dermatology and a Master’s degree in Pathology from the University of Stellenbosch Cum Laude.
He is also a graduate of the University of Cardiff in Wales and of the University of Queensland, Australia, where he obtained a Diploma in Dermatology and an MMed in Skin Cancer. Following his dermatology training he completed a fellowship in Mohs Micrographic Surgery through the American Society of Dermatological Surgery. He also holds a fellowship from the Canadian College of Family Physicians and an academic position as Honorary Lecturer at the Division of Dermatology at Stellenbosch University.
A keen clinician, academic and researcher, Dr De Wet has published various articles in peer-reviewed journals and appears as an invited speaker at both local and international conferences. He is the recipient of accolades such as the College of Dermatologists’ prestigious Peter Gordon-Smith, and Jansen Research Foundation Medals. He was also awarded the Stellenbosch University’s Rector's Medal for Academic Excellence. For his work on melanoma skin cancer and Mohs Surgery he received the Discovery Foundation Academic Research Fellowship Award. He serves on the Executive Committee of the Melanoma Society of South Africa.
Courtesy of
Professor Ncoza Dlova
Professor Ncoza Dlova is the head of dermatology, Full Professor and the Dean of the School of Clinical Medicine (SCM) at UKZN in Durban. She has many accolades and leadership awards behind her name and is the first African Medical School Dean in the 73 years of the schools’ existence.
Professor Dlova is a well-published dermatologist with an interest in ethnic skin and hair, global health, and medical education. She has more than 133 scientific publications and is a “B” National Research Foundation (NRF) rated researcher which speaks to her impactful research which is recognised both locally and internationally.
She is a member of numerous international dermatology boards and societies and has numerous awards to her name, having been invited as a guest speaker to a number of countries. She is a member of the prestigious American Dermatology Association (ADA) and a recipient of the Maria Duran award from the International Society of Determatology (ISD).
Professor Dlova is a board member of the International League of Dermatology Society (ILDS) as the first fully-elected African representative in the 89 years since its establishment. In 2022 she received the Excellence Award for bridging relationships between the university and society, and in 2023 received the Living Legends award for her extraordinary contribution to UKZN and her devotion to humanity.
In February 2024, she was awarded the Gold Award by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) for her excellent contribution to research in South Africa. She also received the Fellowship in Arts and Science award from the South African Medical Association (SAMA) for her contribution to health and research in South Africa.
Dr Pieter du Plessis
Dr Pieter du Plessis was trained as a dermatologist at the University of Pretoria. As a registrar he spent time in the Dermatological Surgery Unit of the department of dermatology University of Newcastle, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne in the United Kingdom where he received training in dermatological and formalin-fixed Mohs surgery.
After completing an American Society of Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) ITMP fellowship in Mohs skin cancer surgery in the United States, he started the SkinMatters Mohs and Reconstruction Unit in Pretoria. He has been recognised by the ASDS International Fellowship Recognition Program as a Fellowship Director in Mohs Surgery.
The SkinMatters Mohs and Reconstruction Unit currently comprises two branches: one in Gauteng in Pretoria; and the other in the Western Cape in Somerset West. These units accommodate between four Mohs surgeons, seven Reconstructive Surgeons, two Oculoplastic surgeons and two fully-equipped Mohs Frozen a section Laboratories between them. To date, the Unit has completed 17 000 Mohs surgery cases and has hosted international Mohs surgeons and fellows in Mohs surgery.
Dr du Plessis is a past-president of the South African Society of Dermatologic Surgery, and currently serves on the Exco of the Dermatologic Society of South Africa, and as Chairperson of the South African Mohs Group. He is an Overseas Fellow of the ASDS, and an International Member of Distinction of the American Society for Mohs Surgery. He is also a previous chairperson of the LCM Skin and Laser Clinic in Pretoria, and chairman, vice-chairman or committee member of the organisation committee of various annual South African Dermatology Congresses.
Dr du Plessis has served for two terms on the Board of the College of Dermatologists of South Africa, as well as being an examiner for the College of Dermatologists (Part 2) exams. In addition, he has had papers published in numerous peer-reviewed journals with specific interest in Mohs Surgery as well as being an invited lecturer at local and international congresses, being a Keynote Speaker at the 2022 Annual ASDS Meeting in the USA.
Dr Jacques du Toit
Dr Jacques Du Toit is a dermatologist with a special interest in dermatological surgery and dermoscopy of pigmented skin lesions. He graduated from the University of Stellenbosch in 2002 with the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) and continued his academic journey by obtaining the Fellowship of the College of Dermatologists (FCDerm) from the College of Medicine of South Africa in 2013, along with his Master of Medicine (MMed) in Dermatology from the University of Stellenbosch.
