Illustrious new Deputy Dean at UKZN

2009/11/09 02:16:55 PM

The Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine recently appointed Professor Joyce Tsoka Gwegweni as deputy dean. Leaving the reigns of parliament where she served as content advisor to the portfolio committee on health, Professor Tsoka Gwegweni said that she’s excited to join the Medical School and looks forward to playing a significant role in the transformation of the faculty.

Born in Daveyton on the East Rand, Professor Tsoka Gwegweni, began her career by studying for a BSC in Biological Sciences in Reading University, UK. She completed an Honours Degree in Biological Sciences and then returned to South Africa to study an MSC in Medical Parasitology at the former University of Natal (Pietermaritzburg Campus). On graduation, Professor Tsoka Gwegweni joined the Medical Research Council (MRC) where she worked as a senior scientist and later as a research manager.

Whilst in employ at the MRC, she obtained a Masters Degree in Public Health through the University of the Western Cape and a PhD specializing in Health Systems Research through the University of KwaZulu-Natal. More recently, Professor Tsoka Gwegweni graduated with an honours degree in psychology through UNISA.

Part of her job description is the re-structuring of the medical faculty into four schools and the strengthening of the existing relationship with the Department of Health (DOH). She hopes to find time for research and to continue to publish in the field of public health. Married to Nicholas and mum to a teenage son, Professor Tsoka Gwegweni is an avid reader and loves to travel. She has visited the UK, US, France, Brazil, Cameroon, Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana and Mozambique. A woman that is passionate about wildlife, she hopes to observe the animal migration in Tanzania and Kenya on her next trip to these countries.

Professor Tsoka Gwegweni said, “I am excited to return to the UKZN community. In my first week in office, I’ve noticed that the Medical School is a very busy place. Much has to be done to build relationships amongst staff and the DOH and I look forward to the challenges of my position”.