18:00to 21:00
52nd Annual PSSA Congress
Congress programme
Find a presentation by day, session, topic, presenter or abstract number. Tuesday includes concurrent sessions in the main venue and the Wyndham Competition venue.
Main venueRoom 2-25HW Snyman South
Wyndham venueLecture Hall 3-65HW Snyman North
118 programme items · 84 scientific presentations
Sunday · 4 October 2026
Track
Pre-congress
CPR Café
Welcome Cocktail
Monday · 5 October 2026
Track
Main programme
Room 2-25 · HW Snyman South Building
General Programme
07:00to 07:55
Registration
Delegate registration
Opening Session
Chair: Prof Peet du Toit · University of Pretoria
08:00to 08:10
Prof Flavia Senkubuge
Opening remarks
Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria
08:10to 08:15
Prof Annie Joubert
Welcome
Head of Department, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria
08:15to 08:25
Prof Peace Mabeta
PSSA President / official opening
08:25to 08:30
Opening plenary introduction
Transition to scientific programme
Session 1
Chair: Prof Peace Mabeta · University of Pretoria
08:30to 08:55
Prof David Bates
Integrated physiology as a route for development of new treatments for blindness and cardiovascular disease - a tail of VEGFs!
08:55to 09:00
Programme buffer
Plenary changeover
09:00to 09:25
Dr Abe Kasonga
Beyond the Skeleton: The Physiology of Bone
09:25to 09:50
Prof Liesel Ebersöhn
The resilience-enabling physiology of flocking: child narratives of collective efficacy and collective agency
09:50to 10:15
Prof Michèle Ramsay
Harnessing the power of African genomics for Global Health
10:15to 10:27
Dr Keneilwe Nkgola Mmopi
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Phenotypes in Sub-Saharan Africa: Prevalence, Patterns and Associated Factors
10:27to 10:30
Programme buffer
Transition to tea
Programme Break
10:30to 10:50
Tea break
Common break - both venues
Session 2
Chair: Prof Joji Mercier · University of Pretoria
10:50to 11:15
Dr Marina van der Ryst
Repositioning Physiology as a Multidisciplinary Nexus Through Applied Neurophysiology, qEEG and Neurofeedback
11:15to 11:40
Prof Fredrik Bengtsson
Beyond Functional Localization: Distributed Information Processing in the Neocortex
11:40to 11:52
Ms Lulutho Luningo
Evaluating the link between interarm blood pressure difference and retinal microvascular calibers among Walter Sisulu University students
11:52to 12:04
Dr Longa Kaluba
Maternal Estimated Pulse Wave Velocity (ePWV) and the Risk of Adverse Birth Outcomes in a Longitudinal Zambian Cohort
12:04to 12:16
Ms Aurielle Louw
The time-dependent cardiac inflammatory responses triggered by Group B Streptococcus in neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats
12:16to 12:28
Prof Willie Daniels
Nyaope - a deadly street drug threatening South African youths
12:28to 12:40
Dr Robin de Villiers
Effects of Simvastatin on Hippocampal Structural, Glial and Molecular Markers in Alcohol-Exposed Adolescent Mice
12:40to 12:56
Programme buffer
Transition to lunch
Programme Break
12:56to 13:56
Lunch
Common break - both venues
Session 3
Chair: Dr Edgar Phukubje · University of the Witwatersrand
13:56to 14:21
Prof Joji Mercier
Overcoming tumour radioresistance through novel pharmacological strategies using 2- and 3-dimensional in vitro cell models
14:21to 14:46
Prof Llewellyn Padayachy
Neural Pathways and Networks: The Brain Tumour Effect
14:46to 15:11
Prof Anna-Mart Engelbrecht
Physiology Meets Precision: Innovative Strategies from Bench to Bedside in Cancer Care
15:11to 15:23
Ms Zinhle Mvelase
Fructose consumption during gestation and lactation disrupt the brain insulin signaling and biomarkers for diabetes in adolescent offspring
15:23to 15:35
Mr Vuyolwethu Lwandile Sinekhaya Mbombela
Sex-, diet-, and depot-dependent remodelling of adipose tissue mitochondrial bioenergetics following chronic olanzapine exposure
15:35to 15:47
Prof Eugene Jamot Ndebia
The meat processing exposome in Africa: integrating traditional culinary practices, environmental co-exposures, and cancer prevention strategies