Dr Du Toit’s contributions to the field of dermatology are notable, with several peer-reviewed articles being published in international dermatology journals, as well as a chapter on Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a dermatology textbook.
His publications cover a wide range of themes, including original research in genodermatoses, a recently identified condition affecting the hair shaft, and the development of a novel surgical technique for repairing the earlobe.
Dr Du Toit has been invited as a reviewer for many peer-review journals, and is a member of both the Dermatological Society of South Africa and the South African Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Prior to specializing, Dr du Toit served as a dedicated general practitioner in Namibia. He has been practicing as a dermatologist in Cape Town for the past 10 years, where he continues to make significant strides in advancing dermatological care.
Dr Nomphelo Gantsho
Dr Nomphelo Gantsho is a Consultant Dermatologist in private practice with rooms in Century City, Cape Town. She graduated with a BSc, BSc Hon (UFH); MSc (UP); MBChB (UP) and FCDerm (SA).
She is a Fellow of the South African College of Dermatologists and recognised on the specialist register as a consultant Dermatologist, as well as being a peer-reviewer for the Aesthetics Surgery Journal. Dr Gantsho has authored multiple medical book chapters, and research articles, and is involved in clinical research and clinical trials assessing the latest treatment in conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea and others. Combining research with her clinical practice ensures that she am able to provide her patients with access to the most up to date knowledge and treatments in medical Dermatology.
Dr Gantsho is currently the secretary of SASDS; a peer-reviewer in Aesthetic Surgery Journal; a representative member for the College of Dermatologist – CMSA; and is a member of the Leaders of the Future Programme for Allergan Aesthetics International. She holds memberships for the Dermatology Society of South Africa (DSSA); the South African Society of Dermatology Surgery (SASDS; and the Dermatologic Aesthetic Surgery International League (DASIL). In addition, she has been a contribution to a number of peer-viewed journals while also authoring chapters in various dermatology books.
She is a volunteer dermatologist in under-privileged communities in rural areas and hopes, through her work and writing, to raise awareness of dermatological issues. She believes a healthy, good-looking skin is a sign of general well-being. To this end, she is also a frequent contributor to radio, TV, magazine and on-line blogs as well as community Health Talks and Awareness campaigns.
Professor Carol Hlela
Professor Carol Hlela heads the Paediatric Dermatology Unit, at Red Cross Children’s Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa with a Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) in Clinical Medicine and a Masters in Global Health Science (MSc GHS) both obtained from the University of Oxford, UK. She sat her Paediatric Dermatology Fellowship at Northwestern University/Lurie’s Children’s Hospital in Chicago.
Additional qualifications include a Master's in Medicine in Dermatology (MMed Derm) as well as a Fellowship from the College of Dermatologists (FCDerm) from the University of KwaZulu Natal and a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB).
Prof Hlele is an National Research Foundation (NRF) rated researcher, currently C2 rated, and is internationally recognised, being an International Eczema Council (IEC) Associate and a member of the Board and an Africa representative in the International Retrovirology Association (IRVA) representing research on HTLV-1 (human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1) in the continent. She is widely published, has secured several grants and awards, participating in international collaborations and drug trials.
Last, but not least, Professor Hlela sits in several Advisory Boards of Pharmaceutical companies.
Courtesy of
Professor H Francois Jordaan
Professor H Francois Jordaan qualified as a medical doctor in 1972 (MBChB/US) and as a dermatologist in 1982 (MMed/US) and has followed an academic career since then. He was an associate professor, principal specialist and head of the Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch and Tygerberg Hospital, South Africa, from 2003-2013. Prof Jordaan formally retired in 2013, but was appointed on a sessional basis by the US and PAWC from 2014 until July 2022. He remained actively involved in all aspects of dermatology - teaching, service, administration, research and outreach. Since the beginning of August, he is continuing to act as a dermatopathology consultant for private pathology practices in the Western Cape, and as an active contributor to African Online Scientific Information Systems.
Prof Jordaan is a full member of the South African Academy for Science and Arts and an honorary member of the Dermatological Surgical Society of South Africa and was awarded The Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Dermatology in August 2016.
He has published 72 manuscripts in peer-review journals, numerous articles in non-peer review journals, and presented papers, several as an invited speaker, and posters at national and international congresses.
