“There’s never a dull place where viruses are involved,” believes Dr Nonhlanhla Mbenenge, a distinguished senior pathologist, clinical virologist and lecturer known for her expertise in the ever-evolving field of virology.
Born and raised in Ncotshani, Pongola a town on the north bank of the uPhongolo River in KwaZulu-Natal, her early years were spent surrounded by the warmth of her maternal grandparents.
She moved to Soweto, Johannesburg to live with her paternal grandparents at the age of five. This shift marked the beginning of her formal education.
“My primary school was at Pimville, Mdelwa Hlongwane Primary School. My higher primary and high school till standard 8 (grade 10) in Diepkloof, JS Mpanza Higher Primary, and Diepdale High Schools,” she says.
These formative years were pivotal in shaping her aspirations and laying the foundation for her future in healthcare.
Spark for virology ignites
Mbenenge’s interest in virology was ignited during her time at the Medical University of South Africa (Medunsa), now called now named Sefako Makgatho Health Science University. It was there that she encountered a captivating professor who made the world of virology come alive.
“He used to make virology so interesting,” she recalls. “He’d talk about herpes viruses and say if you want a boyfriend or girlfriend for life, just know you have one when you have herpes.”
These engaging lectures left a lasting impression on Mbenenge and set her path to becoming a virologist.
After completing medical school, she embarked on her internship, initially considering a career in anaesthesia. However, the demanding nature of the field, combined with the responsibilities of her growing family led her to reconsider.
Her husband, who specialised in anaesthesia, helped her see the importance of balancing her professional and personal life.
“I realised I needed to find a speciality that would allow me to spend time with my family while pursuing my passion,” she reflects. This introspection led her back to pathology, a field she had always found intriguing. She completed her postgraduate degree at the University of Witwatersrand.
Fighting HIV and other viral diseases
The decision to specialise in virology was further influenced by personal tragedy. The loss of two cousins to HIV-related diseases deeply impacted Mbenenge and she wanted to make a difference in terms of HIV.
This determination drove her to pursue a career where she could contribute meaningfully to the fight against HIV and other viral diseases. She dreamt of being part of the team that would one day develop a vaccine for HIV.
“It became a personal mission for me. I wanted to do something significant in memory of my cousins.”
Today, she stands as a prominent figure in the field, balancing her roles as a mother and a professional. Her work not only honours the memory of her lost loved ones but also brings hope to countless individuals affected by viral diseases.
“It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that my work can make a real difference in people’s lives,” she says.
Her work has been instrumental in understanding the reemergence and evolution of viruses, particularly in how they change their transmission patterns and impact human health. She has closely studied the recent mpox (monkeypox) outbreak, noting that although it was initially confirmed in Uganda, it has now spread more widely with increased mortality, particularly among immunocompromised individuals.
Another significant contribution is her research on the Zika virus outbreak in 2016, which highlighted the severe congenital effects on babies born to infected pregnant women.
Mbenenge emphasises the importance of the immune system in combating viruses, stating, “The immune system is one powerful system that is the only one able to clear the virus completely from the person who’s infected with viruses.”
She has made significant strides in studying vaccine-preventable diseases, particularly hepatitis B. With a master’s degree in vaccinology from the University of Lausanne in Switzerland, she had dedicated a part of her career to understanding and addressing gaps in immunity for hepatitis B protection. Despite the vaccine being part of the expanded programme of immunisation since 1995, her research has revealed that high endemic rates persist.
“One of my findings was that we still at a high endemic status at this stage, regardless of having had the vaccine available for so many years,” she states.
READ NEXT: Dr Lihle is healing the past and shaping the future
Balancing rewarding career and family
Beyond her research, Mbenenge finds numerous rewards in her work, particularly in the impact she can make on patients and the broader community.
She enjoys the unique intersection of clinical practice and laboratory diagnostics in her field, which allows her to contribute significantly to medical knowledge and patient care.
Mbenenge values the balance her career affords her, enabling her to engage in community teaching and maintain a healthy work-life balance. “Pathology gives you a balance of life. This is the old field that you are able to go home and relax and have family time when I’m not on call.”
She adds, “Having a supportive partner has been crucial. We’ve been able to navigate the challenges of our careers together.”
Through her journey from the streets of Soweto to the cutting-edge laboratories of virology, Mbenenge’s exemplifies the spirit of dedication and the drive to make a difference.
“If I can inspire even one young person to pursue their dreams, then I feel I’ve achieved something truly meaningful,” she shares.
Listen to the full interview on the Health For Mzansi podcast:
Spotify: Click here to listen on Spotify (all mobile and other devices).
Apple Podcasts: Click here to listen on any Apple device.
ALSO LISTEN TO: Martin’s decades of nursing excellence: Caring beyond the call
Get the Health For Mzansi newsletter: Your bi-weekly dose of kasi health, wellness and self-care inspiration.
