Empowering the Future: Meet the Master’s students of the SAWiSA DSTI–Dr. Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri Fellowship
The South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA) not only celebrates excellence among distinguished and emerging women scientists — it also paves the way for the next generation of innovators. Meet the brilliant doctoral candidates shaping the future of science in South Africa.
Ms Phelisa Ntayiya obtained a BEng in Computer Engineering in 2022 and is currently pursuing an MSc in Biomedical Engineering at UCT. Her research focuses on enhancing visualisation during cystoscopy procedures by addressing the issue of image misalignment. She is developing a wireless cystoscope equipped with a real-time orientation measurement and image correction system to improve the clarity of visual data during the detection of bladder tumours and cancers. This innovation seeks to improve diagnostic precision and clinical outcomes in bladder cancer screening, particularly in resource-constrained healthcare environments.
Her research contributes meaningfully to equitable access to high-quality diagnostics and represents a critical step toward the localisation of advanced medical technologies. Ms Ntayiya has demonstrated consistent academic and research excellence. In October 2024, she was named first runner-up at the Africa Health Exhibition's Cre8 Student Entrepreneurship Competition for her project on neuroendoscopy, which proposed innovative solutions to overcome image misalignment and limited visual access in minimally invasive brain procedures.
Her passion for endoscopy stems from its potential to revolutionise traditional surgery by reducing patient recovery time, enhancing diagnostic precision, and expanding access to care. Later this year, Ms Ntayiya will present her paper, "Wireless Cystoscope with Orientation Measurement and Image Correction System for Enhanced Image Alignment", at the International Union for Physical and Engineering Sciences in Medicine World Congress on Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering in Australia. Her work exemplifies engineering excellence with a powerful commitment to health equity and innovation.
