Photo Gallery

Mr. John Malamba, an intern from Malawi, participating in the wet lab component of the UFS-NGS four-week Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) training programme.

Africa Enteric Viruses Genome Initiative data and bioinformatics workshop 2018 Left to right: Prof. George Armah (Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Ghana); Prof. Carl Kirkwood (Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, USA); Cornelius Hagenmeier (Director: Internationalisation, UFS); Prof. Gert van Zyl (Dean: Health Sciences); Prof. Martin Nyaga (Team Lead, UFS-NGS Unit); Prof. Joyce Tsoka-Gwegweni (Vice-Dean: Health Sciences); Dr. Glen Taylor (Senior Director: Research and Development); Prof. Jeffrey Mphahlele (Vice-President, South African Medical Research Council)

Africa Enteric Viruses Genome Initiative (AEVGI) data and bioinformatics workshop June 2018 Left to right: Dr Khuzwayo Jere (AEVGI co-PI), Dr. Valantine Ndze (AEVGI PI), Dr. Francis Dennis (AEVGI co-PI)

National Health Laboratory Sciences (NHLS) interns participating in the UFS-NGS four-week Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) training programme. Left to right: Bonolo Masilo (NHLS), Nthabiseng Madisha (NHLS) and Londiwe Shabalala (NHLS)

Trainees during the wet lab component of the UFS-NGS four-week Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) training programme, gaining hands-on experience in DNA and RNA extraction, library preparation, and quality control. Left to right: Londiwe Shabalala (NHLS), Nthabiseng Madisha (NHLS) and Bonolo Masilo (NHLS).

Ms. Palesa Tsunke and Ms. Joyce Tshiswaka in the sequencing room during the UFS-NGS four-week Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) training programme

Ms. Hlengiwe Sondlane demonstrating to learners how an aliquoted solution look like.

Day 1 quiz winners from Brebner (left) and Lekhulong (right) Secondary Schools.

Dr. Milton Mogotsi emphasised that your background does not define your destiny. With hard work and determination, you can chieve anything you set your mind to.

Ms. Nkosazana Shange inspired us with her message that rejection isn’t the end – it’s a redirection. When one door closes, another opens often leading to even greater opportunities

Ms. Eyong Marcelle Manyi sharing her incredible journey of growth, highlighting the importance of embracing change and stepping out of your comfort zone.

Ms. Thabisa Mpaxa whose story was shared was a powerful reminder to never give up. No matter how many times you stumble, every setback is a setup for a comeback.

Dr. Emmanuel Ogunbayo sharing his inspiring career journey, emphasising the power of a positive mindset. He reminded us that failure is only a state of mind and that with determination anything is possible

Learners from Atlehang, Castle Bridge and Kaelang Secondary Schools on a tour at the NHLS Virology and molecular labs

Learners from Eunice, Navalsig, and Lekhulong Secondary Schools on a tour at the NHLS virology and molecular labs.

Learners from Eunice, Navalsig and Lekhulong Secondary Schools on a tour of the NHLS virology lab with Ms. Khaulelo Mafa.

Learners from Eunice, Navalsig and Lekhulong Secondary Schools on a tour of the Virology and Molecular Labs.

Learners from Ikaelelo and Vulamasango Secondary Schools on a tour of the NHLS virology lab with Ms. Khaulelo Mafa.

Guest Speaker Dr. Mhlekazi from DIPLOMICS sharing the role of DIPLOMICS SA and the value of omics technologies in shaping the future of science in South Africa.

Day 2 quiz winner from Castle Bridge Secondary School

Learners from Castle Bridge, Atlehang and Kaelang Secondary Schools holding their certificates after participating in the program.

Day 1 quiz winner from Brebner Secondary School with Prof. Nyaga

Learners from Castle Bridge, Atlehang, and Kaelang Secondary Schools proudly holding their certificates after participating in the programme.

Educators and Learners from 3 schools (LEKHULONG in all Red, EUNICE in GREEN and NAVALSIG in Black and Red) on Day 3 of the Outreach Programme.

An all-smiles learner from CASTLE BRIDGE SCHOOL posing with her certificate of participation at the end of Day 2 of the Programme.

A learner from LEKHULONG Secondary School happily receiving a certificate of participation from Prof. Martin Nyaga, head of the UFS-NGS Unit on day 3 of the Outreach programme.

A grade 11 learner from VULAMASANGO Secondary School being awarded a certificate of participation from Prof. Martin Nyaga at the end of Day 1 of the Outreach Programme.

A learner from NAVALSIG Secondary School being awarded his certificate of participation on day 3 of the Outreach.

Educators from the 3 schools on Day 1 of the Outreach (to the left from VULAMASANGO, in the Middle from IKAELELO and to the right from BREBNER Secondary Schools respectively.

