Executive Head: DHPE

+27 21 938 9874
​​fwaggie@sun.ac.za​

Prof Firdouza Waggie is the Executive Head of the Department of Health Professions Education at Stellenbosch University. She brings a wealth of experience in health professions education, interprofessional collaboration, and socially accountable practice. Her leadership is underpinned by values of collaboration, inclusivity, and shared decision-making, with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and professional development.

A founding member of the Africa Interprofessional Education Network (AfrIPEN), Prof Waggie has made significant contributions to advancing interprofessional education across the continent. She is a past fellow and faculty member of the Southern Africa FAIMER Regional Institute (SAFRI) and currently serves on the faculty of the East Africa FAIMER Regional Institute (EAFRI), where she continues to mentor emerging leaders in health professions education.

Prof Waggie recently completed the Social Accountability Fellowship, further strengthening her commitment to aligning health professions education with community needs. Her work is driven by a passion for enhancing social impact through education and fostering meaningful, reciprocal partnerships between academic institutions and the communities they serve.

Senior Secretary: DHPE

+27 21 938 9054
​​+27 21 938 9046​
​marais5678@sun.ac.za​

Mrs Edwardene Marais, is the senior secretary for the DHPE and provides administrative support to the Director and other senior personnel of the DHPE. She is responsible for the day-to-day running of the Department as well as organising various workshops and seminars.

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Administrative Coordinator: Postgraduate Programmes

+27 21 938 9047
​+27 21 938 9046​
​ lhl@sun.ac.za​

Mrs Lorraine Louw, has a Medical Secretarial Certificate from Tygerberg Technical College and is the administrative co-ordinator of the MPhil in HPE. She provides administrative and secretarial support to the MPhil and PhD students in HPE.

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Associate Professor

+27 21 938 9647
​​elizea@sun.ac.za

Associate Professor Elize Archer, MPhil, PhD., is a professional nurse with an Honours degree in Critical care. She is also the head of the Simulation and Clinical Skills Centre (SCSU). This facility hosts state-of-the-art equipment and is used by all the departments in the faculty. Furthermore, she is involved in faculty development initiatives that focus mainly on clinical supervision and the OSCE as a tool for clinical assessment. With regards to research, Elize is a previous SU Teaching Fellow, and her research is mainly focused on the teaching and learning of patient-centredness and empathic communication skills in undergraduate health professions students. She has supervised a number of Masters in Health Professions Education students in other areas of HPE as well. Furthermore, she is currently the president of the Southern African Association of Health Educationalists (SAAHE), a society that aims to advance Health Professions Education in Southern africa.

Associate Professor

+27 21 938 9100​​
​ titusdawsons@sun.ac.za​ 

Simone Titus-Dawson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health Professions Education in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Stellenbosch University. She holds a PhD in Education from the University of Cape Town where she developed an interest in the use of emerging technologies to foster cross cultural interaction, learning, and engagement in higher education. She also has a key interest in driving knowledge through digital transformation by developing inclusive and sustainable spaces in health professions education. As part of national imperatives, Simone considers how some of the global, regional and national priorities linked to Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 3 (Health) and SDG 4 (Education) are taken up through research that focuses on the nexus between health innovation and education. She was the recipient of the Black Academic Advancement Programme where her specific research focus is on the use of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality on Health Sciences Education. She is an executive member of the Western Cape Region Branch of the Southern African Association of Heath Educationists (SAAHE), She currently serves on the Digital Dialogue project team for Higher Education, Learning and Teaching Association of Southern Africa (HELTASA).

Lecturer

Dr Rhoda Meyer, MPhil, PhD., is a senior lecturer in the Department of Health Professions Education. She leads the faculty development portfolio and teaches on the MPhil for Health Professions Education Programme. With a background as an operating room nurse she has clinical experience across various government and private hospitals both locally and internationally. During her time in this environment, she developed an interest in teaching and learning. She subsequently undertook a degree in Health Sciences Education and Management in 2012 followed by an MPhil in HPE (2014) and a PhD in HPE (2020). Her research interest includes teaching and learning in the clinical environment, workplace-based assessment, curriculum development, transformative learning and faculty development.

Lecturer

+27 21 938 9190​​​
​ akhansen@sun.ac.za​

Dr Anthea Hansen, is a lecturer in the Department of Health Professions Education. She holds a PhD in Health Professions Education from Stellenbosch University, a MPhil in Disability Studies and BSc Audiology from the University of Cape Town. Her interests are in the areas of social justice through education, socially just pedagogies, transformative learning, decoloniality, interprofessional education and collaborative practice, child health and disability studies. Her PhD research topic focused on the undergraduate medical students' experiences of social responsiveness in the curriculum.

