Thobeka Mhlongwe has an MSc degree in Microbiology from Stellenbosch University. She obtained a BSc degree majoring in Microbiology and Entomology from Rhodes University in 2013. Her main responsibilities involve preparing sequencing libraries, performing next-generation sequencing (NGS) which includes whole genome sequencing (WGS), Whole-exome sequencing and RNA-sequencing.  Her duties also include extracting nucleic acids from biological samples, quality control, report writing, creating standard operating procedures, and entering data onto the lab information management system.