Programme Break
15:47to 16:02
Tea break
Common break - both venues
Session 4
Chair: Dr Hanel Sadie-Van Gijsen · Stellenbosch University
16:02to 16:27
Prof Albert van Schoor
Fibre bundle morphology and aponeuroses of the soleus muscle in neonatal anatomical donors: A three-dimensional modelling study
16:27to 16:52
Dr Nobalanda Mokoena
Presentation title TBC
16:52to 17:04
Ms Mabale Pheladi Sharon
Opuntia ficus-indica (prickly pear) effect on the immuno-physiology of yearling Pedi goats (Capra hircus)
17:04to 17:16
Dr Hannibal T. Musarurwa
Microbes, Metabolomes and Health: A One Health Investigation into Host-Microbe Interactions
17:16to 17:28
Ms Ngwedha Ndjene
Immunometabolic and Toxicological Effects of Waterborne Pollutants: Implications for Cervical Cancer
17:28to 17:30
Programme buffer
Scientific programme concludes
17:30to 17:45
Learning Curve Sponsor Presentation
Presented by Learning Curve
General Programme
17:45to 18:30
Transition / break
PSSA AGM follows at 18:30
18:30to 20:00
PSSA AGM 2026
Tuesday · 6 October 2026
Track
Main programme
Room 2-25 · HW Snyman South Building
General Programme
07:00to 07:55
Registration
Delegate registration
Session 1
Chair: Prof Paola Wood · University of Pretoria
08:00to 08:25
Ms Nicki de Villiers
Beyond Guidelines: Translating Sports Nutrition through Precision Physiology
08:25to 08:50
Prof Muzi Maseko
Presentation title TBC
08:50to 09:02
Dr Hanel Sadie-Van Gijsen
The (perceived) impact of reproductive hormones on metabolic outcomes in pre-clinical obesity research: much ado about nothing?
09:02to 09:14
Ms Nompilo Mthembu
Vanadium improves platelet function and ameliorates platelet-induced endothelial dysfunction in STZ-induced diabetic rats
09:14to 09:26
Dr Tinashe Mutize
DNA methylation and Adiposity markers: Towards Applications for Sustainable Health Solutions
09:26to 09:51
Prof Trevor Nyakudya
Phytomedicine for metabolic disease: promise, pitfalls and the path to clinical credibility
09:51to 10:03
Programme buffer
Main programme transition
10:03to 10:15
Mr Itani Baloyi
Age-related differences in the association between body roundness index and blood pressure: findings from the Ellisras Longitudinal Study
10:15to 10:27
Prof Eliton Chivandi
Supplemental lycopene protects against high fructose diet-induced hepatic steatosis in growing female Wistar rats
10:27to 10:30
Programme buffer
Transition to tea
Programme Break
10:30to 10:50
Tea break
Common break - both venues
Session 2
Chair: Prof Vernice Peterson · University of the Witwatersrand
10:50to 11:15
Prof Chrisna Gouws
Embracing New Approach Methodologies and Human-Relevant Models: A Strategic Vision for Southern African Physiology
11:15to 11:40
Dr Jurita Engelbrecht
From Nerves to Numbers: An Investigation of the Feasibility of HRV Training for Math Anxiety in South African Adolescents
11:40to 12:05
Prof Paola Wood
Physiology in Motion: How Childhood Movement Shapes Lifelong Health
12:05to 12:30
Prof Iman van den Bout
How to Improve Breast Cancer Survival: New Ways to Detect Cancer in a Restrictive Environment
12:30to 12:42
Ms Kamvelihle Onako Sopazi
Oxygen saturation and haemoglobin levels among smoking Walter Sisulu University students
12:42to 12:54
Mr Mvuyisi Mfengu
Obesity, systemic inflammation, and lung function in apparently healthy young South African adults
12:54to 12:56
Programme buffer
Transition to lunch
Programme Break
12:56to 13:56
Lunch
Common break - both venues
Session 3
Chair: Dr Craig Grobbelaar · University of Pretoria
13:56to 14:21
Mr Tiaan Vermeulen
Building an Agile Brain: Practical Strategies for Learning and Mental Flexibility
14:21to 14:33
Ms Asande Nothando Nokulunga Mkhwanazi
Seasonal variation in semen parameters and body weight of Tankwa goats: A preliminary study.
14:45to 14:57
Ms Mandisa Zitha
In vitro and in vivo effects of Warburgia salutaris extract and iso-mukaadial acetate on bone health
14:57to 15:09
Ms Jeanne Du Plessis
Optimisation of an obesogenic immortalised cardiac spheroid.
