A Durban University of Technology (DUT) alumna has emerged as one of the South African scientists behind a major breakthrough in HIV prevention, marking a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing fight against the epidemic.
Thabile Mwandla, a Clinical Technology graduate from DUT, is among a select group of clinical researchers who contributed to the development and testing of Lenacapavir — a groundbreaking injectable drug designed to prevent HIV infection.
The achievement comes as South Africa recently received its first shipment of 37,920 doses of Lenacapavir, confirmed by the national Department of Health on April 7. Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi described the delivery as a major boost to the country’s HIV prevention efforts.
Mwandla, now working as a Clinical Research Associate, expressed excitement at the arrival of the medication in South Africa, calling it a long-awaited milestone after years of research and testing.
“We were happy to get the news of its approval. We could not wait for its arrival in South Africa.” she said.
Administered just twice a year, Lenacapavir is expected to significantly improve HIV prevention, particularly in high-risk communities where daily medication adherence has been a challenge. According to Mwandla, the research spanned three years and involved 25 sites, including clinics, hospitals and research centres across South Africa and Uganda.
The study primarily focused on young people aged between 18 and 25 — a group that remains among the most vulnerable to new HIV infections.
Born and raised in the rural area of KwaMaphumulo in KwaZulu-Natal, Mwandla is passionate about ensuring equitable access to the medication, especially for young people in underserved communities.
“My wish is for the medication to be offered for free to everyone, especially young people in schools and universities. That is where we can curb the spread of HIV.” she said.
She emphasized that scientific breakthroughs must go hand in hand with accessibility, education and community outreach to achieve meaningful public health impact.
Mwandla believes Lenacapavir represents more than just a medical advancement, describing it as a shift towards dignity, hope and improved access to prevention.
“By removing the challenge of daily adherence, it offers a simpler and more effective option for millions of people at risk of HIV,” she added.
After graduating from DUT, Mwandla began her career as a Clinical Technologist specialising in pulmonology, quickly rising through the ranks to become a Head of Department at the age of 26. She later pursued postgraduate studies in Clinical Research at the University of Liverpool, further cementing her role in global medical science.
Beyond her work in research, Mwandla is also an entrepreneur and founder of the Mwandla Foundation, an organisation focused on supporting high school learners with basic needs, career guidance and mentorship.
Her achievement reflects DUT’s continued commitment to research excellence and innovation, aligned with its broader strategy to create meaningful societal impact.
Don’t miss what’s happening in your area. Subscribe for updates.
