Partnerships scaling clinical research in South Africa

Presenting the accolade, Tirhani Maluleke, Country Therapeutic Area Leader at Roche South Africa, reflected on the significance of the longstanding partnership between Roche and Prof. Mahlangu's team. She noted that while Africa carries a significant share of the global disease burden, the continent remains underrepresented in global clinical research, making partnerships that strengthen African representation more important than ever.

"This is to say thank you and a symbol of our commitment to continue partnering with you in closing that gap, in ensuring that the future of African patients is well represented, and to ensure that we have an equitable, effective future for our patients as well," Tirhani added that the recognition reflected the purpose that drives Clinical Operations every day. "Our motto, 'We do now what patients need next,' is not just a slogan, but it's the heartbeat of our Clinical Operations. Through this partnership, we're able to realise our goals. We're able to impact our patients more positively." She also acknowledged Prof. Mahlangu's influence beyond South Africa, recognising his role in representing the continent globally and his dedication to developing future clinical researchers.

Receiving the accolade, Prof. Mahlangu described the recognition as both an honour and an encouragement to continue transforming patients' lives through research and collaboration.

He emphasised that meaningful progress is only possible through strong partnerships, describing Roche as one of the organisations that has walked alongside his team in advancing innovation and improving patient care. "This kind of recognition also reminds us that we do need partners on board for transformation. He concluded by reaffirming the purpose that has guided his team's work over the years. "We exist largely to generate knowledge out of Africa, but also to make the lives of our patients better. If we can achieve those two goals, everything else is secondary in our context."

Such recognitions highlight the importance of sustainable partnerships in generating knowledge from Africa, strengthening clinical research across the continent, and improving patient outcomes.