Wits University Division of Radiation Oncology

20/12/2025

Today, the Wits University Division of Radiation Oncology proudly celebrates 20 years of dedicated service by Dr Faiza Mahomed at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital.

Over two decades, Dr Mahomed has been a cornerstone of our department — exemplifying unwavering dedication to the public sector. Her contribution to the treatment of patients in our public hospitals has been profound, impacting countless lives with skill, empathy, and integrity.

Equally important has been her role in the teaching and mentorship of generations of radiation oncology registrars, helping shape the future of our specialty.

Working in the public sector is often challenging, demanding resilience, sacrifice, and steadfast purpose. We applaud Dr Mahomed’s principled decision to devote her career to this noble cause, and we honour the moral courage and professionalism she brings to her work every single day.

Congratulations, Dr Mahomed, on this remarkable milestone. Your service, dedication, and legacy continue to inspire us all. 💙

14/12/2025

The Wits University Division of Radiation Oncology is proud to be part of the 15th Paediatric Brain Tumour Workshop, a landmark meeting that continues to bring together clinicians from across Africa to advance the care of children and young adults with central nervous system (CNS) tumours.

Now in its fifteenth year, this workshop has become a cornerstone of paediatric neuro-oncology education on the continent — fostering collaboration, sharing real-world clinical experience, and strengthening multidisciplinary care in resource-diverse settings.

The theme for 2025, “Highlighting the AYA Agenda in Neurooncology,” placed a much-needed spotlight on adolescents and young adults, a group whose unique clinical, biological, and psychosocial needs are increasingly recognised as a global priority.

Pictured here are internationally respected leaders in paediatric neuro-oncology:
• Dr Daniel Moreira (St Jude Children’s Research Hospital)
• Prof Victor Santana
• Dr Ibrahim Qaddoumi (St Jude Children’s Research Hospital)
• Prof Simon Bailey (Nottingham, UK)
• Dr Racheal Angom
• Dr Ernestina Schandorf
• Dr Greg Wheeler (Australia)
• Dr Thandeka Ngcane

We are especially proud that Wits University was represented by our paediatric radiation oncologist, Dr Thanushree Naidoo, whose participation reflects our division’s ongoing commitment to excellence in paediatric oncology, global collaboration, and education.

Workshops like these exemplify the power of shared knowledge, partnership, and purpose — all in service of improving outcomes for children and young people with brain tumours across Africa and beyond.

14/12/2025

This week, the Wits University Division of Radiation Oncology came together for our year-end lunch — a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate a year defined by hard work, resilience, and remarkable achievement.

2025 has been an extraordinary year for our division. Our clinicians and academic staff have produced numerous peer-reviewed publications, delivered high-impact presentations at local and international conferences, and played leading roles in organising and chairing scientific meetings that continue to shape oncology practice in South Africa and beyond.

Most importantly, we are immensely proud of the significant strides made this year in reducing the radiotherapy backlog, ensuring that more patients receive timely, life-saving treatment. This progress reflects innovation, teamwork, long hours, and an unwavering commitment to patient-centred care — even in the face of constrained resources.

The doctors pictured here represent the heart of this achievement. Their clinical excellence, academic leadership, and dedication to service have directly translated into better access to care and improved outcomes for our patients.

As we close out 2025, we do so with gratitude, pride, and renewed determination for the year ahead. Together, we continue to build a division defined by excellence, compassion, and impact.

👏 Well done to the entire Wits Radiation Oncology team.
Here’s to an even stronger 2026.

05/12/2025

We are proud to share the publication of an important new study in BMJ Open titled “Treatment patterns, care delays and outcomes in advanced cervical cancer”—authored by members of our department including Dr Ayeni, Dr Mmereki, Dr Mistry, Prof Grover and Prof Ramiah, in collaboration with colleagues across Wits and the University of Pennsylvania.

This study establishes one of the first comprehensive cervical cancer cohorts in Johannesburg, shining a light on real-world treatment patterns, delays, and survival outcomes for women with advanced disease—an area of urgent public health need in South Africa. The findings will help shape better care pathways, inform national policy, and strengthen efforts to reduce the cervical cancer burden.

We are especially proud of the strong multidisciplinary collaboration between Wits Radiation Oncology, Wits Public Health, and Penn Radiation Oncology, demonstrating the power of global partnerships to advance equitable cancer care.

Congratulations to the entire team on this impactful contribution.

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18/11/2025

Our Head of Department, Prof. Duvern Ramiah, had the privilege of attending and contributing to the Africa Tech Festival, where leaders across the continent convened to explore how technology can accelerate equity in healthcare.

Prof. Ramiah participated in a powerful panel focusing on leveraging digital innovation and AI to reduce inequality in breast cancer treatment across Africa — an issue deeply aligned with the mission and values of our division.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Roche for their visionary leadership in convening this dialogue and for championing a future in which technology becomes a catalyst for access rather than a barrier. Under the bold and collaborative leadership of
🔹 Thom Renwick — MD, Roche South Africa, and
🔹 Maturin Tchoumi — Roche Pharma Head, Africa,
the message was clear: innovation must be purpose-driven, patient-centred and available to every woman, everywhere.

