Connecting Clinical Research Capability Across South Africa
What is the Consortium?
MERCLINCO is driving the development of a consortium of independent clinical research sites across South Africa.
The consortium brings together sites with different investigator expertise, therapeutic capabilities, geographic reach and access to patient populations, creating a broader and more coordinated clinical research offering.
Through MERCLINCO, Sponsors and CROs have a coordinated point of access to this capability. Participating sites retain their clinical and operational independence.
Why Connect Research Capability?
Across South Africa, established research sites operate within different communities, therapeutic areas and patient populations. Together, they represent significant clinical research capability.
For Sponsors and CROs, accessing that capability can involve multiple relationships, separate feasibility processes and coordination across different research environments. The consortium creates a more coordinated way to access participating sites, investigators and patient populations.
MERCLINCO’s Role
MERCLINCO acts as the driving and coordinating force behind the consortium, providing a central interface between participating sites and Sponsors and CROs.
- Identifying opportunities and positioning South African research capability locally and internationally
- Engaging with Sponsors and CROs
- Coordinating feasibility by matching study opportunities with appropriate sites, investigators and patient populations
- Coordinating study contracts, budgets and related financial negotiations
- Supporting quality improvement, regulatory readiness and audit readiness
- Facilitating communication, shared expertise and collaboration across participating sites
Independent sites. Coordinated delivery.
Each participating site retains responsibility for its Principal Investigator and clinical oversight, ethics approvals, regulatory responsibilities, staff, site operations and study responsibilities.
MERCLINCO coordinates the commercial and collaborative framework around each opportunity, including Sponsor and CRO engagement, feasibility, contracts and budgets. This model brings together the agility and expertise of independent research sites with coordinated access and engagement.
Our Network & Experience
Our network brings together 14+ sites across five provinces, collectively representing 500+ clinical trials and diverse patient populations.
At the Middelburg site, recruitment has ranged from tens to more than 1,400 participants in individual studies.
Meet the Team
Meet the people involved in developing and coordinating the consortium.
Dr Mohammed Siddique Tayob
Founder & President | MERCLINCO
Middelburg, Mpumalanga, South Africa
Dr Mohammed Siddique Tayob is the Founder and President of MERCLINCO, a well-established clinical research organisation based in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, South Africa. A qualified medical doctor with more than 35 years of experience in healthcare and over 25 years in clinical research, Dr Tayob brings extensive expertise in clinical trial operations, healthcare development and strategic leadership.
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Since establishing Mzansi Ethical Research Centre in 2000, Dr Tayob has played a pivotal role in developing clinical research capabilities in South Africa. Under his leadership, the Middelburg research site has conducted more than 300 clinical trials across various therapeutic areas, including infectious diseases, vaccines, respiratory conditions and chronic diseases.
His leadership extends internationally, having previously served as Managing Director of MeDiNova across South Africa, Russia, Asia and the Middle East. His contributions to clinical research have earned international recognition, including the Society for Clinical Research Sites (SCRS) Global Site Patient Recruitment Innovation Awards in both 2015 and 2019.
Beyond clinical research, Dr Tayob is an accomplished healthcare entrepreneur and advocate for skills development, having established medical facilities, healthcare initiatives and training institutions. His contributions have also been recognised through the Legatum Africa Awards and South Africa’s Premier SMME Business of the Year Award.
Through MERCLINCO, Dr Tayob continues to champion high-quality, patient-centred clinical research, strategic collaboration and the development of sustainable research capacity, with a vision to strengthen South Africa’s position as a leading destination for international clinical trials.
Dr Ayesha Cassim Bassa
Principal Investigator | MERCLINCO
Middelburg, Mpumalanga, South Africa
Dr Ayesha Cassim Bassa is a highly experienced medical specialist and Clinical Trials Investigator at MERCLINCO, based in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, South Africa. With more than 35 years of experience in healthcare and over 25 years in clinical research, Dr Bassa brings extensive medical expertise, clinical leadership and a strong commitment to advancing high-quality, patient-centred research.
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A qualified Family Medicine and Sports Medicine specialist, Dr Bassa holds postgraduate qualifications across several disciplines, including occupational health, tropical medicine, HIV/AIDS, dermatology and diabetes. Her multidisciplinary medical background provides a strong foundation for conducting clinical trials across a broad range of therapeutic areas.
