Tshepiso Jan Makhafola

Associate Professor in Health Sciences with extensive experience in interdisciplinary research, public health systems, and community-engaged scholarship. Proven track record in leading research initiatives addressing the intersection of human health, environmental sustainability, and socio-ecological systems. Demonstrated leadership in securing funding, supervising postgraduate students, and building collaborative networks. Passionate about advancing the Planetary Health agenda through transformative research, policy engagement, and capacity development.

• Jaqueline, du Toit, Prof, jackiedutoit@sun.ac.za, +27 21 808 3082, Lead Implementer (DHET National Collaboration Project: Future Professors Programme; Phase One)
• Zodwa, Dlamini, Prof, Zodwa.Dlamini@up.ac.za, +27 076 147 4878, Director: University of Pretoria’s Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI)
• David, Bates, Prof, David.Bates@nottingham.ac.uk, +44 0115 823 1135, Director and Head of Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, Professor of Oncology, Head of Cancer Biology, University of Nottingham (UK)
• L. J., McGaw, Prof, lvndy.McGaw@up.ac.za, +27 012 529 8525, Head: Phytomedicine Programme, University of Pretoria
• EE, Elgorashi, Dr, ElgorashiE@arc.agric.za, +27 012 529 9260, Head: Toxicology and Ethnoveterinary Medicine, ARC-OVI

• Frederick Jacobus Francois Jacobs, Eleanor Fourie, Emmanuel Mfotie Njoya, Tshepiso J. Makhafola, Alice Brink., 2026. Cytotoxicity and structural manipulations of biomimetic salicylidene based compounds Journal of Molecular Structure, Volume 1355, 2026,144973,ISSN 0022-2860
• Mfotie Njoya, E., Tabakam, G.T., Chukwuma, C.I. and Makhafola, T.J. 2025. Unveiling the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials of Gomphostigma virgatum and analyzing its phytochemical profile. Inflammopharmacology 33, 6915–6930 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-025-01986-6
• Mfotie Njoya, E.; Tabakam, G.T.; Chukwuma, C.I.; Makhafola, T.J. 2025. Buxus natalensis (Oliv.) Hutch (Buxaceae) Exhibits Its Anticancer Potential by Stimulating ROS Production and Caspase-p53-BCL-2-Dependent Apoptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Prostate Cancer Cell Lines. International. Jornal of . Molecular. Sciences. 2025, 26, 4173. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms2609417
• Tabakam, G.T.; Njoya, E.M.; Chukwuma, C.I.; Mashele, S.S.; Awouafack, M.D.; Makhafola, T.J. 2025. Therapeutic Potential of Natural Xanthones Against Prostate Adenocarcinoma: A Comprehensive Review of Research Trends During the Last Ten Years (2014–2024). Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18, 1197. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph1808119
• Nguekeu YMM, Fozeng HDS, Chukwuma CI, Hnin SYY, Hoang NN, Njoya EM, Ngouela SA, Tene M, Makhafola TJ, Morita H, Awouafack MD. 2025. New cerebrosides and ceramide with other constituents from the aerial parts of Raphidocystis mannii Hook. f. and their cytotoxic activities. J Nat Med. 2025 Mar;79(2):412-421. doi: 10.1007/s11418-024-01875-2. Epub 2025 Jan 19. PMID: 39827418.
• E Mfotie Njoya, H van Dyk, J Nambooze, CI Chukwuma, A Brink, TJ Makhafola, 2024.Insight into the molecular mechanism of anti-breast cancer therapeutic potential of substituted salicylidene-based compounds using cell-based assays and molecular docking studies, European Journal of Pharmacology,Volume 985, 177129
• Mariri, N. G., Mongalo, N. I., & Makhafola, T. J. (2024). The in vitro cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and LC-ToF-MS profiling of four South African plants with good antifungal activity. South African Journal of Botany, 174, 446-455.
• Mfotie Njoya, E., McGaw, L. J., & Makhafola, T. J. (2024). Investigating the Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Potentials of Cassinopsis ilicifolia (Hochst.) Kuntze Extract against Some Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Molecular Markers. Current Issues in Molecular Biology, 46(9), 9639-9658.