Programme Break
15:09to 15:24
Tea break
Common break - both venues
Session 4
Chair: Prof Mia van Rooy · University of Pretoria
15:24to 15:49
Prof Andrew Makanya
The Avian Chorioallantoic Membrane as a Novel Research Model: Diversity and Limitations
15:49to 16:14
Dr Jean-Luc Coll
Near-Infrared Light for Theranostic Applications in Oncology
16:14to 16:26
Ms Asiphaphola Ludidi
Evaluation of erythrocyte-spleen axis malfunction biomarkers in High-Fat, High-Carbohydrate-diet-induced prediabetes in Sprague-Dawley rats as a risk for preeclampsia development
16:26to 16:38
Dr Phillip moseki
Bridging the In Vitro-In Vivo Gap: Evaluation of the Antidiabetic Potential of Southern African Medicinal Plants
16:38to 16:50
Ms Phumla P. Mpila
The short-term effect of Berchemia discolor supplementation on selected liver enzymes and haematological parameters in yearling goats
16:50to 17:02
Mr Zukisa Mlenzana
Gunnera perpensa as a multi-target therapeutic candidate for diabetic cardiomyopathy: insights from antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and network pharmacology analyses
17:02to 17:14
Mr David van Heerden
Characterising the breast cancer driver potential of the TP53 L252del variant
17:14to 17:26
Dr Maatome M Sekhotha
Investigate the therapeutic potential of Moringa oleifera to reverse nyaope-systemic behavioural patterns
17:26to 17:30
Audience transition
Wyndham Competition concludes at 17:30
17:30to 17:45
SACNASP Sponsor Presentation
Presented by SACNASP
17:45to 17:55
Announcement of student competition winners
Poster and oral competition winners
17:55to 18:03
Closing remarks
End of scientific programme - Day 2
Track
Wyndham Competition
Lecture Hall 3-65 · HW Snyman North Building
Session 1
Chairs: Dr Abe Kasonga and Dr Evangeline Nortje · University of Pretoria
08:30
Wyndham Competition
Chair / judges to be confirmed by PSSA Council · 12 min per talk (10 + 2)
08:30to 08:42
Mr Kamohelo Sithole
Central Haemodynamic Factors Contributing to Sex Differences in Central Pulse Pressure in Young South African Adults
08:42to 08:54
Ms Tayyabah Ahmed
Endothelin-1 as an Early Marker of Arterial Stiffness in Young Black African Adults
08:54to 09:06
Ms Bianca Watermeyer
Baseline serum GPER1 levels are associated with early markers of cardiac remodelling in men: The African-PREDICT study
09:06to 09:18
Mr Kyle Parker
Agreement between the Huawei Watch 5 and SphygmoCor CVMS pulse wave velocity measurements in South African adults
09:18to 09:30
Ms Lucinda Chadinha
Agreement and Accuracy of the WIWE Single-Lead Compared with Gold-Standard 12-lead Electrocardiography for Heart Rate and Rhythm Assessment.
09:30to 09:42
Mr Joel Amoni
Assessing the burden and Predictors of Arrhythmias in Non-Ischemic Cardiomyopathy: A Prospective Observational cohort Study
09:42to 09:54
Mr Ebenezer Ackah
Retinal microvascular changes and systemic vascular dysfunction in preeclampsia: a case-control study
09:54to 10:06
Mr Cameron Goodwin
Intraocular pressure changes in traumatic brain injury patients pre- and post-surgery: A comparative study with healthy participants
10:06to 10:18
Ms Thato Duiker
A comparison of pre-operative pupillometric profiles in intracerebral haemorrhage patients and normative pupillometric parameters
10:18to 10:30
Ms Timaya Subramoney
Comparing Automated Infrared Pupillometry in Healthy Adults and Patients with Chronic Subdural Haematomas Pre- and Post-surgery
Programme Break
10:30to 10:50
Tea break
Common break - both venues
Session 2
Chairs: Dr Abe Kasonga and Dr Evangeline Nortje · University of Pretoria
10:50to 11:02
Ms Nare Moholola
Preliminary Network Pharmacology of Cardiovascular Drugs in Obese Black South Africans with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
11:02to 11:14
Ms Chanté Du Preez
Sleep Architecture and Brain Plasticity: A Scoping Review on Slow Oscillations and Spindles in Memory Consolidation
11:14to 11:26
Mr Zolani Jacobs
The Combined Effect of Nicotine and HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Drugs on Endothelial Cell Function and Integrity
11:26to 11:38
Ms Allyson Abram
Characterising the function and expression of autism spectrum disorder-related G protein-coupled receptor variants
11:50to 12:02
Ms Cynthia Sithole
Lycopene modulates osteoblast and osteoclast activity in vitro
12:02to 12:14
Mr John S. Hingle
Small Extracellular Vesicle Release Following Electrical Pulse Stimulation of C2C12 Myotubes: Effects on microRNA Cargo and Myoblast Migration and Differentiation
12:14to 12:26
Ms Siphumelele Mwase
Investigating the ultrastructural and viscoelastic profiles associated with clotting tendencies in individuals with non-metastatic brain cancer
12:26to 12:38
Ms Bongeka Ntombi Nomaswazi Mshengu
Neonatal Programming of Maternal Pre-gestational Prediabetes on Hepatic and Skeletal Muscle INSR Expression in Offspring at Birth and Postnatal Life.