Since 2000, Dr Bassa has played a key leadership role in Mzansi Ethical Research Centre, contributing to the development of an internationally recognised clinical research site. Her research team’s achievements include the Society for Clinical Research Sites (SCRS) Global Site Patient Recruitment Innovation Awards in 2015 and 2019.
Beyond clinical research, Dr Bassa serves in leadership roles across medical, occupational health and community healthcare initiatives. She is also actively involved in healthcare development and professional empowerment through Bambanani Enterprise Development, supporting opportunities for emerging healthcare professionals.
Through MERCLINCO, Dr Bassa continues to champion ethical clinical research, scientific excellence and participant well-being, combining her broad medical expertise with a passion for improving healthcare access and strengthening South Africa’s contribution to global clinical research.
Dr Gwendoline Itumeleng Kutu
Principal Investigator | MERCLINCO
Middelburg, Mpumalanga, South Africa
Dr Gwendoline Itumeleng Kutu is a medical doctor and Principal Investigator at MERCLINCO, a well-established clinical research organisation based in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, South Africa. She holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), as well as a Bachelor of Science in Medical Science, both from the University of Pretoria.
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Dr Kutu gained valuable clinical experience through her medical internship at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, followed by community service in the Greater Taung Subdistrict and medical work with Ndovu Care Group in Limpopo. Her background has provided her with experience in patient care across different healthcare environments and communities.
Since joining MERCLINCO in September 2024, Dr Kutu has become involved in clinical trial operations, including the site’s large-scale tuberculosis vaccine research programme. Her involvement in this programme has provided exposure to clinical research coordination, participant management and the operational requirements of vaccine trials.
With training in Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Dr Kutu brings a strong commitment to ethical research conduct, participant safety and the delivery of reliable clinical data.
As part of MERCLINCO’s multidisciplinary research team, Dr Kutu is committed to developing her expertise as a clinical investigator, contributing to high-quality clinical research and supporting greater access to innovative medical treatments for communities in South Africa.
Dr Makaziwe Mtongana
Sub-Investigator | MERCLINCO
Middelburg, Mpumalanga, South Africa
Dr Makaziwe Mtongana is a medical doctor and Sub-Investigator at MERCLINCO, based in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, South Africa. A graduate of the University of Cape Town, where she obtained her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) in 2022, Dr Mtongana brings a strong clinical foundation, a commitment to patient-centred care and a growing interest in clinical research.
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Dr Mtongana completed her medical internship at Leratong Hospital in Gauteng, gaining experience across multiple disciplines, including internal medicine, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, surgery, orthopaedics and emergency medicine. She subsequently completed her community service at All Saints Hospital in the Eastern Cape, providing comprehensive medical care to rural and underserved communities.
Her broad clinical exposure has equipped her with valuable experience in patient assessment, diagnosis, clinical documentation, emergency care and multidisciplinary healthcare delivery. She has also completed training in Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support.
Alongside her role at MERCLINCO, Dr Mtongana practises at Bambanani Medical Centre, contributing to accessible, community-focused healthcare services.
As she begins her career in clinical research, Dr Mtongana brings a fresh perspective, strong clinical skills and a commitment to ethical, evidence-based medicine. She is passionate about contributing to high-quality clinical trials and improving access to innovative healthcare solutions in South Africa.
Dr Zwakele Mchiza
Sub-Investigator | MERCLINCO
Middelburg, Mpumalanga, South Africa
Dr Zwakele Mchiza is a medical doctor and Clinical Trials Sub-Investigator at MERCLINCO, based in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, South Africa. A graduate of the University of Cape Town, where he obtained his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) in 2023, Dr Mchiza brings a strong clinical foundation, a commitment to patient-centred healthcare and a growing interest in clinical research.
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Dr Mchiza completed his medical internship at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, gaining experience across multiple disciplines, including internal medicine, paediatrics, general surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, psychiatry, emergency medicine and anaesthesia. He subsequently completed his community service at Schweizer-Reneke District Hospital, providing comprehensive medical care to rural and underserved communities.
His clinical experience includes managing acute and chronic medical conditions, emergency and trauma care, maternal healthcare and mental health services. He has a particular interest in improving access to mental healthcare, especially within underserved communities. He has also completed training in Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Paediatric Advanced Life Support.
Alongside his role at MERCLINCO, Dr Mchiza practises at Bambanani Medical Centre, contributing to accessible, community-focused healthcare services.
