Inflammatory Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathies, and psoriatic arthritis in South African populations — from early diagnosis to long-term outcomes and treatment response in under-resourced settings.
Research
Advancing knowledge.
Advancing knowledge.
Improving care.
Our research programme is built on a simple conviction: that every discovery made in our laboratories and clinics should translate into better outcomes for patients living with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases across South Africa and beyond.
Focus Areas
Where we direct our inquiry
The Division of Rheumatology at UCT pursues research that is globally relevant yet firmly grounded in the clinical realities of the African continent. Our work spans immunopathology, epidemiology, clinical outcomes, and health systems research — always in service of the patients who need us most.
Autoimmune & Connective Tissue Disease
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis, and myositis — with a particular focus on the unique disease expression and burden observed in South African and mixed-ancestry populations.
Musculoskeletal Health in Africa
Epidemiology of musculoskeletal diseases, health disparities, disability burden, and the challenges of accessing specialist care — generating evidence that informs policy and practice across the continent.
Clinical Outcomes & Quality of Care
Measuring disease activity, treatment response, and functional outcomes in real-world clinical cohorts. Identifying gaps in care delivery and building the evidence base for improved patient management.
Evidence-Based Guidelines
Development, adaptation, and local validation of clinical guidelines for the South African context — bridging international best practice with the realities of frontline care in a resource-constrained environment.
Health Workforce Capacity
Investigating gaps in rheumatology knowledge and skills among primary care providers, and evaluating the impact of our educational interventions on clinical practice and patient outcomes.
Research conducted at the margins of the global system often addresses questions the centre hasn't thought to ask. That is our advantage — and our responsibility.Division of Rheumatology — University of Cape Town
Studies
Active
Active
Active
Completed
Planned
Completed
Current & recent research
Our division maintains an active programme of clinical and translational research. Below is a selection of current and recently completed studies. Full details and collaboration enquiries are welcomed through our contact page.
SLE Outcomes in South African Populations
A longitudinal cohort study examining disease activity, damage accrual, and mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus attending Groote Schuur Hospital — with a focus on factors specific to South African and mixed-ancestry patients.
Principal Investigator: Division of Rheumatology, UCT
Rheumatoid Arthritis Access & Treatment Delays
Assessing the pathway from symptom onset to specialist diagnosis for patients with early inflammatory arthritis in South Africa, identifying modifiable barriers to timely treatment initiation.
Principal Investigator: Division of Rheumatology, UCT
Musculoskeletal Burden in Primary Care
A cross-sectional study quantifying the prevalence and management of musculoskeletal complaints presenting to primary healthcare facilities across the Western Cape, and evaluating current levels of HCW preparedness.
Principal Investigator: Division of Rheumatology, UCT
Knowledge & Attitudes Survey — Primary Care HCWs
A national survey of GPs and primary care nurses assessing knowledge of common rheumatic diseases, confidence in diagnosis, and familiarity with referral pathways — directly informing our educational resources programme.
Principal Investigator: Division of Rheumatology, UCT
Online Learning Intervention Trial
A planned randomised evaluation of the effectiveness of structured online CME modules on rheumatology knowledge and clinical decision-making among frontline healthcare workers in South Africa.
Principal Investigator: Division of Rheumatology, UCT
Spondyloarthropathy Phenotyping in Africa
Characterisation of the clinical and radiographic features of axial and peripheral spondyloarthropathies in Black African patients, addressing a significant gap in global disease phenotyping literature.
Principal Investigator: Division of Rheumatology, UCT
Publications
Selected publications
Our faculty publish in leading peer-reviewed journals, contributing to the global body of rheumatology evidence while ensuring that findings are relevant and accessible to clinicians working in African health systems. A full publications list is available on request.
A complete, up-to-date publications list will be maintained here. For a full list or reprints, please contact the division.
Training & Collaboration
Postgraduate opportunities & partnerships
We are committed to building the next generation of rheumatologists and musculoskeletal researchers — in South Africa and across the continent. We also welcome national and international collaborations that share our commitment to evidence-based, equitable care.
Postgraduate Training
The Division of Rheumatology at UCT offers a rigorous and supportive environment for postgraduate study, with opportunities for both clinical subspecialty training and research degrees.
- MMed (Medicine) — Clinical Rheumatology subspecialty training
- PhD and Master's by research in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases
- Short research attachments and observerships for international trainees
- Supervised research projects for UCT medical students
- Mentored clinical research training for fellows
Research Collaboration
We actively seek meaningful partnerships with individuals and institutions who share our research priorities. We have established collaborative relationships with institutions across Africa, Europe, and North America.
- Co-investigator roles in multi-site African studies
- Data sharing and harmonisation with international cohort studies
- Joint grant applications with regional and global partners
- Visiting researcher and faculty exchange programmes
- Guideline development working groups