Grade 11 female learners from EUNICE Secondary School with their certificates of participation on Day 3 of the Outreach Programme.

Our 2 winners of the Quiz on Day 3 (From the left, the winner from EUNICE Secondary School and the 1st Runner Up from NAVALSIG Secondary School)

Handing of Certification of participation to a learner from IKAELELO Secondary School on day 1 of the Outreach Programme by Prof. Martin Nyaga

Prof. Martin Nyaga and Grade 11 learners from EUNICE Secondary School with their certificates of participation at the end of Day 3 of the Outreach Programme

Prof. Martin Nyaga handing a special gift from DIPLOMICS to the 1st Runner Up ( from KAELANG Secondary School) of the Quiz organised by facilitators on the Day 2 of the Outreach Programme.

Prof. Martin Nyaga awarding a certificate of participation to a happy Grade 11 learner from BREBNER Secondary School on Day 1 of the Outreach Programme

Prof. Martin Nyaga handing over a certification of participation to a learner from KAELANG Secondary school on Day 2 of the Outreach

The 1st Runner-up of the Quiz on Day 3 from NAVALSIG Secondary School being handed a gift by Prof. Martin Nyaga

The Educator and learners from CASTLE BRIDGE SCHOOL with their gifts on Day 2 of the Outreach Programme

The Winner of the Quiz on Day 3 from EUNICE Secondary School receiving her special gift from Prof. Martin Nyaga

The Educator and the Learners from ATLEHANG Secondary School on the Day 2 of the Outreach Programme

Winner of Day’s 1 Quiz from IKAELELO Secondary School receiving a special gift from Prof. Martin Nyaga

The Educator and Learners from KAELANG Secondary School with their goodie bags on Day 2 of the Outreach Programme

Ms. Somila Nazo giving an Overview of what a PCR

Ms. Hlengiwe Sondlane demonstrating to learners how an aliquoted solution look like.

Ms. Sesiyanda Maseko demonstrating how Gel electrophoresis is carried out in the Pre PCR room.

Ms. Nkosazana Shange demonstrating how automated DNA Extraction is done on the Chemagic 360 machine.

Dr. Milton leading the Class on how DNA extraction is carried out.

Prof. Martin Nyaga showing the different flow cells of the NextSeq 2000 sequencing machine.

Grade 11 learners from 3 schools which includes: Atlehang S/S, Castle bridge School, and Kaelang S/S in a Career guide in the Faculty of Health sciences led by Mrs Angelique Carson.

The Last group of the Grade 11 Outreach program from Eunice S:S, Navalsig S:S and Lekhululong S:S waiting for the first Guest speaker to take the stage.

The first group of the Grade 11 Outreach program from Brebner S:S, Ikaelelo S:S and Vulamasango S:S listening to the Host and Welcome speaker Prof Martin Nyaga.

Grade 11 learners from Ikaelelo accompanied by their Teacher from Ikaelelo S:S. Far right is the Head of the UFS-NGS Prof Martin Nyaga.

UFS-NGS team led by Prof Martin Nyaga with the last group of the Grade 11 learners and educators from Eunice S:S, Navalsig C:S, and Lekhulung S:S for the Outreach programme.

UFS-NGS team led by Prof Martin Nyaga with the first group of grade 11 learners and Educators from Brebner S:S, Ikaelelo S:S, and Vulamasango S:S.

Dr. Milton Mogosti and assistants demonstrating the whole process of DNA extraction, the instruments and solutions used

Ms. Angela Mbele welcoming the Grade 11s to the UFS-NGS, giving insight information on what takes place in the lab and also giving a brief overview of what DNA extraction is.

Ms. Mbali Ncube assisting in demonstrating how DNA extraction is done and showing the learners the type of solution used.

Ms. Nkosazana Shange teaching and demonstrating on the different steps in sequencing and how it is carried out in the Sequencing Lab.

Ms. Manyi Eyong teaching about the different types of sequencing platforms which includes the Illumina Miseq, Illumina Nextseq 2000 and the MinION nanopore.

Ms. Suprise Baloyi teaching Grade 11s on the principles of Agarose gel electrophoresis and highlighting the significance thereof.

Ms. Somila Nazo giving an Overview of what a PCR.