As he begins his career in clinical research, Dr Mchiza brings valuable clinical experience, a strong commitment to ethical medical practice and a passion for improving healthcare outcomes. Through MERCLINCO, he aims to contribute to high-quality clinical trials and expand access to innovative treatments for communities in South Africa.
Dr Yacoob A.K. Vahed
Principal Investigator | Welkom Clinical Trial Centre
Welkom, Free State, South Africa
Dr Yacoob A.K. Vahed is an experienced medical doctor and Principal Investigator at Welkom Clinical Trial Centre, based in Welkom, Free State, South Africa. With more than 30 years of experience in clinical medicine and over 18 years in clinical research, Dr Vahed brings extensive expertise in the conduct of international clinical trials and a strong commitment to advancing patient-centred healthcare.
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Dr Vahed obtained his medical degree (MBBCh) from the University of the Witwatersrand in 1993, following a Bachelor of Science from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and an Honours degree from the University of Cape Town. He has practised as a general medical practitioner since 1995 and has been actively involved in clinical research since 2008.
Throughout his research career, Dr Vahed has served as Principal Investigator on numerous Phase II and Phase III clinical trials across a broad range of therapeutic areas, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, dermatology and osteoarthritis.
His extensive research portfolio includes paediatric and adult respiratory studies, vaccine development programmes and investigations into emerging treatments for infectious and chronic diseases. His experience across diverse patient populations and complex study protocols provides a strong foundation for delivering high-quality clinical research.
Through Welkom Clinical Trial Centre, Dr Vahed continues to contribute to international clinical research, combining his longstanding medical experience with a commitment to ethical research conduct, participant safety and the generation of reliable clinical data.
As part of the broader clinical research consortium, Dr Vahed brings established investigator expertise, diverse therapeutic experience and valuable research capacity in the Free State, strengthening South Africa’s ability to participate in global clinical trials.
Dr Sydney Langelihle Sibiya
Principal Investigator | Health Equity Research Institute
Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Dr Sydney Langelihle Sibiya is an experienced medical doctor and Principal Investigator at the Health Equity Research Institute, based in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. With more than 30 years of experience in clinical medicine and over 15 years in clinical research, Dr Sibiya brings extensive expertise in patient care, clinical trial delivery and research ethics.
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Dr Sibiya obtained his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 1991. He holds a Master of Philosophy in Applied Biomedical Ethics from Stellenbosch University, together with postgraduate qualifications in occupational health, HIV management and child health. He has also completed advanced management training through the University of Manchester and research ethics training through Utrecht University.
Since entering clinical research in 2009, Dr Sibiya has served in both Principal Investigator and Sub-Investigator roles across several international clinical trials, with particular experience in HIV prevention, women’s reproductive health, contraceptive research and vaccine studies.
His research portfolio includes the internationally recognised ECHO contraceptive study, the FACTS 001 HIV prevention trial and studies evaluating innovative HIV prevention technologies. More recently, he has served as Principal Investigator on a Phase III respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine trial involving pregnant women living with HIV and their infants.
Alongside his research responsibilities, Dr Sibiya has maintained a longstanding career in general medical practice, contributing to the delivery of healthcare services within the Ladysmith community.
Through the Health Equity Research Institute, Dr Sibiya continues to champion ethical, patient-centred clinical research, combining his medical expertise with a strong understanding of research governance, participant protection and the importance of expanding access to clinical trials in underserved communities.
Dr Philisiwe Busisiwe Makhoba
Principal Investigator & Sub-Investigator | Health Equity Research Institute
Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Dr Philisiwe Busisiwe Makhoba is an experienced medical doctor and clinical investigator at the Health Equity Research Institute, based in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. With over 15 years of experience in healthcare and nearly a decade in clinical research, Dr Makhoba brings extensive expertise in infectious diseases, vaccine research and the conduct of international clinical trials.
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Dr Makhoba obtained her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from the University of Cape Town in 2009. She subsequently completed postgraduate diplomas in Anaesthetics through the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa and Occupational Health through the University of KwaZulu-Natal, both in 2016.
Since entering clinical research in 2017, Dr Makhoba has contributed to numerous Phase I, II and III clinical trials, serving in both Principal Investigator and Sub-Investigator roles. Her research experience spans HIV prevention and treatment, tuberculosis vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines, respiratory infections and women’s health.