Lecturer

+27 21 938 9190​​
​ amsschmutz@sun.ac.za​

Mrs San Schmutz, is a full-time lecturer within the Division of Physiotherapy and the Department of Health Professions Education at Stellenbosch University. She holds a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Health Professions Education, earned in 2017. Her journey in academia began with her graduation as physiotherapist from SU in 1997. She is involved in both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and is the clinical coordinator for final year physiotherapy students. She is passionate about learning in the workplace and the development and support of both staff and students. Her research focus includes clinical training, specifically feedback. She is currently registered for a PhD within the Department of HPE.

Senior Lecturer

+27 21 938 9447
​ mvolschenk@sun.ac.za​

Dr Mariette Volschenk (MPhil, PhD) is a senior lecturer at the Department of Health Professions Education in the FMHS. She is the programme leader of the MPhil and PhD in Health Professions Education (HPE) programmes. Her research interests include postgraduate studies and supervision, identity-learning, critical digital pedagogy, and the development of mastersness in HPE masters programmes. She has a special interest in using narrative and art-based approaches to explore identity and complexity in HPE. Mariette is an SU Teaching Fellow, and her fellowship project focuses on the cultivation of Mastersness in a hybrid learning interprofessional coursework master’s programme at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Blended Learning Advisor

+27 21 938 9190
​ Donnal@sun.ac.za​

From energetic chef to lecturer and present-day hybrid education enthusiast, Donna’s lively personality has her actively involved in all the latest in education and the technology that supports it. Now serving as the Blended Learning Advisor at Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg Campus, Donna brings her expertise to the forefront of innovative educational practices. From textbook author to learning South African Sign Language, Donna’s passion for pedagogy, emerging technologies in the education sector, and inclusive approaches has resulted in active and interactive conference presentations with a twist. Donna’s studies and research focus on technology in education as she currently engages with her Masters in Educational Technology, emphasising inclusive online support. It is clear she values perspective and acknowledges discipline-specific considerations as her research continues.

Blended Learning Advisor

+27 21 938 9190
​ mongake@sun.ac.za​

Mpho Mongake is a blended learning advisor in the Department of Health Professions Education in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Stellenbosch University. He holds an B.Ed. in Further education and training, B.Ed. Honours (ICT) and Masters in learning technologies (ICT) from the University of Johannesburg. He was awarded a top achiever award for the best honours student in learning technologies. His interest is in designing blended learning modules and online modules to facilitate quality learning using multiple learning technologies, supporting lecturers on how they can promote student engagement. He taught at primary school as an isiZulu (FAL) and creative arts teacher for five years. He is currently furthering his PhD in educational psychology at the University of
Stellenbosch.

Learning Designer

+27 21 938 9190​
​jaffera@sun.ac.za​

Ms Aayshah Jaffer, is a member of the Digital Education and Innovation team based in Cape Town. She graduated from UNISA in 2017; after which she completed a course on Instructional Design through the University of the Witwatersrand. Within the Digital Education and Innovation team, she works with blended learning advisors and other DHPE professionals on the design, development, and maintenance of digital teaching, learning, and assessment materials.

Learning Designer

+27 21 938 9190​
​tawfeeqtitus@sun.ac.za​

Tawfeeq Titus holds a BSc in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, a PGCE, a PGDip in Marketing, and an LLB from Stellenbosch University. He is a dedicated Learning Designer within the Digital Education and Innovation team (DEI). Tawfeeq brings experience from the EdTech industry, where he has collaborated on developing online short courses for several Ivy League universities. His expertise as an E-Learning Developer and Instructional Designer includes creating technical hybrid delivery models and interactive e-learning content for Fintech companies. He is passionate about leveraging cutting-edge educational technologies to enhance learning and teaching methodologies.

Digital Education Innovation Administrator

+27 21 938 9190​​
​rusche@sun.ac.za​

Mr. Rusche Petersen is a dynamic South African professional with a rich background in sports science, administration, and community service. Holding a BA in Sport Science and Psychology, and an Honours degree in Sport, Recreation and Exercise Science from UWC, he is currently an Administration Officer and FMHS-Learn Assistant Technician within the DHPE at Stellenbosch University's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. He plays a vital role in the Digital Education and Innovation team, overseeing training and administration of learning management systems. He also overseas the application use of our Virtual Reality Devices where he acts as an VR technician, executing navigation and troubleshooting and fixing errors and the exploration of applications to enhance Teaching and Learning practises.​