• Mfotie Njoya, E., Tabakam, G. T., Chukwuma, C. I., Mashele, S. S., & Makhafola, T. J. (2024). Phytoconstituents of Androstachys johnsonii Prain Prevent Reactive Oxygen Species Production and Regulate the Expression of Inflammatory Mediators in LPS-Stimulated RAW 264.7 Macrophages. Antioxidants, 13(4), 401. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13040401
• Mfotie Njoya, E, Ndemangou B, Akinyelu J, Munvera AM, Chukwuma CI, Mkounga P, Mashele SS, Makhafola TJ and McGaw LJ (2024). In vitro antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory effects and molecular docking studies of natural compounds isolated from Sarcocephalus pobeguinii (Hua ex Pobég). Frontiers in Pharmacology . 14:1205414. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1205414
• Izu, G.O., Mfotie Njoya, E., Tabakam, G.T., Nambooze, J., Outilek, K.P., Tsoeu, S.E., Fasiku, V.O., Adegoke, A.M., Erukainure, O.L., Mashele, S.S. and Makhafola, T.J., Mashele S.S., Sekhoacha M.P & Chukwuma C.I. 2024. Unravelling the Influence of Chlorogenic Acid on the Antioxidant Phytochemistry of Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) Fruit Peel. Antioxidants, 13(4), p.456.
• Sethlodi, R., Mashele, B., Izu, G.O. , Gbashi, S., Mashele, S.S., Susanna L. Bonnet, S.L., Makhafola, T.J. & Chukwuma, C.I. 2024. Modelling the Influence of Extraction Temperature on the Ellagitannin and Antioxidant Profiles of “Wonderful” Pomegranate Peel Using Advanced Chemometrics Analysis. Food Bioprocess Technol 17, 83–99 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11947-023-03104-2
• Mfotie Njoya, E, Ndemangou B, Akinyelu J, Munvera AM, Chukwuma CI, Mkounga P, Mashele SS, Makhafola TJ and McGaw LJ (2023). In vitro antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory effects and molecular docking studies of natural compounds isolated from Sarcocephalus pobeguinii (Hua ex Pobég). Frontiers in Pharmacology . 14:1205414. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1205414
• Van Dyk, H., Jacobs, F. J. F., Kroon, R. E., Makhafola, T. J., & Brink, A. 2023. Characterisation, structural investigations and biological activity of substituted salicylidene-based compounds. Journal of Molecular Structure, 1276, 134737.
• Matowane, G. R., Mashele, S. S., Makhafola, T. J., & Chukwuma, C. I. (2023). The ameliorative effect of zinc acetate with caffeic acid in the animal model of type 2 diabetes. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 163, 114779.
• Sako, K. B., Makhafola, T. J., Antonissen, R., Pieters, L., Verschaeve, L., & Elgorashi, E. E. (2023). Antioxidant, antimutagenic and antigenotoxic properties of Plectranthus species. South African Journal of Botany, 161, 113-125.
• Mariri, N. G., Dikhoba, P. M., Mongalo, N. I., & Makhafola, T. J. (2023). GC-ToF-MS Profiling and In Vitro Inhibitory Effects of Selected South African Plants against Important Mycotoxigenic Phytopathogens. Life, 13(8), 1660.
• Mfotie Njoya E, Maza HLD, Swain SS, Chukwuma CI, Mkonga P, Nguekeu Mba YM, Mashele SS, Makhafola TJ, McGaw LJ. 2023. Natural Compounds Isolated from African Mistletoes (Loranthaceae) Exert Anti-Inflammatory and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Potentials: In Vitro and In Silico Studies. Applied Sciences. 2023; 13(4):2606. https://doi.org/10.3390/app13042606
• Ramorobi , L.M., Matowane , G.R., Mashele, S.S. Ochoku L. Erukainure, Tshepiso J. Makhafola & Chika I. Chukwuma. 2023. Therapeutic Antidiabetic and Antioxidative Synergism of Zn(II)-Syringic Acid Complexation. Rev. Bras. Farmacogn. (2023). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjp.2023.00363-0
• Godfrey R Matowane, Limpho M Ramorobi, Samson S Mashele, Susanna L Bonnet, Anwar EM Noreljaeleel, Shasank S Swain, Tshepiso J Makhafola, Chika I Chukwuma. 2023. Novel Caffeic Acid-Zinc Acetate Complex: Studies on Promising Antidiabetic and Antioxidative Synergism Through Complexation. Medicinal Chemistry, Volume 19, Number 2, 2023, pp. 147-162(16)
• Molele, P. K., T. J. Makhafola, and N. I. Mongalo. 2023 "GC-ToF-MS based phytochemical analysis and anti-mycotoxicogenic activity of South African medicinal plants, Mystroxylon aethiopicum (Thunb.) Loes. and Spirostachys africana Sond." South African Journal of Botany 153 (2023): 11A20.
