The FHS Writing Lab team, 2026The Writing Lab team (from left): Juandre Makaka, Dr Natashia Muna, Thando Kubheka, Michelle Hannington, Taahira Goolam Hoosen, Dr Benson Mudiwa (past consultant, April 2026), Christianah Taye Kehinde.
Interested in joining the team? Our annual recruitment starts from August. We recruit postgraduate consultants with backgrounds in the health sciences.  Contact us or see Events & Opportunities

Dr Natashia MunaDr Natashia Muna (PhD) Senior Lecturer; Director of the Writing LabI am a Senior Lecturer and have been the Coordinator of the Faculty of Health Sciences Writing Lab since its establishment in 2015.

My background is in science, and I have a BSc (hons) in Biodiversity and Zoology, and an MSc and PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology. During my PhD I worked as a part-time student consultant at the upper campus Writing Centre, and what I learnt in that role profoundly impacted the trajectory of my career. I decided to leave the laboratory, and took up the position of Coordinator of the Faculty of Health Sciences Writing Lab.

Since making the transition into an educational space, my research has broadly focused on the integrated literacies required for learning within scientific contexts, with a special interest in multimodal social semiotics and, more especially, visual literacy. My work with colleagues in this area has explored the literacy practices critical to undergraduate science student success, the challenges students experience in acquiring multimodal scientific literacy, and how the acquisition of multimodal disciplinary knowledge and practices can be enabled within curriculum contexts.

More recently, I have also established a research interest in how students' authorial identity development can be enabled within an African health sciences context. The goal for research in this area is to deepen our understanding of the role that identity development plays in student access and success within academia, and how identity development can be enabled through academic literacy practices.

Taahira Goolam HoosenTaahira Goolam Hoosen (MSc (Med); PGCE; PhD Candidate) Health Sciences Educator; Academic Literacies SpecialistI am currently a Lecturer in the Department of Health Sciences Education, having completed the New Generation of Academics Programme (nGAP). My primary focus is supporting academic literacies development in the Faculty and my main interest is supporting postgraduate students. My educational qualifications in the Biomedical Sciences (BSc (UKZN); BSc (Med) Hons: Human Genetics (UCT); MSc (Med) Haematology (UCT)) and Education (PGCE: Biology (UCT)) have allowed me to have insider disciplinary knowledge for scientific academic literacies development. I have also worked in various UCT student support areas such as the Student Housing & Residence Life Division (as a subwarden, and then as the Co-ordinator of Academic Development Programmes for the Residence Academic Development Committee (RADC)) and as a monitoring and evaluating analyst and later a writing mentor and facilitator for the academic writing courses offered by CHED.

My teaching philosophy draws on a transformative literacies approach, empowering students to become responsible scholars through portraying authentic and confident identities and voice development within their discipline. My research interests include postgraduate academic literacies and pedagogy, corpus linguistics and authorial voice development and pedagogy in the sciences, which is the focus of my PhD. I now also teach on CHED's suite of postgraduate courses and was part of the Transforming Journeys project and the Writing for Postgraduate Completion Programme (WfPC) at FHS. I also offer weekly Writers' Circles and Shut Up & Write sessions (read more about that under Writing Spaces). I am a mother to an angel and love the finer, yet simple things in life. In 2018, I was voted one of Mail & Guardian's Top 200 Young South Africans for my novel work in the Education and non-profit sector.

Our academic and research writing consultants

Christianah Taye KehindeMPharm; PhD Candidate

I hold a Master of Pharmacy degree from the University of the Western Cape, where I received a distinction grade for my interdisciplinary programme in Computational Pharmacology and Bioinformatics. In the programme, I explored the effects of mutations on selected enzyme variants with a particular drug. I am currently pursuing a PhD in Computational Omics and Biomedical Sciences at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences.

My passion for writing started early, inspired by my father's life stories. Over time, I have authored five books, including two poetry anthologies. I believe writing is a powerful tool to impact the world and document events for future generations. As such, I encourage others to document their experiences and express their thoughts in written words. I firmly believe that the faintest pen is more powerful than the sharpest memory. In addition to writing, I am an avid reader and consistently pursue growth, impact, and all-around development, making every day count.

Michelle HanningtonMSc OT; PhD Candidate

I am a Senior Clinical Educator in the Division of Occupational Therapy (OT) at UCT. I completed my undergraduate and master's degrees in OT at Wits. In 2020, I enrolled in the PGDip in Health Sciences Education, and since then I have had a love and passion for all things health professions education (HPE). I am currently completing my PhD through UCT, which is focused on developing a philosophy of assessment for OT educators, that is rooted in our profession and context. I am passionate about learning and contributing towards decolonizing curriculum within South Africa. When I look at the students in my classes, I feel excited about the future of our country.

