Students, lecturers, and researchers from various universities and organisations gathered at a conference organised by UL to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Physiology Society of Southern Africa, advancing the profession
By Keletso Makgopa & Prudence Shingange |ulpublicatios@ul.ac.za
The University of Limpopo (UL) played a pivotal role in hosting the 50th anniversary celebration of the Physiology Society of Southern Africa (PSSA), marking the first time the conference has been held at this institution
The anniversary brought together students, lecturers, and emerging researchers from various universities, including the University of Pretoria (UP), the University of the Western Cape (UWC), Stellenbosch University, and the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), determined to take physiology to new frontiers. It provided a platform for discussing physiological knowledge, offering insights into normal bodily functions, and empowering attendees to better understand and address abnormal conditions or disease states.
Prof Hlengani Siweya, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science and Agriculture at UL, stated that the conference, themed “Physiological Activism: Towards Good Health and Well-being,” will, like all conferences, showcase the latest research and developments in Physiology. “It also aims to promote advancements in the teaching of Physiology, with a dedicated session focused on this important area.”
Prof Muzi Maseko, PSSA President and Wits Associate Professor, highlighted the excitement of celebrating the society’s 50th anniversary at this year’s conference
Prof Muzi Maseko, President of the PSSA and Associate Professor at Wits, highlighted the significance of hosting the anniversary at UL. “We are a product of UL and are glad to see the PSSA’s 50th anniversary celebrated ‘home’. The research in Physiology is groundbreaking, and all researchers should utilise the conference to learn from each other,” Prof Maseko said. “This is the time when we gather as scientists; let us pool our resources because there are no limits to the heights we can reach if we do so,” he expressed.
Ishmael Phalana, a master’s degree student in Physiology at UL, is researching the occupational and non-occupational factors affecting respiratory health among agricultural workers in Limpopo Province and was a delegate at the conference. Phalana’s study aims to explore these risk factors, noting, “Occupational respiratory diseases are caused or aggravated by exposures from occupational environments when workers inhale airborne contaminants,” said Phalana, addressing the PSSA conference.
Dr Shireen Mentor, an emerging researcher and lecturer at Stellenbosch University, presented a study titled ‘Investigating the Exacerbating Effects of HIV-Proteins on Immortalised Mouse Brain Endothelial Cells (b.End5): An In Vitro Blood-Brain Barrier Model’. Dr Mentor explained that HIV significantly impacts the immune system, resulting in Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), and noted”HIV-1 infections also pose a threat due to their ability to induce HIV-associated vascular neurocognitive disorders. As such, implementing early detection strategies is crucial. Screening HIV patients for early signs of neurocognitive disorders will enable effective management of the condition,” said Dr Mentor during the presentation at the conference.
Newly elected PSSA Council members: Dr Lebogang Mokotedi from Southern Methodist University (SMU), Dr Matome Sekhotha from UL, Prof Peace Mabeta from UP, Prof Lebo Gafane- Matemane from NWU, Prof Joji Meicer from UP and Ms Marilet van Hoogland from UP
To rejuvenate the PSSA, a new council has been elected to lead the society forward, with a handover committee of outgoing council members facilitating the transition. Among those elected is Dr Matome Sekhotha, an academic from UL.