• Sethlodi, R., Mashele, B., Izu, G.O. Ghashi, S. Mashele, S.S. Bonnet, L.S. Makhafola, T.J. and Chukwuma, C.I. 2023. Modeling the Influence of Extraction Temperature on the Ellagitannin and Antioxidant Profiles of “Wonderful” Pomegranate Peel Using Advanced Chemometrics Analysis. Food Bioprocess Technol (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11947-023-03104-2
• Sethlodi, R., Mashele, B., Izu, G.O. Ghashi, S. Mashele, S.S. Bonnet, L.S. Makhafola, T.J. and Chukwuma, C.I. 2023. Effect of solvent extraction on the antioxidant and phytochemical profiles of ellagitannins from “wonderful” pomegranate peel: an advanced chemometrics analysis. European Food Research and Technology. 249,pages1807–1820 (2023)
• Elgorashi EE, Eldeen IMS, Makhafola TJ, Eloff JN, Verschaeve L. 2022. Genotoxic effects of Dukhan: A smoke bath from the wood of Acacia seyal used traditionally by Sudanese women. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2022;285:114886. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2021.114886
• Mbakazi Y., A. P. Kappo, O. S. Soyingbe, N. S. Nety, T. J. Makhafola, C. I. Chukwuma, M. P. Dikhoba, N. G. Mariri, and N. I. Mongalo. 2022. "GC-ToF-MS-based phytochemical analysis, in vitro antiproliferative effects, antioxidant, and antibacterial activity of Sarcophege sanguinea subsp. plicel (Hutch.) B. Hansen." South African Journal of Botany 150 (2022): 752-758.
• Akuru, E.A., Chukwuma, C.I., Oyegue, C.E., Erukainure, O.L., Mashele, B., Sethlodi, R., Mashele, S.S., Makhafola, T.J., Unuofin, J.O., Abifarin, T.O. and Mpendulo, T.C., 2022. Nutritional and phytochemical profile of pomegranate (‘Wonderful variety’) peel and its effects on hepatic oxidative stress and metabolic alterations. Journal of Food Biochemistry, 46(4), p.e13913.
• R Matowane, G, M Ramorobi, L, S Mashele, S, L Bonnet, S, E M Noreljaeleel, A, S Swain, S, J Makhafola, T., & I Chukwuma, C. 2022. Novel Caffeic Acid - Zinc Acetate Complex: Studies on Promising Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Synergism Through Complexation. Medicinal chemistry (Sharjah (United Arab Emirates)), 10.2174/1573406418666222060144601. Advance online publication.
• Matowane, Godfrey R., Limpho M. Ramorobi, Samson S. Mashele, Susanna L. Bonnet, Anwar EM Noreljaeleel, Shasank S. Swain, Tshepiso J. Makhafola, and Chika I. Chukwuma. 2022. "Complexation potentiated promising anti-diabetic and anti-oxidative synergism between Zn (ii) and ferulic acid: A multimode study." Diabetic Medicine 39, no. 9 (2022): e14905.
• Ramorobi, Limpho M., Godfrey R. Matowane, Samson S. Mashele, Susanna L. Bonnet, Anwar EM Noreljaeleel, Shasank S. Swain, Tshepiso J. Makhafola, and Chika I. Chukwuma. 2022. Bioactive synergism between zinc mineral and p-coumaric acid: A multi-mode glycemic control and antioxidative study." Journal of food biochemistry 46, no. 10 (2022): e14360.