Ms. Nkosazana Shange and Ms. Sesiyanda Maseko at the Faculty 3MT Competition

International Rotavirus Symosium in Bali Dr. Milton Mogotsi, Prof. Martin Nyaga and Ms. Robyn-Lee Potgieter at the 14th International Rotavirus Symposium in Bali, Indonesia, March 2023

14th International dsRNA virus symposium in Canada Prof. Martin Nyaga and Dr. Peter Mwangi during the 14th International dsRNA virus symposium in Banff, Alberta, Canada, October 2022

Faculty of Health Sciences Research Forum Dr. Ayodeji Ogunbayo during the Faculty of Health Sciences Research Forum presentation in September 2022

Focus Groups meeting in Lusaka, Zambia Dr. San James (KRISP/CERI, South Africa), Prof. Charles Muyanja (Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, Makerere University, Uganda), Dr. Peter Mwangi (UFS-NGS Unit), Prof. Martin Nyaga (UFS-NGS Unit), Dr. Sanni Osman (Federal Medical Centre Birnin, Kebbi, Nigeria), Prof. Saheed Sabiu (Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Durban University of Technology, South Africa), Dr. Francis Chikuse (Senior Technical Officer, Africa CDC) during Africa CDC Focus Groups meeting in Lusaka, Zambia, March 2023.

Oral presentation at the Conference on Genomics, Proteomics and Metabolomics at University of Zululand, July 2019 Dr. Teboho Mooko making a presentation titled: Next generation sequencing application on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of tricyclic antidepressant in patients with major depression disorder.

12th African Rotavirus Symposium at Emperor’s Palace, Johannesburg, 2019 Left to right: Dr. Milton Mogotsi (UFS-NGS Unit), Prof. Jason Mwenda (WHO-AFRO), Dr. Peter Mwangi (UFS-NGS Unit), Prof. Jeffrey Mphahlele (Vice President – Research, South African Medical Research Council), Ms. Sebotsana Rasebotsa (UFS-NGS Unit)

UFS-NGS Team attending the Health Science Faculty 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition Left to right: Dr. Milton Mogotsi (Ph.D., Virology), Ms. Surprise Baloyi (UFS-NGS Intern), Ms. Palesa Tsunke (UFS-NGS Intern), Ms. Thabisa Mpaxa (M.MedSc, Virology Candidate), Ms. Mbali Ncube (UFS-NGS Intern), Ms. Hlengiwe Sondlane (M.MedSc, Virology), Ms. Nkosazana Shange (M.MedSc Virology), Ms. Somila Nazo (M.MedSc, Virology Candidate), Ms. Sesiyanda Maseko (M.MedSc Virology Candidate), Prof. Martin Nyaga (Head of the University of the Free State Next Generation Sequencing Unit), Dr. Emmanuel Ogunbayo (Postdoctoral fellow, UFS-NGS) , Ms. Angela Mbele (M.MedSc candidate virology), Ms. Eyong Manyi Marcelle (Ph.D. Virology Candidate) Shange (M.MedSc Virology), Ms. Somila Nazo (M.MedSc, Virology Candidate), Ms. Sesiyanda Maseko (M.MedSc Virology Candidate), Prof. Martin Nyaga (Head of the University of the Free State Next Generation Sequencing Unit), Dr. Emmanuel Ogunbayo (Postdoctoral fellow, UFS-NGS) , Ms. Angela Mbele (M.MedSc candidate virology), Ms. Eyong Manyi Marcelle (Ph.D. Virology Candidate)

Ms Somila Nazo delivers her presentation at the Faculty Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, earning first place.

Ms. Sesiyanda Maseko, presenting at the Faculty Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, where she won second place.

UFS-NGS Lab Members attending the Faculty 3MT Competition. Left to right: Ms. Hlengiwe Sondlane, Ms. Mamello Maku, Dr. Milton Mogotsi, Ms. Surprise Baloyi, Ms. Thabisa Mpaxa and Ms. Somila Nazo.

Prof. Martin Nyaga in attendance at the Faculty 3MT Competition.

Visit by ThermoFisher Scientific team: From left to right: Raveshni Durgiah, Daisy Madlala, Milton Mogotsi, Martin Nyaga, Peter Mwangi, Nomali Zungu, Tshego Mothatinyane

Visit by USA-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Researchers Left to right: Dr. Mathew Esona (CDC, Atlanta), Prof. Martin Nyaga (UFS-NGS Unit), Dr. Michael Bowen (CDC, Atlanta)

Visit by the distinguished Prof. Thumbi Ndung’u at the UFS-NGS Unit July 2025. Left to right Prof. Thumbi Ndung’u, BVM, PhD, Director for Basic and Translational Science at the Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), Prof. and Victor Daitz Chair for the HIV Pathogenesis Programme at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Programme Director for the Sub-Saharan African Network for TB/HIV Research Excellence (SANTHE), Provost’s Visiting Prof. at Imperial College London, and Prof. of Infectious Diseases at University College London; Prof. Martin Nyaga

The UFS-NGS Unit welcomed distinguished guest Prof. Thumbi Ndung’u in July 2025. From left to right: Dr Milton Mogotsi, Prof. Thumbi Ndung’u, Prof. Martin Nyaga, Head of the University of the Free State Next Generation Sequencing Unit, and Dr Emmanuel Ogunbayo.