Her research portfolio includes major international programmes such as HVTN HIV vaccine studies, the Sisonke COVID-19 vaccine programme, long-acting HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis studies involving lenacapavir, and the Gates MRI-TBV02-301 tuberculosis vaccine trial. These programmes have provided valuable experience in complex study protocols, participant safety and research involving diverse patient populations.
Prior to her clinical research career, Dr Makhoba worked as a medical officer in the public healthcare sector, developing a strong clinical foundation and an understanding of healthcare delivery within South African communities.
Through the Health Equity Research Institute, Dr Makhoba remains committed to ethical, high-quality clinical research, advancing innovative prevention strategies and improving access to potentially life-changing medical interventions for underserved populations.
Dr Jennifer Frances Rosa
General Manager & Medical Director | Clinresco Centers
Kempton Park, Johannesburg, South Africa
Dr Jennifer Frances Rosa is the General Manager and Medical Director of Clinresco Centers, an established clinical research site based in Kempton Park, Johannesburg, South Africa. With over a decade of experience in clinical medicine and seven years in clinical research, Dr Rosa combines medical expertise, operational leadership and a strong commitment to advancing high-quality, patient-centred clinical trials.
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Dr Rosa obtained her medical degree (MBBCh) from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2012, followed by postgraduate qualifications in Family Medicine and HIV Management. Her clinical background includes experience in internal medicine, emergency medicine and general medical practice, providing a strong foundation for her work in clinical research.
Since joining Clinresco Centers in 2019, Dr Rosa has served as Principal Investigator on numerous international Phase II and Phase III clinical trials. Her extensive research portfolio spans gastroenterology, rheumatology, dermatology, respiratory medicine, infectious diseases, vaccines, metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disease.
Her clinical research experience includes studies investigating Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, COPD, diabetes, obesity-related metabolic conditions and innovative vaccine therapies. She has also contributed to published research evaluating emerging treatments for COVID-19.
Appointed General Manager and Medical Director in 2024, Dr Rosa provides both clinical and operational leadership, supporting the delivery of complex clinical trials while maintaining high standards of participant safety, scientific integrity and data quality.
Through Clinresco Centers, Dr Rosa continues to champion a collaborative approach to clinical research, connecting experienced investigators, diverse patient populations and international research partners to advance medical innovation and improve healthcare outcomes.
Dr Elaine Saayman
Clinical & Research Director | Sediba Hope Medical Centre
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Dr Elaine Saayman is an experienced medical doctor, clinical researcher and public health professional serving as Clinical and Research Director at Sediba Hope Medical Centre in Pretoria, South Africa. With more than a decade of experience in healthcare and clinical research, she brings extensive expertise in infectious diseases, public health research and the development of innovative, community-centred healthcare solutions.
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Dr Saayman graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from the University of Pretoria in 2011. She subsequently obtained a Diploma in HIV Management and a Master of Public Health, magna cum laude, from Johns Hopkins University, where she also completed a Global Health Certificate in 2024.
Since joining Sediba Hope Medical Centre in 2015, Dr Saayman has played a leading role in developing and implementing clinical research programmes focused on HIV prevention and treatment, hepatitis B and C, harm reduction, substance use disorders and healthcare access for underserved populations.
Her research experience includes serving as Principal Investigator, Sub-Investigator and Clinical Lead across several internationally supported research initiatives, including HIV prevention programmes, COVID-19 vaccine research, hepatitis C treatment interventions and studies evaluating innovative approaches to healthcare delivery.
Beyond clinical research, Dr Saayman has contributed to numerous scientific publications, research presentations and public health initiatives. Her work has received international recognition, including a Gilead Research Scholars Award in Public Health, and she actively contributes to professional training, research review and health systems strengthening.
Through Sediba Hope Medical Centre, Dr Saayman continues to champion equitable access to healthcare, ethical clinical research and innovative public-private partnerships that connect vulnerable communities with quality medical services and emerging treatment opportunities.
Dr Jessica Fryer
Principal Investigator | Meditrial
Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Dr Jessica Fryer is a medical doctor and Principal Investigator at Meditrial, based in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. With a strong background in clinical medicine and experience conducting clinical trials for international pharmaceutical companies, Dr Fryer brings valuable expertise in patient care, clinical research and the delivery of high-quality, ethical medical studies.
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Dr Fryer obtained her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from the University of Pretoria in 2018, graduating with an academic average exceeding 80%. She subsequently completed her medical internship at the Pietermaritzburg Hospital Complex and her community service at Emmaus Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal.