• Ramorobi, Limpho M., Godfrey R. Matowane, Samson S. Mashele, Shasank S. Swain, Tshepiso J. Makhafola, H. Mfengu Wa Polo-Ma-Ablele, and Chika I. Chukwuma. 2022. "Zinc (II)–Syringic acid complexation synergistically exerts antioxidant action and modulates glucose uptake and utilization in L-6 myotubes and rat muscle tissue." Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy 154 (2022): 113600.
• Chukwuma CI, Izu GO, Chukwuma MS, Samson MS, Makhafola TJ, Erukainure OL. 2021. A review on the medicinal potential, toxicology, and phytochemistry of litchi fruit peel and seed. Journal of Food Biochemistry. 2021;45(12):e13997. doi:10.1111/jfbc.13997
• Dlamini, Z.; Mbele, M.; Makhafola, T.J.; Hull, R.; Marima, R. 2021. HIV-Associated Cancer Biomarkers: A Requirement for Early Diagnosis. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22, x. https://doi.org/10.3390/xxxxx
• Hull R, Lolas G, Makraggikas S, Jensen LD, Syrigos KN, Evangelou G, Padayachy L, Egbor C, Mehrotra R, Makhafola TJ, Oyomo M. 2021. Microbiomics in Collision with the Nervous System in Carcinogenesis: Diagnosis, Pathogenesis and Treatment. Microorganisms. 2021 Oct;9(10):2129.
• Tshane LSL, Mashele SS, Matowane GR, Bonnet SL, Makhafola TJ, Noreljaeleel AEM, Swain SS, Sekhoacha M, Chukwuma CI. 2021. Zinc(II) mineral increased the in vitro, cellular and ex vivo antihyperglycemic and antioxidative pharmacological profile of p-hydroxybenzoic acid upon complexation. Journal of Food Biochemistry. Feb;45(2):e13609. https://doi.org/10.1111/jfbc.13609
• M Oke, LM Ramorobi, SS Mashele, SL Bonnet, TJ Makhafola, KC Eze, AM Noreljaeleel, CI Chukwuma, Vanillic acid–Zn(II) complex: 2021 A novel complex with antihyperglycaemic and anti-oxidative activity, Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 2021:, rgab086, https://doi.org/10.1093/jpp/rgab086
• EA Akuru, CI Chukwuma, CE Oyegagu, OL Erukainure, B Mashele, R Sethlodi, SS Mashele, TJ Makhafola, JO Unuofin, TO Abifarin, TC Mpendulo. 2021. Nutritional and phytochemical profile of pomegranate (‘Wonderful variety’) peel and its effects on hepatic oxidative stress and metabolic alterations. Journal of Food Biochemistry. e13913, https://doi.org/10.1111/jfbc.13913
• Tshepiso Jan Makhafola, Mzwandile Mbele, Kiren Yacqub-Usman, Daisy Belle Haigh, Zoe Blackley, Mervin Meyer, Nigel Patrick Mongan, David Owen Bates and Zodwa Dlamini. 2020. Apoptosis in cancer cells is induced by alternative splicing of hnRNP2/B1 through splicing of Bcl-x, a mechanism that can be stimulated by an extract of the South African medicinal plant, Cotyledon orbiculata. Frontiers in Oncology; 10. 1900
• Rodney Hull, Mzwandile Mbele, Tshepiso J Makhafola, Chindo Hicks, Shao Ming-Wang, Rui Manuel Reiss, Ravi Mehrotras, Zilungile Mhkize-Kwitshana, Showket Hussain, Gibson Kibike, David O Bates, Zodwa Dlamini. 2020. A multinational Review on Esophageal cancer. Oncology letters. 20: 42., doi.org/10.3892/ol.2020.11902
• Rodney Hull, Mzwandile Mbele, Tshepiso J Makhafola, Chindo Hicks, Shao Ming-Wang, Rui Manuel Reiss, Ravi Mehrotras, Zilungile Mhkize-Kwitshana, Gibson Kibike, David O Bates, Zodwa Dlamini. 2020. Cervical cancer in low and middle-income countries. Oncology letters, DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.11754.
• N.I. Mongalo, S.S. Mashele, T.J. Makhafola, 2020. Ziziphus mucronata Willd. (Rhamnaceae): it's botany, toxicity, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities, Heliyon, Volume 6, Issue 4,e03708.
