Twelfth EDCTP Forum

15–20 Jun 2025 | Kigali, Rwanda

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Dr Nyeleti Bicky Mthombeni

Director of Research Operations

Khomanani Health Research & Wellness Center

Pretoria, South Africa

32 profile visits

Research Director at Khomanani HRC & Founder of School of Clinical Research. Advancing health care through research and training in rural South Africa.

My organisation

Khomanani Health Research & Wellness Center

Khomanani Health Research & Wellness Center

Hospital or clinical centre

Limpopo Province, South Africa

Khomanani Health Research & Wellness Centre is a pioneering clinical research facility situated in the remote village of Ha-Masia, in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Founded by Dr. Nyeleti Bicky Mthombeni, the centre was created to shift the clinical research landscape by bringing world-class infrastructure and ethical trial conduct to rural and historically underserved communities. Khomanani not only conducts regulatory-compliant clinical trials but also prioritises community engagement, wellness promotion, and skills development. With a strong focus on local empowerment, it provides training pathways for young professionals in clinical research and ensures that community voices are integrated into its operations. The centre is driven by a vision of health equity, scientific advancement, and building lasting impact where it is needed most.
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About me

Dr. Nyeleti Bicky Mthombeni is a distinguished South African clinical research expert with over 18 years of experience in the field. She is the Founder and Director of Research Operations at Khomanani Health Research Centre, a world-class clinical research facility located in a rural village in South Africa. The center focuses on health education and community empowerment, providing opportunities for clinical trials in underserved areas .

In addition to her role at Khomanani, Dr. Mthombeni established the Afrileadtech School of Clinical Research, which trains individuals in conducting and managing clinical trials. The school offers courses in Good Clinical Practice and a four-month clinical research masterclass, aiming to bridge the gap from university to clinical trial opportunities .

Dr. Mthombeni holds a PhD in Pharmacology and a master’s degree in project management. She has managed clinical trials across Africa, Asia, and Europe, progressing from a Clinical Research Associate to Project Operations Director. She is a member of the South African Clinical Research Association (SACRA) and served as its Chairperson from 2021 until November 2023 .

Her contributions to the field have been recognized at various platforms, including her role as a speaker at the 6th Annual Clinical Investigators’ Summit Africa (TCIS Africa 2025)

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Skills

  • qualitative research
  • clinical trials
  • Training GCP and Global Research Ethics
  • Four months clinical research master class
  • Establishment of clinical research sites
  • Capacity building through training
  • networking
  • Clinical trials project management
  • Clinical trials regulatory submissions
  • Collaborations, networking and partnerships
  • Use of artificial intelligence systems
  • Events organisation and Planning

Interests

  • New research opportunities
  • Collaborations and partnerships for rural health
  • Community Engagement in Research
  • Funding for community health programs
  • Research in Diabetes and Hypertension
  • Vaccines and HIV Research Collaboration

Additional questions

Mentorship meetings

Mentee

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