Her clinical experience spans a broad range of medical disciplines, including emergency medicine, obstetrics, anaesthesia, infectious and non-communicable diseases, inpatient and outpatient care, and minor surgical procedures. This diverse background has provided her with a strong foundation in patient assessment, clinical decision-making and multidisciplinary healthcare delivery.
Dr Fryer began her clinical research career in 2022 at the Limpopo Clinical Research Initiative in Thabazimbi, where she worked as a Clinical Research Physician. In August 2024, she joined Meditrial as Principal Investigator, further developing her experience in the conduct and oversight of clinical trials for international pharmaceutical companies.
Through her role at Meditrial, Dr Fryer is committed to advancing patient-centred clinical research, maintaining high standards of participant safety and data quality, and contributing to the development of innovative medical treatments.
As part of the broader clinical research consortium, Dr Fryer brings clinical expertise, established research experience and additional research capacity in KwaZulu-Natal, supporting South Africa’s continued participation in international clinical trials.
Dr Kathleen Coetzee
Principal Investigator & Director | Paarl Research Centre
Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa
Dr Kathleen Coetzee is an experienced medical doctor, Principal Investigator and Director of Paarl Research Centre, a multidisciplinary clinical research facility based in Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa. With more than 23 years of experience in clinical research, Dr Coetzee brings extensive expertise in the conduct of international clinical trials, particularly those focused on chronic diseases and lifestyle-related medical conditions.
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Dr Coetzee obtained her medical degree (MBChB) from Stellenbosch University, where she also completed a Bachelor of Science in Physiology and an Honours degree in Pharmacology. Her strong academic foundation in medicine, physiology and pharmacology has supported her longstanding career in clinical research and pharmaceutical development.
She began her clinical research career in 2003 at TREAD Research Centre, based at Tygerberg Hospital, where she gained extensive experience in clinical trial conduct. In 2007, she established her role as Principal Investigator and Director of Paarl Research Centre, contributing to the development of a dedicated multidisciplinary research facility.
Her research expertise spans a broad range of therapeutic areas, including type 2 diabetes, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, obesity, gout and COVID-19 treatment. She has also contributed to clinical research through her involvement with the Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology and Cape Town Medical Research Centre.
Through Paarl Research Centre, Dr Coetzee continues to advance high-quality, patient-centred clinical research, combining her extensive investigator experience with a commitment to scientific integrity, participant safety and the development of innovative treatments for chronic diseases.
As part of the broader clinical research consortium, Dr Coetzee brings established investigator expertise and valuable research capacity in the Western Cape, strengthening the consortium’s capabilities in cardiovascular, metabolic and chronic disease research.
Dr Kamaludin Ashtiker
Sub-Investigator & General Practitioner | Ashmed Clinical Research Centre
Athlone, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Dr Kamaludin Ashtiker is a medical doctor, General Practitioner and Clinical Trials Sub-Investigator at Ashmed Clinical Research Centre, based in Athlone, Cape Town, South Africa. With a strong background in general medical practice and growing experience in clinical research, Dr Ashtiker brings valuable expertise in patient care, community healthcare and the delivery of high-quality clinical studies.
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Dr Ashtiker obtained his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from Stellenbosch University. He subsequently completed his medical internship at Tygerberg Hospital, followed by community service at Vanguard Community Healthcare Clinic in Cape Town, gaining valuable experience in clinical medicine and the healthcare needs of diverse patient populations.
Since joining Ashmed Medi Centre in 2021, Dr Ashtiker has combined his responsibilities as a General Practitioner with his developing career in clinical research. As a Sub-Investigator, he contributes to the clinical assessment and management of study participants, supporting ethical research conduct, participant safety and protocol adherence.
Ashmed Clinical Research Centre operates from an established multidisciplinary medical facility with access to a patient database of approximately 20,000 individuals. The centre has experience supporting international pharmaceutical studies across cardiovascular, metabolic and other therapeutic areas, with established referral relationships across surrounding healthcare facilities.
Working alongside an experienced Principal Investigator and a growing multidisciplinary research team, Dr Ashtiker is committed to expanding his clinical research expertise and contributing to the development of sustainable research capacity.
Through Ashmed Clinical Research Centre, Dr Ashtiker supports the advancement of patient-centred clinical research, helping connect diverse communities in the Western Cape with opportunities to participate in innovative medical studies.
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