Dr. Sanelisiwe Nzuza is a dedicated lecturer and researcher in the Department of Pharmacy with over five years of academic experience. Her primary research interests focus on understanding the molecular and clinical roles of nutraceuticals in managing diabetes, metabolic syndrome, ARV-induced lipodystrophy, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, her work explores the impact of antiretroviral drugs on adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Dr. Nzuza's research employs both *in vivo* and *in vitro* experimental techniques, leading to significant contributions in her field. She has authored over seven publications, including five as the first author, in high-impact, ISI-indexed international journals. Her commitment to academic mentorship is evident in her successful supervision of numerous fourth-year Pharmacy students, co-supervision of three interdisciplinary honors students, and ongoing supervision of master’s students in collaboration with the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC).
Dr. Nzuza is also engaged in conducting systematic reviews focusing on interventions to improve metabolic syndrome in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Between 2021 and 2024, she has examined seven master’s dissertations, demonstrating her active role in academic development and evaluation.
Her work reflects a strong commitment to advancing pharmacological research, fostering student development, and contributing to solutions for pressing global health challenges.
Designation:
Lecturer
Email:
sanelisiwe.nzuza@mandela.ac.za
Contact Number:
0415042971
Faculty:
Health Sciences
Department:
Pharmacy
Qualifications:
BSc (UKZN), BSc. Hons (UKZN), MSc (Pharmacology) (UKZN), PhD (Pharmacology) (UKZN)
Professional Memberships:
South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (Application in progress)
Orcid ID:
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0637-8819
NRF Rating:
N/A
Research Interests:
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To understand the putative roles of nutraceuticals in antiretroviral drug-induced metabolic complications.
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To understand the molecular roles of antiretroviral drugs-induced adverse birth outcomes.
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The interventions to improve metabolic syndrome in individuals with type-2 diabetes.
Current non-degree Research Projects:
N/A
Current Final Year Undergraduate/Honours Research Projects:
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In focus: A review of the research, development and testing of a vaccine for malaria.
Number of currently supervised Masters and PhD candidates (2023 to 2024):
Research Output 2023 to 2024:
Publication
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Sanelisiwe Nzuza, Silindile Innocentia Hadebe, Arieh A Katz, Mushi Matjila. The effects of individual drug and combination antiretroviral therapy on trophoblast proliferation – a putative mechanism for ART-related adverse pregnancy outcomes. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol, 298:66- 73
Current Research Collaborations within your Department or Discipline:
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The impact of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) on pregnancy-related adverse effects.
Current Inter-Disciplinary/Multi-Disciplinary/Trans-Disciplinary Research Collaborations:
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Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town.
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Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Cape Town & Groote Schuur Hospital.
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Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council.