• S. Osoigbey, C. Ntanzi, TJ Makhafola, AP Kappo. 2020. Ameliorative effect of exogenously applied oxalic acid on nickel heavy metal induced stress in Zea mays. Pakistan Journal of Botany 52 (2), 413-418.
• Zukie Mbita, Rodney Hull, Mzwandile Mbele, Tshepiso J Makhafola, Zodwa Dlamini.2019. Expression Analysis of RbBP6 in human cancers: a Prospective biomarker. Anti-Cancer Drugs 08/2019.
• Zodwa Dlamini, Rodney Hull, Tshepiso J Makhafola, Mzwandile Mbele. 2019. Regulation of alternative splicing in obesity-induced hypertension. Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy 08/2019; 12:1597., DOI:10.2147/DMSO.S186806.
• P M Dikhoba, N I Mongalo, E E Elgorashi, T J Makhafola. 2019. Antifungal and anti-mycotoxigenic activity of selected South African medicinal plants species. Heliyon 10/2019; 5(10)., DOI:10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02666.
• Mongalo NI, Soyingbe SO, Makhafola TJ, 2019. Antimicrobial, cytotoxicity anticancer and antioxidant activities of Jatropha neheyri Sonb. Roots (Euphorbiaceae). Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine 9(7):307-314.
• Oluwagbemiga Sewanu Soyingbe, Nkoana Ishmael Mongalo, Tshepiso Jan Makhafola. 2018. In Vitro antibacterial and cytotoxic activity of leaf extracts of Centella asiatica (L.) Urb, Warburgia salutaris (Berl.f.) Chiov and Curtisia dentata (Burm.f.) C.A.Sm - medicinal plants used in South Africa. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 12/2018;18(1).
• Nkoana Ishmael Mongalo, Prechers Madimetja Dikhoba, Nkoana, Oluwagbemiga Sewanu Soyingbe Tshepiso Jan Makhafola. 2018: Antifungal, anti-oxidant activity and cytotoxicity of South African medicinal plants against mycotoxigenic fungi. Heliyon 11/2018; 14(11).
• Nkoana Ishmael and Tshepiso Jan Makhafola. 2018, Ethnobotanical knowledge of the lay people of Blouberg area (Pedi tribe), Limpopo Province, South Africa. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 07/2018; 14(46).
• Tshepiso Jan Makhafola, Esameldin Elzein Elgorashi, Lyndy Joy McGaw, Maurice Ducret Awouafack, Luc Verschaeve, Jacobus Nicolaas Eloff. 2017. Isolation and characterization of the compounds responsible for the antimutagenic activity of Combretum microphyllum (Combretaceae) leaf extracts. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 01/2017; 17:446.
• Victor O Fadige, Nkoana I Mongalo, Andy R Opoku, M Dikhoba, Tshepiso J Makhafola. 2017. Isolation of anti-mycobacterial compounds from Curtisia dentata (Burm.f.) C.A.Sm (Curtisiaceae). BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 06/2017; 17.
• Oluwagbemiga S. Soyingbe, Tshepiso Jan Makhafola, Bongiwe P. Mahlobo, Hussein M. Salahdeen, Oladipupo A. Lawal, Andy R. Opoku. 2017. Antiasthma activity of Eucalyptus grandis essential oil and its main constituent: Vasorelaxant effect on aortic smooth muscle isolated from normotensive rats. Journal of Experimental and Applied Animal Sciences. 07/2017; 2(2):211.
• Tshepiso Jan Makhafola, Esameldin Elzein Elgorashi, Lyndy Joy McGaw, Luc Verschaeve, Jacobus Nicolaas Eloff. 2016. The correlation between antimutagenic activity and total phenolic content of extracts of 31 plant species with high antioxidant activity. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 12/2016; 16(1).
• Hugues Paumo, Tshepiso Jan Makhafola, Malose Mphahlele. 2016. Synthesis and In Vitro Cytotoxic Properties of Polycarbo-Substituted 4-(Arylamino)quinazolines. Molecules 10/2016; 21(10).