Videographer & Audio-Visual Content Producer

+27 21 938 9389​​
​lizaanv@sun.ac.za​

Mrs Lizaan de Kock​, completed a degree in Motion Picture Medium at the AFDA film school in Cape Town in 2020, majoring in directing and screen writing. This is where she practiced her artistry and learned about digital storytelling. After completing her studies, she began her career in the film industry by freelancing as a production assistant on both local and international productions, where she cultivated her skills in digital media software for a year. She left the industry to pursue content creation for both digital and visual mediums. She has completed certificates in both Adobe Creative cloud suites, Premiere Pro and Photoshop.​

Clinical Communication Facilitator (Coordinator)

+27 21 938 9457
fezs@sun.ac.za​

Ms Fezeka Dyubeni, is an isiXhos​a clinical communication language facilitator. She graduated from Stellenbosch University (BA.Hons) in isiXhosa. She is currently completing her MA specialising in syllabus design for dietetics and health professionals in isiXhosa clinical communication at Stellenbosch University. Previously, she has been an isiXhosa second additional language teacher at primary and high schools as well as isiXhosa home language tutor at UWC. In 2007, Fezeka’s passion for isiXhosa and promotion of multilingualism prompted the  Minister of Education, Mr Cameron Dugmore, to approach her to be part of the team that had to design isiXhosa second additional language syllabi for primary and junior secondary schools of the WCED. This made her instrumental in promoting multilingualism and adding substance to government policy in Western Cape schools. Consequently, the WCED recommended her to assist in initiating the implementation of FMHS isiXhosa teaching in 2011-2012.

Clinical Communication Facilitator

+27 21 938 9457
ntsikim@sun.ac.za​

Ms Nontsikelelo Masiba (Ntsiki), is a language facilitator in Clinical Skills Communication (isiXhosa). She has previously worked as an educator and has been teaching isiXhosa as second additional language (SAL) for about 10 years. She has graduated from Stellenbosch University (BEd Hons).Her experience includes e-Learning facilitation with the Western Cape Department of Education (WCED).

Coordinator & Clinical Facilitator

+27 21 938 9935
lvdwalt@sun.ac.za

Sr Lizanne van der Walt is a critical care qualified nurse and joined the Simulation and Clinical Skills Unit as coordinator and clinical facilitator in July 2019. She is responsible for running the unit and facilitating the learning of technical skills and simulation scenarios in the renewed MBChB curriculum. Her field of interest is teaching, learning, and assessment in simulation. She completed her MPhil in Health Professions Education in 2022, and is currently also facilitating on the Clinical Skills module of the MPhil in HPE.

Clinical Facilitator

+27 21 938 9935
bespen@sun.ac.za

Sr Bronwen Espen, a registered critical care nurse, joined the clinical skills centre in 2009. She is responsible for mapping skills into the renewed MBChB curriculum and late clinical rotation teaching in the MBChB programme. Her main interests are using simulation to teach teamwork and communication skills, and employing debriefing to enhance learning in simulation.

Clinical Facilitator

+27 21 938 9830
espies@sun.ac.za

Sr Elsbeth Spies graduated from US (B.Cur). She worked in the trauma division of the private hospital sector as a registered nurse, after which she obtained her postgraduate Diploma in Emergency Medicine through UNISA. In 2012 she obtained her Nursing Education Diploma (US). She lectured undergraduate nursing students at a private nursing college and worked as a clinical facilitator in various private hospitals. She joined the team at the SCSU, FMHS, Tygerberg as a clinical facilitator in October 2019.

Clinical Facilitator

+27 21 938 9935
csmuts@sun.ac.za

Sr Cornelia Smuts graduated from the US (B.Cur) in 1994. She is a trained critical care nurse and did her Diploma in Medical and Surgical Critical Care nursing at RAU. She worked in both government and private hospitals, and also nursed in The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital in the UK from 1997–1999. She has been working as a clinical facilitator in the SCSU since 2017. She is involved in teaching practical procedures to pre‑graduate medical students.

Clinical Facilitator

+27 21 938 9855
rvtoorn@sun.ac.za

Sr Rykie Van Toorn (B.Cur) is a registered intensive care nurse who has worked in local private hospitals as well as in NHS hospitals in the UK. She was involved in the general and intensive care orientation and training of agency nurses in the private sector. She completed her postgraduate nursing education qualification through Stellenbosch University in 2020. She joined the SCSU, DHPE in July 2021 and teaches undergraduate modules on the MBChB programme.

