Dr Zandisiwe Magwebu is a Senior Research Scientist at SAMRC/PUDAC specializing in molecular biology with a focus on animal model development for preclinical research using nonhuman primates and rodent models. She obtained her Ph.D. in Medical Biosciences from the University of the Western Cape through the SAMRC/RCD internship program. Her research focuses on metabolic and cardiovascular diseases with a growing interest in the scientific validation of African Traditional Medicines (ATMs) and their potential role in addressing South Africa’s burden of non-communicable diseases. Dr. Magwebu also serves as the Chairperson of the Scientific Research Committee (SRC) under the SAMRC Ethics Committee for Research on Animals (ECRA), where she contributes to strengthening ethical standards and oversight in biomedical research. She is passionate about advancing national health priorities, postgraduate training, and fostering collaborations with Historically Disadvantaged Institutions (HDIs).