NRF Youth Month 2025: Vuyisani Michael Rabela

The NRF supports the growth of the next generation of researchers and scholars to sustain South Africa’s knowledge enterprise. June is Youth Month, and this year the NRF is celebrating the youth who are shaping tomorrow through research today. We thank all participants for sharing their stories with us.

Mr Vuyisani Michael Rabela is a PhD student in Biochemistry at Rhodes University. He received funding from the NRF for his Master’s and PhD studies.

How did your journey start?

From a young age, I was captivated by science, particularly the mysteries of the human body and how diseases affect it. Growing up in a small community, I witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of disease. I saw someone I admired succumb to diabetes and another lady to cancer, which deepened my desire to pursue science in a way that could address these challenges. My passion for combining chemistry and biology began even before I knew biochemistry was a field of study, though at the time, I didn’t have the resources to pursue research.

Driven by this passion, I pursued a BSc in Chemistry and Biochemistry at North-West University. This journey was followed by an Honours degree in Biochemistry, where I explored the effects of cannabidiol on prostate cancer cells. My MSc in Medical Physiology at Stellenbosch University focused on cardiometabolic diseases. Now, as a PhD candidate at Rhodes University, I am working on establishing novel African cell models for drug-resistant female cancers.

My academic journey has been shaped by a desire to understand disease mechanisms and contribute to improving health outcomes through science, even though I never envisioned exactly where it would take me as a child. Each academic step has been shaped by a blend of curiosity, mentorship, and a growing passion for research with real-world impact.

How has your affiliation with the NRF impacted your studies/career?

I have had the privilege to receive NRF postgraduate funding during my MSc (under grant holder-linked) and currently during my PhD studies (also under grant holder-linked). These scholarships have been instrumental not just financially, but in validating my role as a contributor to the broader research community. The NRF support enabled me to focus on my studies and research without the constant pressure of financial insecurity.

Personally, the funding allowed me to relocate and access better research infrastructure and collaborate with leading researchers in my field. Professionally, the NRF’s support has opened doors to national and regional conferences, training opportunities, and the chance to contribute to cutting-edge research in cardiometabolic diseases and cancer biology. The impact of this support extends beyond my own career — it is shaping a research agenda that seeks to improve African health outcomes using African-derived solutions, ‘’drug discovery in Africa for Africans.’’

What is your research focus/ what is your area of expertise?

My current research focuses on establishing and characterising novel cancer cell lines from advanced cervical cancer biopsies and developing drug-resistant triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) models from well-established cell lines. These models are then screened with novel cancer compound inhibitors from medicinal plants to assess their anticancer potential.

For cervical cancer, I aim to establish novel cell lines from patient biopsies, addressing the scarcity of African-derived cervical cancer models. In collaboration with Inqaba biotechnology, I will perform mutational profiling by sequencing 10 primary cervical carcinoma samples using Cancer Screen 100 gene panel.

For TNBC, I will use commercially available cell lines to induce resistance to standard chemotherapeutic agents. The effect of selected natural products will then be evaluated in close collaboration with the Department of Chemistry at Rhodes University, the Department of Chemistry at Tshwane University of Technology, and other partnering institutions.

Rather than attempting to reverse drug resistance, my project evaluates how natural products can impact resistant cancer cells, focusing on pathways like apoptosis, autophagy, molecular chaperones, drug transporters, and drug-metabolising enzymes. This research is crucial, as resistance to frontline therapies in female cancers is a growing challenge, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where unique disease profiles and genetic backgrounds are underrepresented in global research.

How is your research helping to shape a better future?

By developing African-derived cancer cell models and screening them with natural products, my research directly addresses the underrepresentation of African biological data in cancer drug discovery. This could lead to more effective, affordable, and accessible treatments tailored to our populations.

Moreover, the use of medicinal plants aligns with traditional knowledge systems, integrating them into evidence-based science. This fosters a sustainable, culturally relevant approach to health and innovation. In the long term, my work contributes to diversifying global cancer models and therapeutic options while building capacity for African-led research in oncology.

Being a young researcher often means juggling numerous responsibilities and expectations. How do you stay motivated and/or balanced?

Staying motivated stems from the purpose behind my work – I know that each small step I take in the lab could one day contribute to saving lives. I also stay grounded through time with my children, whose smiles remind me of the future I’m helping to shape. Balancing the demands of research, mentoring, and parenting isn’t easy, but I’ve learned to be intentional with my time, set realistic goals, and lean on a supportive network.

Regular reflection, mentorship, and small celebrations of progress keep me going, even during difficult periods. I also make room for activities that recharge me mentally and emotionally, like exercising, reading, and sharing science in ways that engage the broader community.

What has been your proudest achievement to date?

While I didn’t conceive the project I am currently working on, I am proud to share my research findings at national conferences such as the Physiological Society of Southern Africa (PSSA). Being able to contribute to scientific discourse and receiving feedback from experts is a rewarding part of my career.

I am also proud of how far I’ve come in my academic journey. Having the opportunity to present my results on a national stage is something I deeply value, as it signifies my growth as a researcher and my ability to contribute meaningfully to the scientific community.

Another proud moment was receiving funding from the NRF and other institutions despite coming from a non-traditional background. These milestones confirmed that hard work, resilience, and curiosity can bridge gaps and overcome barriers. Most importantly, I’m proud to contribute to science that could one day change how we treat cancer in Africa.

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