June 2025: Dr Khuthala Mnika – African Female Researcher of the Month

Illustrative Image: June 2025: Dr Khuthala Mnika – African Female Researcher of the Month
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June 2025: Dr Khuthala Mnika – African Female Researcher of the Month

Dr Khuthala Mnika is an esteemed South African geneticist and researcher whose career has been deeply shaped by resilience, determination, and a profound commitment to advancing the understanding of genetic diseases in African populations. Currently a researcher and lecturer in the Division of Human Genetics at the University of Cape Town (UCT), Dr Mnika is also a Senior Medical Scientist at the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS). Her work is central to addressing the gap in genetic research on African genomes—an area critically under-represented in global biomedical studies.

With an impressive academic and research track record that includes seven publications (three as first author) in high-impact international journals, Dr Mnika is emerging as a leading figure in the field of human genetics and pharmacogenomics in Africa. Her research has significant implications for the development of precision medicine approaches in treating diseases like sickle cell disease and chronic kidney disease (CKD) among African populations.

Early Life and Educational Journey

Born and raised in Matatiele, a rural town in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, Dr Mnika’s journey to the scientific forefront was far from linear. Orphaned at age 11 and raised by her elder sister, she faced immense socio-economic hardships. Despite these challenges, she excelled academically, eventually securing funding to study genetics at the University of the Free State, where she earned her BSc and Honours degrees.

Her path to research was not initially planned—she considered becoming a schoolteacher. However, after participating in the Dinaledi internship programme and subsequently the NRF research internship, she was placed in the research group of Professor Ambroise Wonkam at UCT (now GeneMAP: Genetic Medicine of African Populations). It was here that her passion for research was ignited and her potential recognized.

Academic Credentials

• BSc and Honours in Genetics – University of the Free State

• Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) – Awarded funding but transitioned back into research

• MSc in Human Genetics – University of Cape Town (upgraded to Ph.D. due to exceptional performance)

• Ph.D. in Human Genetics (2020) – UCT

  • Thesis Title: Pharmacogenomics of Sickle Cell Disease: Pain and Drug Metabolism Associated Gene Variants and Hydroxyurea-Induced Post-Transcriptional Expression of miRNAs in an African Cohort

Research Contributions and Scientific Impact

Dr Mnika’s doctoral research addressed critical gaps in understanding how genetic variants in African populations influence treatment responses and complications in sickle cell disease (SCD). Her research offered insights into:

• The genetic predisposition to complications such as stroke and acute chest syndrome.

• Pharmacogenomic variants affecting pain susceptibility and response to drugs like hydroxyurea, commonly used in SCD management.

• MicroRNA expression profiling to study drug-gene interactions in African patients.

Her findings support the broader goal of implementing precision medicine strategies for African patients, a necessary shift given the unique genetic diversity across the continent. The study is also vital for developing more effective treatment regimens and diagnostic protocols for genetically linked diseases prevalent in Africa.

In her postdoctoral and current research, Dr Mnika continues this trajectory, now focusing on the genetics of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Her aim is to understand the mutations that affect African populations—where CKD is often underdiagnosed, especially in children. Her work at UCT seeks to uncover the underlying genetic architecture that contributes to CKD risk in African individuals and how this knowledge can transform clinical diagnostic approaches.

Professional Appointments and Leadership Roles

• Senior Medical Scientist – NHLS, Division of Human Genetics

• Lecturer & Researcher – UCT, Division of Human Genetics

• Former Research Co-ordinator – University of the Witwatersrand / NHLS

• Recipient of the Female Academic Leaders Fellowship (FALF) – University of the Witwatersrand

Mentorship and Advocacy

Beyond the lab, Dr Mnika is a passionate mentor and advocate for young African researchers, particularly women and students from underprivileged backgrounds. She strongly believes in creating enabling environments that offer both funding and mentorship to help emerging scientists navigate academic spaces.

“We have dreams and potential, but the challenge comes in trying to navigate the spaces, find the opportunities and climb the ladder.”

Her personal story of rising from hardship to academic excellence resonates with many aspiring scientists. She encourages them to “ask for help and apply for every opportunity,” emphasizing that support systems and mentorship networks are vital for success.

Global Academic Recognition and Influence

Dr Mnika’s work contributes to the global efforts to decolonize genomics and ensure ethnically inclusive medical research. As one of the few African researchers actively working in the field of pharmacogenomics and CKD in African populations, her scholarship is increasingly relevant in shaping international research agendas in genomic equity and precision health.

Her research has been featured in high-impact journals and international conferences, highlighting her rising influence in:

• Global Genomic Diversity Projects

• Pharmacogenetics and Personalized Medicine Initiatives

• Africa-focused Kidney Disease Research Networks

She is a sought-after collaborator and a role model for African women in STEM, and her career continues to reflect the possibilities when talent meets opportunity, supported by visionary mentorship and institutional backing.

Select Publications

(First-author and co-author papers in high-impact journals)

• Mnika, K., et al. (2020). Pharmacogenomics in African Sickle Cell Disease Patients.

• Mnika, K., et al. (2021). Hydroxyurea-induced miRNA changes in African cohorts.

• [Additional co-authored papers on SCD, CKD genetics, and African pharmacogenomics]

Looking Ahead

Dr Khuthala Mnika represents the new generation of African scientists whose work is reshaping global understanding of human health and disease. Through her commitment to scientific excellence, education equity, and genetic research tailored for Africa, she continues to forge a path not only for herself but for the next wave of African biomedical researchers.

Her story underscores a powerful message:

“Your past does not define your future. Focus on your future—and build it with knowledge, courage, and community.”