Clinical Facilitator

+27 21 938 9633
vzylm@sun.ac.za

Sr Mariska van Zyl worked as a registered nurse in the private hospital setting for more than 20 years. She obtained her postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Education in 2014, after which she worked as a clinical facilitator in the general wards in a private hospital. She joined the SCSU team in July 2021 as a clinical facilitator, where she teaches practical procedures to undergraduate students.

Clinical Facilitator

benvanwyk@sun.ac.za

Dr Ben van Wyk graduated from Stellenbosch University (MBChB) in 2009. Due to a brain injury sustained in a motor vehicle accident in 2012, he left clinical practice in pursuit of a career in medical education in 2014. He was employed as a PBL facilitator at UCT’s medical faculty, after which he joined the team at SCSU, FHMS at Tygerberg in 2015 as a clinical facilitator.

Administrative Officer

+27 21 938 9633
yasmeendk@sun.ac.za

Yasmeen is the Receptionist and Administrative Officer for the Simulation and Clinical Skills Centre, having joined in July 2024. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Humanities degree from the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and a Diploma in Human Resources from the University of Cape Town (UCT). With strong organizational skills and attention to detail, she manages daily operations, venue bookings, and administrative support to ensure the smooth running of the Skills Lab and an efficient learning environment.

Laboratory Assistant

+27 21 938 9633
askotz@sun.ac.za

Ms Anna Skotz has been employed at the university since 2009. Her duties include reception on the new SCSU extension, lending logistical support to lecturers, and supporting students with items for practice.

Laboratory Assistant

+27 21 938 9633
nmsuthu@sun.ac.za

Ms Nonhlanhla Msuthu has been employed as a general laboratory assistant at SCSU since 2021. She is responsible for supporting lecturers and students utilising the laboratory, as well as managing recyclable items.

Junior Laboratory Assistant

kalexander@sun.ac.za

Kadin joined the Simulation and Clinical Skills Centre in January 2025 as a junior lab assistant. His responsibilities include maintaining manikins, recycling materials, preparing equipment for walk-in students, and setting up venues with equipment and disposables items.​

Extraordinary Professor in the DHPE

jennifer.cleland@ntu.edu.sg

Jennifer Cleland is President's Chair in Medical Education and Vice Dean (Education), Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Prior to this position, she was the inaugural holder of the John Simpson Chair of Medical Education Research at the University of Aberdeen, UK, and Director of the Scottish Medical Education Research Consortium (2015–2020). She was Chair of the Association for Medical Education (ASME) from 2013–2018 and Chair of the Association for Medical Education Europe (AMEE) Research Committee (2014–2018).

She holds Adjunct or Honorary Professor roles at numerous universities across three continents. She is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh, and the Academy of Medical Educators, and an Associate Fellow of the Faculty of Surgical Trainers, Royal College of Surgeons (Edin). She is a member of AMEE's Executive Committee. She holds editorial positions with the journals Medical Education and Advances in Health Sciences Education.

Jennifer (Jen) is known internationally for her research in the areas of student selection and widening access to medicine, performance and assessment, career progression and choices in medicine. Her research is characterised by interdisciplinarity and methodological flexibility. She has published over 200 academic papers in top-ranking journals. She is co-editor with Steve Durning of Researching Medical Education (2015), used as a core text for MHPE globally, with the second edition out in November 2022.

Academic Associate

juliablitz@sun.ac.za

Professor Julia Blitz (BSc; MB BCh; M Prax Med; FCFP; PGCHE; FRCGP[Hon]; PhD) is a family physician by clinical background and a Professor in Health Professions Education. She started exploring academic aspects of higher education whilst working in Family Medicine at the University of Pretoria (1997–2008) and went on to complete a PhD in Health Professions Education in the Centre for Health Professions Education in 2018. She teaches on the MPhil, is involved in the supervision of Masters students' research, and looks forward to supervising PhD students. Her interests include selection into undergraduate health professions programmes, faculty development (especially for clinical teachers), and assessment.

Emeritus Professor

+27 21 938 9874
scvs@sun.ac.za

Professor Susan van Schalkwyk, MPhil, PhD, is the Emeritus Professor of the Department of Health Professions Education in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Stellenbosch University. Her research interests cover a range of topics related to learning and teaching in the health professions, with a specific focus on strengthening postgraduate studies and academic writing. Much of her work is informed by the principles of transformative learning theory, with current projects intentionally looking to adopt a social justice agenda. Susan is a B2-rated scientist with the National Research Foundation (NRF), a former SU Teaching Fellow, and a Fellow of the International Association of Medical Educationalists (AMEE). She has authored or co‑authored more than 100 peer‑reviewed articles and book chapters.

In Memoriam

Senior Lecturer
Dr Alwyn Louw

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