It was an honour for our Head of Department to share this platform alongside one of the continent’s most influential advocates for breast cancer care, Prof. Carol-Ann Benn, and a powerhouse network of partners equally committed to changing the trajectory of cancer in Africa.

Together — academia, industry, and health systems — we are building the momentum needed to ensure that where a patient lives never determines the quality of care they receive.

The Wits Division of Radiation Oncology remains committed to this mission and proud to stand alongside collaborators who share this vision.

The official site of the Wits Division of Radiation Oncology

06/11/2025

We are delighted to congratulate Dr Oluwatosin Ayeni, one of our senior registrars in Radiation Oncology, for her outstanding achievement at the AORTIC 2025 Conference held in Hammamet, Tunisia.

Dr Ayeni presented her research to an international audience and was awarded a Certificate for a High-Scoring Abstract, recognizing the exceptional quality and impact of her work. She received her certificate from the AORTIC President, Dr Miriam Mutebi, and AORTIC Secretary-General, Dr Hannah Ayetey, during the closing ceremony.

Her accomplishment reflects the Division’s continued commitment to advancing cancer care through research, education, and global collaboration. 🌍✨

Congratulations, Dr Ayeni — your dedication and excellence make us all ! 💙💫

02/10/2025

The Wits Division of Radiation Oncology is proud to celebrate Dr. Oluwatosin Ayeni, who has been awarded the 2025 ASTRO–BCRF Annual Meeting Trainee Travel Award at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting in San Francisco. 🏆✈️

This prestigious award supports promising registrars in radiation oncology and provides them with the opportunity to engage with the global oncology community, share their work, and bring back invaluable insights to strengthen cancer care in South Africa.

We are deeply grateful to ASTRO and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) for their commitment to fostering the next generation of oncology leaders.

Congratulations Dr. Ayeni — your achievement shines a light on the talent and dedication of our registrars and the future of African oncology. 🌟

29/09/2025

🌍✨ Celebrating Global Recognition ✨🌍

The Wits University Division of Radiation Oncology is proud to announce that our Head of Department, Prof Duvern Ramiah, has been named an ASTRO International Ambassador by the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).

This marks the first time in ASTRO’s history that Global Ambassadors have been appointed – honoring visionary leaders from around the world who are advancing the field of radiation oncology. Prof Ramiah has been recognized as one of these inaugural ambassadors, representing South Africa on this prestigious international platform.

Congratulations, Prof Ramiah – your work continues to inspire us all! 💙h

29/09/2025

The Wits University Division of Radiation Oncology is proud to share that our Head of Division, Prof Duvern Ramiah , has delivered an invited talk at ASTRO’s 67th Annual Meeting ( ) in San Francisco. This conference, organized by the American Society for Radiation Oncology, is the world’s largest gathering of professionals. We are thrilled to see him represent our Division and at this global forum, showcasing the excellence of South African . Congratulations to Prof Ramiah on this well-deserved honor! You continue to make us .

14/09/2025

🌇✨ Wits Radiation Oncology Meet & Greet at S**O 2025 ✨🌇

During the South African Congress of Oncology, the Wits University Division of Radiation Oncology hosted a special meet and greet function.

This gathering gave our oncologists and registrars a wonderful opportunity to connect with colleagues from other academic programs — not in lecture halls or conference rooms, but in a relaxed setting overlooking the city.

It was an evening filled with conversation, laughter, and camaraderie, reminding us of the value of community in strengthening our profession. Events like these not only build friendships but also foster collaboration that extends far beyond the congress itself.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us — a truly memorable evening was had by all! 💙

**O2025

24/08/2025

🌟 Celebrating a Milestone Achievement! 🌟

The Division of Radiation Oncology at Wits University is proud to congratulate Dr Mjabulelwa Zondi on the successful completion of his MMed dissertation and his admission as a Specialist Radiation Oncologist. 🎓✨

This accomplishment marks the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance, and excellence in clinical and academic training. Dr Zondi’s achievement reflects not only his personal commitment but also the spirit of academic mentorship and collaboration within our Division.

Pictured here is Dr Zondi with his MMed supervisor, Dr Faiza Mahomed, whose guidance and support have been instrumental in this journey.

We celebrate this important milestone and look forward to Dr Zondi’s continued contributions to advancing cancer care in South Africa and beyond. 💙💛

21/08/2025

Congratulations, Professor Duvern Ramiah! 🎓

The Wits University Division of Radiation Oncology is proud to celebrate the promotion of our Head of Department, Duvern Ramiah, to the rank of Professor — a distinction richly deserved.

Prof. Ramiah joined the Division in 2021 as Academic Head, arriving from a background that was anything but typical for academia. Trained as a radiation oncologist, he had honed his skills in private practice, completed an MBA at the London Business School, and even ventured into the world of venture capital. On joining Wits, he was not appointed at professorial rank — but what followed has been nothing short of transformative.

In just a few years, he has revitalised a struggling radiation oncology service at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, strengthened and modernised our academic programme, expanded our research output, and fostered a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration. His vision, strategic thinking, and commitment to equitable cancer care have elevated the Division to new heights.

Today, we congratulate him on this well-earned recognition by the University.