His main interests are dermatopathology, skin signs of systemic disease, skin signs of HIV/AIDS, cutaneous tuberculosis and paediatric dermatology.
Dr Zena Malinga
Dr Zena Malinga is an accomplished dermatologist, holding an MBChB degree from the University of Cape Town and completing her Dermatology specialist training at the University of Pretoria. She achieved obtained both her Master of Medicine in Dermatology (MMed) and Fellowship of the College of Dermatology (FCDerm) degrees with distinction.
Her research on Systemic Checkpoint Inhibitors in Basal Cell Carcinoma was published in an esteemed international peer-reviewed journal, earning her the prestigious 1st Prize for Young Dermatologist Research Presentation at the 6th Combined Dermatology Congress of South Africa. Dr Malinga has also been recognised with the Galderma Dr John Moche Research Award 2020 and the 2nd Prize for Registrar Presentation Award at the 2022 6th Combined Dermatology Congress of South Africa.
Currently, Dr Malinga practices in Johannesburg, where she also serves as a sessional consultant at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital. Her dedication to promoting health through education on dermatology and skin health is evident in her on-going work. Her expertise encompasses skin tumours, inflammatory dermatoses, and paediatric dermatology, reflecting her commitment to advancing dermatological care.
Dr Avumile Mankahla
Dr Avumile Mankahla is a Senior Lecturer/Head of the Division of Dermatology at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital and Walter Sisulu University, a position he has held since 2011.
Dr Mankahla obtained his MBChB degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and later qualified as a Dermatologist in 2005 and has recently completed the two-year Future Professor Programme, an initiative by the Department of Higher Education and Training.
He has been published in international journals and has presented papers at both local and international congresses. His current research interests include immune-mediated adverse drug reactions, and atopic dermatitis.
Dr Tshepo Mokwena
South African-born Dr Tshepo Mokwena graduated from the University of Pretoria for his under-graduate (MBChB) and his post-graduate degree (FCDerm SA). After obtaining the Best Intern of The Year, and the Medical Officer for the consecutive year, he completed his Specialist Dermatology training at the University of Pretoria. This was followed by his service as a specialist dermatologist in a tertiary and a quaternary institution for a number of years.
Dr Mokwena continues to create awareness of dermatological conditions and manages all clinical and aesthetic and dermatological problems. He continues to be active in programmes directly linked to skin awareness and has been on several SABC TV and radio programmes to educate on skin-related matters.
He also contributes to scientific research and to medical journals, and actively presents to general practitioners, specialists and the general public.
Professor Anisa Mosam
Professor Anisa Mosam is an Associate Professor at Nelson Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal Natal, and Head Clinical Unit at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital.
Her research interests span a number of different areas from Auto-immune bullous and connective tissue diseases to HIV dermatoses; neglected tropical diseases; and global health dermatology. She has also a keen interest in medical education and in improving access in resource-limited settings.
Dr Lev Naidoo
Dr Lev Naidoo completed her studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), graduating MBChB cum laude, and obtaining the Fellowship of the College of Dermatology with distinction. She completed a short-term fellowship in Epidemiology at The University of Columbia, New York, and obtained her Masters in Medicine thereafter.
Post-fellowship she remained at UKZN as a consultant and lecturer, relocating to Johannesburg in 2018 where she founded The Dermatology Room. She serves as an executive committee member of the Aesthetic and Anti-aging Medicine Society of South Africa, and the South African Society for Dermatological Surgery.
She is co-founder of iClass Anatomy Africa, the African Affiliate of iClass anatomy.
Dr Derek Odendaal
Dr Derek Odendaal completed his dermatology training in Bloemfontein in 1999 and has been in private practice in Port Elizabeth since 2000.
He is the past-president of the South African Society for Dermatologic Surgery (SASDS) and has a particular interest in dermatologic, Mohs and laser surgery, as well as aesthetic and cosmetic dermatology.
He is a member of the International Travelling Mentorship Program (ITMP) and a trainer for Allergan Cosmetics in South Africa. Dr Odendaal served as the vice-president for the Assembly of National Associated Societies (ANAS), serves on the Exco Committee of the Dermatology Society of South Africa as well as the South African Society for Dermatologic Surgery. In addition, he is an ex-board member of the Dermatology Aesthetic and Surgical International League (DASIL), and is a regular speaker at both South African and International congresses, primarily on skin cancer surgery.
For the past eight years, he has been training fellow dermatologists in advanced dermatologic surgery, and developed the short-course diploma in basic and advanced dermatologic surgery for South Africa.
