Their projects focused on specific demographic groups or local communities and their lived experiences of accessing healthcare services:

• Zanele Cekiso, who worked as a clinical advisor at SEAD Consulting while completing her MPhil, conducted research on the perceptions of South African youth in both urban and rural areas of teleconsultations as a way to improve access to healthcare.
• Tsholofelo Thae explored the factors contributing to the low initiation rate of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in the Northern Cape. She works as a clinical associate at the Family Health and Wellness Centre at Lenmed Kathu Private Hospital.
• Lamlile Vilakati-Mahlangu, a registered nurse, investigated the factors that influence cervical cancer screening uptake among women in Eswatini who are co-infected with TB and HIV.
• Moshawa Khaba looked into the HIV/Aids knowledge of rural school-going adolescents in a village in North West province.

For more details about the students’ research projects, visit the MPhil study projects page and enter the student’s name in the search box.

Why did you choose your research topic?

Cekiso: As a clinician, I have seen how young people struggle to access healthcare ─ the hesitation, the discomfort and the structural barriers. I began using digital platforms informally to connect with young people at my facility. That experience sparked my interest in digital health, not as a trend but as a practical tool to improve access. I chose this topic because I believe digital health can bridge real gaps for young people who are already tech-savvy and digitally engaged.

Thae: Since there isn’t a cure or vaccine for HIV, prevention is the only hope we have to lower HIV prevalence. There have been very few studies on PrEP usage in the Northern Cape, so I wanted to add to the research and bring attention to this province.

Vilakati-Mahlangu: I am passionate about improving health outcomes and the opportunity to contribute to public health. Working in a TB clinic, I observed there are a significant number of women who are infected with TB and HIV who have no history of cervical cancer screening. This highlighted a critical gap in preventive healthcare.

How do you hope to see your research applied in real life?

Cekiso: I hope my research inspires more scholars and health professionals to explore how digital health can be leveraged to improve access for young people, not only in healthcare but across systems that affect their wellbeing. I am committed to taking this work further in my PhD studies, with the goal of developing a practical, implementable intervention that can create real impact in the world of work and in public healthcare settings.

Thae: My study has shown there are many gaps in terms of promoting PrEP in communities. My hope is therefore that community awareness and campaigns about PrEP will be upscaled. With many methods of PrEP available in South Africa, it is important that people are aware of how these can prevent HIV and the choices they have, especially young women and girls.

Vilakati-Mahlangu: Apart from improving TB and HIV care responses within clinical settings, I hope my research will contribute to reducing the long-term health consequences caused by systemic barriers and a lack of education faced by women. Ultimately, I want my findings to inform interventions that will improve screening uptake and health literacy, thereby saving lives.

How did you manage working AND studying?

Cekiso: Balancing full-time work and postgraduate studies required sacrifice. There were seasons when I had to deprioritise social events and even festive breaks. One December I spent the holidays writing my final dissertation chapters instead of celebrating imigidi in the Eastern Cape with family. What made it possible was support, especially from my parents, and the decision to build stability around myself. Beyond support, it came down to discipline and mindset. I had to choose not to compromise my future for the comfort of the present. At the same time, I prioritised my mental health.

Thae: Working full-time and studying is not easy, especially in healthcare. I missed some classes and meetings with my supervisor because I was busy consulting or had a patient who needed attention. As an MPhil student you must know how to manage your time. Do not leave anything for later; if you have to do it now, do it. Also work with your supervisor as your guide.

Vilakati-Mahlangu: It was a challenging period marked by episodes of exhaustion and frustration. Balancing work and academic responsibilities required significant sacrifices, including limited social interactions and investing nearly all my spare time in coursework. I often had to work late to ensure that I kept up with my studies, which sometimes strained personal relationships. Despite these difficulties, perseverance and disciplined time management enabled me to succeed.

Do you have any tips for other students?

Cekiso: Build support, protect your mental health and understand that sacrifice is seasonal. Stay consistent, even when motivation is low. Discipline will carry you further than inspiration ever will.

Thae: Work hard ─ it’s not easy but it’s possible and the results are fulfilling. Manage your time and ask your supervisor when you feel stuck. 

Vilakati-Mahlangu: Trust in the natural pace of your life and prioritise early planning. Additionally, I found that approaching all feedback as constructive is incredibly valuable; embracing feedback with an open mind led to my growth and improvement.

Is there anyone you would like to thank?

Cekiso: I would like to thank my supervisor, Dr Burt Davis, for his guidance, encouragement and belief in my work as well as my mom and dad for their emotional and practical support. I also want to thank my daughter, who remains my daily inspiration. I pursue excellence so that she can grow up seeing what is possible. Lastly, I want to thank my community of friends in academia, who consistently reminded me that I am capable, even on days when I doubted myself.

Thae: I want to pass on my gratitude to my supervisor, Rachel Mbuyamba, for doing this with me every step of the way. I also dedicate this to my family, especially my mom, who never stopped praying for me. And thank you to my husband for his limitless support. 

Vilakati-Mahlangu: I am deeply grateful to the Africa Centre’s admin team for making my distance learning experience stress-free. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to my supervisor, Dr Munya Saruchera, for his patience and guidance throughout my studies. I also thank my MPhil colleagues for their support and collaboration. My family’s continued encouragement has been invaluable, as well as the understanding of the nursing manager at my workplace. Additionally, I am grateful to Impumelelo SACCO for their financial support.

What’s next for you?

Cekiso: Definitely a PhD – I am committed to deepening my research and developing solutions that can transform access to healthcare for young people in South Africa and beyond.

Thae: I am hoping to grow more in doing HIV research so that, if a cure is found one day, I can be regarded as one of the pioneers. I would also like to do a PhD.

Vilakati-Mahlangu: For now, I plan to apply my knowledge and skills to improve health outcomes in my community. I also aim to continue developing my research abilities to explore future opportunities and contribute meaningfully to public health.

Would you like to know more about the MPhil in HIV/Aids Management and what you need to enrol? Find out more here.