UFS-NGS lab members take the opportunity to ask Prof. Thumbi Ndung’u questions during his visit in July 2025.

Prof. Thumbi Ndung’u interacting with UFS-NGS lab members during a Q&A session at the Unit, July 2025. Left to right: Sesiyanda Maseko, Dr. Emmanuel Ogunbayo, Ms. Joyce Tshiswaka, Ms. Hlengiwe Sondlane and Ms. Palesa Tsunke.

Prof. Thumbi Ndung’u interacting with UFS-NGS lab members during a Q&A session at the Unit, July 2025.

UFS-NGS lab members attending the guest lecture delivered by Prof. Thumbi Ndung’u during his visit in July 2025.

UFS-NGS lab members attending the guest lecture delivered by Prof. Thumbi Ndung’u during his visit in July 2025.

The UFS-NGS Unit was pleased to host Mr. John Malamba from Malawi, who joined as an intern for an Illumina NGS & Basic Bioinformatics Training Programme, 04-29 August 2025

The UFS-NGS team was delighted to host Dr. Demetrice “Dee” Jordan, who joined us for hands-on DNA library preparation during her visit. Left to right: Ms. Hlengiwe Sondlane, Ms. Nkosazana Shange, Ms. Angela Mbele, Dr Dee Jordan (PhD, MPH, MA) and Ms. Eyong Manyi Marcelle.

Dr. Dee Jordan during her visit to the UFS-NGS Unit, engaging in hands-on DNA library preparation as part of collaborative laboratory work.

Dr. Dee Jordan during her visit to the UFS-NGS Unit, engaging in hands-on DNA library preparation as part of collaborative laboratory work.

Receiving the news of the designation of the UFS-NGS Unit as a WHO Collaborating Center, September 2020 Prof. Martin Nyaga, Director WHO-CC for Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPD) surveillance and Pathogen Genomics

UFS-NGS Unit team at a writing retreat at Bloemfontein Spa Hotel, May 2022 Back row left to right: Mr. Milton Mogotsi, Prof. Martin Nyaga, Mr. Ayodeji Ogunbayo Front row left to right: Ms. Robyn-lee Potgieter and Hlengiwe Sondlane

Cape Town trip 2017 Left to right: Mr. Harnaud Ras, UFS-NGS NRF intern; Prof. Martin Nyaga, UFS-NGS Team Lead; Dr. Milton Mogotsi, UFS-NGS intern

Receipt of UFS-NGS Unit liquid handling automation instruments, June 2022 Left to right (UFS-NGS Unit lab assistants): Dr. Peter Nthiga Mwangi, Ms. Hlengiwe Sondlane, Ms. Robyn-lee Potgieter, Dr. Milton Mogotsi, and Dr. Ayodeji Ogunbayo

Receipt of UFS-NGS Unit liquid handling automation instruments, May 2022 Left to right: Prof. Martin Nyaga and Dr. Peter Mwangi

UFS-NGS group photo 2019. Left to right: Ms. Makena Maringa (M.Med.Sc., Virology), Ms. Sebotsana Rasebotsa (M.Med.Sc., Virology), Mr. Ayodeji Ogunbayo (Ph.D. student, Virology), Mr. Teboho Mooko (Ph.D. student, Internal Medicine), Prof. Martin Nyaga (Team Lead, UFS-NGS Unit), Dr. Gilmore Pambuka (Ph.D., Genetics), Ms. Paballo Motloung (Visiting student from CUT), Mr. Milton Mogotsi (Ph.D. student, Virology), Ms. Keamogetswe Riet (Visiting student from CUT), Dr. Peter Mwangi (Ph.D., Virology)

Celebrating Prof. Martin Nyaga’s inauguration at the University of the Free State — a proud moment for the UFS-NGS Unit. Left to right: Prof Corlia Janse van Vuuren, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof Martin Nyaga, Head of the University of the Free State Next Generation Sequencing Unit, Dr Molapo Qhobela, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Institutional Change, Strategic Partnerships and Societal Impact, and Prof Chris Viljoen, the Head of the School of Biomedical Sciences, before the lecture.

UFS-NGS team members with Prof. Martin Nyaga at his inauguration ceremony at the University of the Free State. Left to right: Ms. Palesa Tsunke, Ms. Mbali Ncube, Ms. Joyce Tshiswaka, Ms. Hlengiwe Sondlane, Dr. Emmanuel Ogunbayo, Prof. Martin Nyaga, Ms. Somila Nazo, Dr. Milton Mogotsi, Ms. Thabisa Mpaxa, Ms. Eyong Manyi Marcelle.

Dr. Milton Mogotsi with Prof. Martin Nyaga at his inauguration ceremony at the University of the Free State.

Dr. Emmanuel Ogunbayo shares a celebratory moment with Prof. Martin Nyaga at his inauguration ceremony.