Dr Odendaal is a Mohs and dermatologic surgeon with his own Mohs histopathology lab.
Dr Noufal Raboobee
Dr Noufal Raboobee obtained his MBChB at the University of Natal in 1983 and completed his FFDerm (SA) through the College of Medicine in South Africa in 1989. Since then, he has been in active private practice as a Dermatologist at Westville Hospital.
Dr Raboobee is currently the President of the Dermatological Society of South Africa and also the Vitiligo Society of South Africa. He serves on the Medical Advisory Board of the Global Vitiligo Foundation and is a member of the International Vitiligo Task Force. He is also an active contributor to their publication.
Dr Raboobee has been instrumental in introducing several Vitiligo surgical techniques into South Africa, and has written a book chapter on Phototherapay In Moschella and Hurley’s Dermatology in 2020.
He has chaired the Psoriasis Advisory Board, during which time the guidelines for the treatment of Psoriasis were produced and published in the South African Medical Journal (SAMJ). He currently chairs the committee updating the Psoriasis guidelines and is a co-author of the recent update to the International Vitiligo Guidelines.
He remains on the Advisory Boards of all the biologics suppliers in South Africa and has contributed as co-author to the Childhood Atopic Eczema Consensus Document, published in the SAMJ, and has participated in the Advisory Board for Acne during the revision of the guidelines for the use of isotretinoin, and has published a photographic series of patients on isotretinoin.
Dr Raboobee has served as a senior lecturer at the Nelson Mandela School of Medicine, a visiting consultant at King Edward VIll, Inkosi Albert Luthuli and Addington Hospitals in Durban, and as an examiner for the College of Medicine of South Africa.
His special interests include the surgical treatment of Vitiligo; Excimer Laser; biologic therapy of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis; Immuno-therapy of viral warts and the management of skin cancers.
Dr Nivana Ramlachan
Unwavering dedication and a thirst for excellence of procedural dermatology are hallmarks of the legacy that Dr Nivana Ramlachan will be known for.
Dr Ramlachan obtained her MBChB in 1998. She embarked on a path of specialisation that saw her earn an FCDerm SA qualification in 2005. This revealed an interest in procedural dermatology, and dermatologic surgery which started in 2011.
In 2013 she decided to undertake the Hugh Greenways Annual Superficial Anatomy Cutaneous Surgery course in San Diego.
Dr Ramlachan is the recipient of the prestigious ASDS ITMP Fellowship. In addition, she is the first South African -trained Mohs Micrographic Surgery Fellow. And, as an executive member of SASDS, she shares her knowledge, experience and passion with aspiring dermatologists to nurture future generations of professional dermatologists.
Dr Mvuyosi Talatala
Dr Mvuyiso Talatala is the Clinical Head of Department of Psychiatry at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, and a lecturer in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of the Witwatersrand.
Dr Talatala is a council member of the College of Psychiatrists and a Senate member of the College of Medicine of South Africa, and has served as the president of the South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) from 2014 to 2016; and a chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Psychiatry Management Group (PsychMg) from 2011 to 2015. He is an active member of the SASOP, having played many other leadership roles and is now a consultant to the SASOP Board of Directors and to the PsychMg Board of Directors.
Dr Talatala is also a Board Member of the South African Private Practitioners Forum (SAPPF), and is the President Elect of the African Association of Psychiatrists.
He has presented in local meetings and national and international congresses, and has published in local and international journals. He has been involved in advocacy work for the most part of his career. He is currently studying towards Master of Arts in Applied Ethics for Professionals at the University of the Witwatersrand.
Courtesy of
Dr Bianca Tod
Dr Bianca Tod is a dermatologist working in Cape Town. She studied medicine at the University of the Witwatersrand and specialised in dermatology at the University of Stellenbosch.
After qualifying as a dermatologist in 2014, Dr Tod continued to work at Tygerberg Academic Hospital and Stellenbosch University, as a senior lecturer, until the end of 2023. She now works in private practice at Life Vincent Pallotti and as an honorary lecturer at the University of Stellenbosch.
Her special interest is in acral melanoma, and her PhD was accepted by the University of Stellenbosch in January 2024. Her PhD examined acral melanoma in the South African setting, exploring its epidemiology, clinical, pathological and molecular features.
Dr Willie Visser
Dr Willie Visser is the Head of Dermatology at the University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg Academic Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa.
With a focus on skin infections and skin cancer in patients with skin of colour, he holds Master's degrees in Family Medicine and Dermatology. He is the current treasurer of the Dermatological Society of South Africa, and is passionate about medical education and teaching.