12:38to 12:50
Ms Lungile Sinazo Xesibe
Investigating DNA methylation as a regulatory mechanism in hepatic SREBP2 expression of pups born to pregestational prediabetic dams: neonatal programming
12:50to 12:56
Judges / programme buffer
Transition to lunch
Programme Break
12:56to 13:56
Lunch
Common break - both venues
Session 3
Chairs: Dr Abe Kasonga and Dr Evangeline Nortje · University of Pretoria
13:56to 14:08
Ms Nompumelelo Gumede
Investigating the Effect of Diet-Induced Prediabetes on the HPA-axis, Sympathetic Nervous System and Endogenous Opioids in Male Sprague-Dawley Rats.
14:08to 14:20
Ms Nontuthuko Nsele
HIV Antiretroviral Effect on Central and Adipose Tissue Energy Regulation in Diet-Induced Pre-Diabetic Sprague Dawley rats
14:20to 14:32
Ms Sithabile Mlotshwa
HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis induces functional gastrointestinal barrier changes in diet-induced prediabetic Sprague-Dawley rats
14:32to 14:44
Ms Charlene Fourie
Reactive oxygen species generation following haem oxygenase-1 inhibition enhances radiosensitisation in neuroblastoma and breast cancer cells in vitro
14:44to 14:56
Ms Nina Vos
Developing a 3D model to investigate doxorubicin-induced senescence in breast cancer
14:56to 15:08
Ms Letago Mokabane
Investigating the in vitro effects of a sulphamoylated anti-mitotic compound on a cervical cancer cell line
15:08to 15:09
Programme buffer
Transition to tea
Programme Break
15:09to 15:24
Tea break
Common break - both venues
Session 4
Chairs: Dr Abe Kasonga and Dr Evangeline Nortje · University of Pretoria
15:24to 15:36
Ms Sumari Marais
Ultrasmall gold nanoclusters for theragnostic development: cytocompatibility and radiomodulatory effects in HEK-293 and A549 cell models
15:36to 15:48
Ms Zenele Chonco
Evaluation of a Ruthenium(II)-Uracil Schiff Base Complex on Selected Markers of Glucose Homeostasis in Diet-Induced Prediabetic Male Rats
15:48to 16:00
Ms Helena Zelle
Differential protection and vulnerability of ex vivo blood components following exposure to combined paclitaxel and a carbazole-derivative
16:00to 16:12
Ms Namatshego Moselakgomo
Therapeutic potential of Hericium erinaceus in modulating autophagy and amyloid pathology in an in vitro Alzheimer’s disease model
16:12to 16:24
Ms Wenzile Mthethwa
Modulation of Cellular Viability, Antioxidant Capacity and Alzheimer’s Disease-Associated Proteins by Hyraceum Stone in an Amyloid-β-Induced Neuro-2a Model
16:24to 16:36
Dr Melvin Anyasi Ambele
A living scoping review of evidence on community-level socio-economic and environmental determinants of overweight and obesity among African adults
16:36to 16:48
Ms Molatela Rose Keneilwe Mamabolo
Food Insecurity and Body Composition Differences in Young Black South African Males and Females
16:48to 17:00
Mr Michael Christopher Stark
Rapidly generated stem cell islet discoidal microtissues enable high-content phenotypic screening of beta cell mitogens
17:00to 17:12
Ms Madé Hugo
Assessment of intraocular pressure and cup-to-disc ratio in patients with brain tumours: a retrospective study
17:12to 17:24
Dr Adeniyi Mayowa Jeremiah
Evaluation of Recovery Cardiovascular Speed following In-circuit Physical Activities: Implications of Parental Disease Status and Socio-anthropometrical Indices
17:24to 17:30
Judges / programme buffer
Competition closes at 17:30
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