• Malose J. Mphahlele, Tshepiso J. Makhafola, Mmakwena M. Mmonwa. 2016. In vitro cytotoxicity of novel 2,5,7-tricarbo-substituted indoles derived from 2-amino-5-bromo-3-iodoacetophenone. Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry. 07/2016; 24(19).
• Emmanuel Ndubuisi Agbo, Tshepiso Jan Makhafola, Yee Siew Choong, Malose Jack Mphahlele, Ponnadurai Ramasami. 2015. Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and Molecular Docking Studies of 6-Aryl-2-Styryliquinazolin-4(3H)-Ones. Molecules. 12/2015; 21(1).
• Tebogo Anike Khoza, Tshepiso Jan Makhafola, Malose Jack Mphahlele. 2015. Novel Polycarbo-Substituted Imidazo[1,2-a]quinazolines: Synthesis and Cytotoxicity Study. Molecules 12/2015; 20(12).
• Malose Jack Mphahlele, Marole Maria Maluleka, Tshepiso Jan Makhafola, Peace Mabeta. 2014. Novel Polycarbo-Substituted Alkyl (Thieno[3,2-c]quinoline)-2-Carboxylates: Synthesis and Cytotoxicity Studies. Molecules 11/2014; 19(11).
• Tshepiso J. Makhafola, Lyndy J. McGaw, Jacobus N. Eloff. 2013. In vitro cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of five Ochna species (Ochnaceae) with excellent antibacterial activity. South African Journal of Botany 03/2014; 91.
• Tshepiso J Makhafola, Babatunde B Samuel, Esameldin E Elgorashi, Jacobus N Eloff. 2012. Ochnaflavone and Ochnaflavone 7-O-methyl Ether two Antibacterial Biflavonoids from Ochna pretoriensis (Ochnaceae). Natural Product Communications 12/2012; 7(12).
• Tshepiso J. Makhafola, Lyndy J. McGaw, Jacobus N. Eloff. 2012.Antibacterial, cytotoxic and mutagenic effects of five Ochna species. South African Journal of Botany 03/2012; 79.
• Tshepiso J. Makhafola, Jacobus N. Eloff. 2011. Five Ochna species have high antibacterial activity and more than ten antibacterial compounds. South African Journal of Science 12/2011; 108(1-2).

• 2020 – ESTIV Course on Applied In Vitro Toxicology (Postponed due to COVID-19) (Brussels, Belgium)
• 2015 – EUROTOX Course on Specialised Toxicology “Genotoxicity and Carcinogenicity”-Belgrade, Serbia
• 2016 – EUROTOX Course on Introductory and Principles of Toxicology -Zagreb, Croatia

• BioMed Central Complementary and Alternative Medicine (BMC CAM)-2016-present
• South African Journal of Botany 2017-present; Heliyon-2019-Present
• Industrial Crops 2018-present

• CUT/UFS Joint Research Grant: 2024-2025 (R400 000)
• Research Development Grants for Y-Rated Researchers. 2021-2023 (R100 000 per annum=R300 000)
• CUT/UFS Joint Research Grant: 2020-2022 (R700 000)
• NRF Incentive Funding for Rated Researchers. 2019 (R40 000)
• NRF/BELSPO Joint Networking Activities- 2019-2021 (R100 000 per annum=R300 000)
• NRF- FRF Sabbatical Grant- 2019-2020 (R400 000 per annum=R800 000)
• SA-MRC Self-Initiated Grant- 2018-2020 (R200 000)
• NRF Thuthuka Rating Track Grant- 2018-2020 (R234 000.00 per annum=R702 000)
• UNISA Emerging Researcher Support Grant (ERSP)- 2016-2019 (R 2 639 877.00 for 3 years)
• NRF Thuthuka Post PhD Grant- 2015-2017 (R300 000.00 per annum per annum=R900 000)
• UNISA Innovation Support Programme (ISP)-, 2014 (R100 000.00)
• TOTAL GRANTS OBTAINED FOR PERIOD 2014-2023= R6 381 877

• 2017-2019 - Visiting researcher to the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom (18 months)
• 2016 - Visiting researcher to the University of Bologna, Italy (June-December)
• 2010 - Visiting researcher to the Scientific Institute of Public Health (ISP), Belgium (January to June)

• Completed:
• Miss Sako KB, PhD- 2025. (University of South Africa), Antimutagenic activity of the leaves of Plectranthus species against aflatoxin B1 induced mutagenicity. Supervisor: EE Elgorashi, Co-supervisor: TJ Makhafola
• Mr NG Mariri, DHSc, 2023 (Central University of Technology). Inhibitory effects of South African Medicinal plants against mycotoxigenic pathogens. Supervisor: TJ Makhafola
• Mr KP Molele, MSc – 2022; (University of South Africa), Antifungal activity of South African plant extracts Supervisor: TJ Makhafola
• Mr PM Dikhoba, MSc – 2020, (University of South Africa), Antimycotoxigenic effects of South African plant species Supervisor: TJ Makhafola, Co-supervisor: EE Elgorashi
• Ms L Lisa van der Schans, Masters in Biomedical Sciences – 2019 (University of Antwerp) High-throughput strategy to identify South African traditional medicinal plants containing compounds of genotoxic concern, Supervisor: B Mertens, Co-supervisor: TJ Makhafola
• Ms A Hendren, MSc – 2018, (University of Nottingham), Modulation of HNRNPAB1 splicing variants to prove the mechanism of how Cotyledon Orbiculata induces apoptosis in HCT116 colon cancer cells. Supervisor: DO Bates, Co-supervisor: TJ Makhafola
• Submitted Students:
• Miss TR Radzilani, MSc - (University of South Africa), Hepatoprotective and nephroprotective properties of selected South African plants Supervisor: TJ Makhafola, Co-supervisor: LJ McGaw
• Students Writing-up:
• Mr MD Makgapeetja, MSc – (University of South Africa), Evaluation of protective effects of selected Protea species against aflatoxin B1-induced mutagenicity Supervisor: EE Elgorashi, Co-supervisor: TJ Makhafola

• Prof DO Bates (University of Nottingham, UK) - Alternative Splicing and Cancer
• Prof B Mertens (Sciesano, Belgium) - Non-Animal Toxicity Testing Strategies
• Prof L Verschaeve and Prof L Pieters (Antwerp University, Belgium) - Genetic Toxicology and Phytochemistry
• Prof R Gehring (Utrecht University, Netherlands) - In Silico Testing Models for Pharmacological Properties of South African Natural Products
• Prof A Zaghini (University of Bologna, Italy) - Mycotoxicology and Analytical Toxicology
• Prof Z Dlamini (University of Pretoria) - Cancer Biology
• Prof A Brink (University of the Free State) - Biological Properties of Radiopharmaceuticals and Prof M Sekhoacha, (University of the Free State) - Biological activity of natural products

• Second Level
• Research Methodology for Clinical and Biomedical Technology
• Biochemistry for Biomedical Technology
• Cell Biology and Introductory Biochemistry and Bioenergetics
• Third Level
• Enzymology
• Advanced Metabolism
• Biochemistry Practicals

• T.J. Makhafola and L.J. McGaw: 2017. Burden and Health Policy of Cancers in Africa. Medicinal Spices and Vegetables from Africa, Therapeutic Potential Against Metabolic, Inflammatory, Infectious and Systematic Diseases. Pp. 93-107. 12/2017; Academic Press, ISBN: 9780128092866
• Gaétan Tchango Tabakam, Chika Ifeanyi Chukwuma, Tshepiso Jan Makhafola, Victor Kuete, Maurice Ducret Awouafack. 2025. Chapter 1 - Monoterpenes and related phytochemicals from the medicinal plants of Africa, Editor(s): Victor Kuete, Medicinal Plant Research in Africa (Second Edition), Elsevier, 2025, Pages 1-54, ISBN 9780443301704
• Gaétan Tchango Tabakam, Martial Mba Nguekeu, Emmanuel Mfotie Njoya, Tshepiso Jan Makhafola, Victor Kuete, Maurice Ducret Awouafack, 2025. Chapter 2 - Sesquiterpenes reported from the medicinal plants of Africa from 2013 to 2023 and their pharmacology, Editor(s): Victor Kuete, Medicinal Plant Research in Africa (Second Edition), Elsevier, 2025, Pages 55-92, ISBN 9780443301704