I have always loved reading and writing, and spend my free time reading when I am not with my husband and two young boys. My approach to supporting students in their academic literacy is to focus on the journey and continual growth that this demands and assist them in being able to share their thoughts and ideas in a way that is both scholarly and uniquely theirs.

My research interests are focused on all aspects of assessment, specifically around the development of valid and authentic assessment that does not require all students to fit one mould. I also have an interest in understanding how educators and students together can co-create learning spaces that are conducive to learning and acknowledge previously silenced stories.

"You don't have to see where you're going, you don't have to see your destination or everything you will pass along the way. You just have to see two or three feet ahead of you." – Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird

Thando KubhekaBSc Hons; PhD Candidate

I am currently an MSc student in the Division of Haematology. My research interests lie in understanding the role of a microRNA on gene regulation within HIV-associated aggressive B-cell lymphomas. My research aims to better understand the molecular mechanisms driving these complex diseases, with the potential to pave the way for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Beyond the lab, I am an avid reader and writer, always exploring new ideas and perspectives. My enthusiasm for storytelling and clear communication motivates me to help others express their ideas with clarity and impact. I am dedicated to fostering a supportive environment where every writer feels empowered to convey their unique voice.

I believe that writing is not merely a form of communication but a gateway to deeper understanding and impact. As the saying goes, "Knowledge is power, but communication is the key to unlocking it." This belief motivates me to create an environment where ideas can thrive and be shared with purpose.

Juandre MakakaBSc Hons; PhD Candidate

Part teacher, part your biggest writing cheerleader! I am passionate about helping writers (or people who are forced to be writers) untangle their thoughts and turn ideas into sentences that create pretty pictures in the mind. I am currently doing my Master's in Chemical Biology, where I love translating complex concepts into something even your "ouma" would understand. Outside the Writing Lab, you'll find me collecting pretty notebooks I'm too scared to write in, playing in the lab with microorganisms, reading a thick juicy novel, rearranging playlists instead of paragraphs, and insisting that writing is 80% thinking, 20% snacks.

Lenschen Greyling BSc Hons; MPH Candidate

I am a current Master of Public Health student at the School of Public Health at UCT. I did my honours in anatomy at Stellenbosch University and pursued my undergrad in human physiology, genetics and psychology at the University of Pretoria. I am passionate about all things women and LGBTQIA+ related, including health and human rights. My master's is focused on the impact of long surgical waiting lists for gender-affirming surgery on trans and gender-diverse wellbeing.

My love for writing was born out of my love for reading. I was a quiet child with a vivid imagination and would often be found with my nose buried in a book or writing stories. As I grew older, I developed a love for science and mathematics. However, I was always frustrated at how difficult concepts and ideas were being communicated. During my honours year, I got the opportunity to create anatomical illustrations alongside my project. This led to a keen interest in scientific communication and specifically combining visual storytelling with academic writing. I'm a firm believer that academic writing and scientific communication needs to be accessible, digestible and relatable.

When I am not playing researcher, I am often found playing guitar, listening to music, drawing or sipping a coffee in a cozy corner and reading a book.

Nthabiseng LetsatsiBHSc Hons; MPH Candidate

I'm currently completing an MPH at the University of Cape Town. Before that, I completed a BSc in Life and Environmental Sciences, majoring in Physiology and Biochemistry, followed by a BHSc (Hons) in Health Systems Science. My academic journey has given me an appreciation for both the biological and social dimensions of health, and my research interests include health systems, adolescent and women's health, and sexual and reproductive health and rights.

As a Writing Lab Consultant, I enjoy creating a collaborative space where students can think through their ideas, strengthen their arguments and build confidence in their academic writing. I believe that good writing begins with clear thinking, so I enjoy helping writers untangle complex ideas and communicate them in a way that is both clear and engaging, while staying true to their own voice. Outside of academia, you will usually find me with a paintbrush in hand, exploring nature, or chasing a beautiful sunset with my camera roll. I find beauty in everyday moments and can't resist taking photos of colourful skies, flowers, or interesting landscapes.

For me, writing is more than producing an assignment — it's about making ideas accessible, asking meaningful questions, and creating opportunities for knowledge to make an impact. Whether you are starting with a blank page or polishing your final draft, I am excited to support you on your writing journey.

Jabulisile MthethwaBMed Sci (Hons); PhD Candidate

I am a PhD candidate in Chemical Pathology with an academic background in Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology. While I enjoy laboratory research, my favourite part of academia is the opportunity to teach, learn, and write. I believe every draft is an opportunity for growth and a chance to refine ideas, strengthen arguments, and become a more effective communicator. As Phil Collins wisely said, "In learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn," a quote that perfectly reflects my approach to both science and mentorship. Another thing I enjoy about doing research is uncovering the story hidden within the literature, making sense of data, and transforming complex ideas into clear, engaging scientific writing.

Outside the lab, I enjoy recharging at a silent book club, hiking, or unwinding by the beach with a great book or audiobook.