Speakers

Speech Title : Speech Therapist’s Role and Perspectives on School Readiness

Helena du Preez is a globally qualified Speech-Language and Remedial Therapist with nearly 20 years of experience in educational and clinical settings, primarily in remedial schools. She completed her B.A. in Education (Communication Disorders) at Wichita State University (USA), a B. Communication Pathology and Advanced Certificate in Special Needs Education at the University of Pretoria, and an M.A. in Speech Pathology at the University of the Witwatersrand, where her research focused on School Readiness. Her undergraduate work explored Selective Mutism, deepening her understanding of anxiety-related communication barriers in children. Her Master’s research was selected for the Cross-Faculty Postgraduate Symposium, presented in the 90-second Grad-Flash competition, and submitted with her professor for publication in the Early Childhood Education Journal. Helena’s special interests include neurodiversity, learning disabilities, brain-related matters, and pediatric medico-legal aspects, alongside her current studies in children’s rights law. She is passionate about empowering parents, teachers, and colleagues, and inspiring children to discover the joy of reading and learning.

Speech Title : Rethinking Pragmatic Language Assessment in Children and Adolescents: Culturally Grounded Insights from an African Context

Mamaila Joy Mogolane is a Speech-Language Pathologist, Audiologist, and academic currently pursuing a PhD in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of the Witwatersrand. She is a lecturer at the University of Fort Hare under the New Generation of Academics Programme. Her research focuses on pragmatics, culturally responsive communication, and the role of Ubuntu in African contexts. Mamaila has presented at national conferences and published in the South African Journal of Communication Disorders. She is passionate about advancing inclusive, contextually relevant practices in communication sciences and is committed to contributing to global conversations on language, culture, and healthcare.

Speech Title : Exploring the Use of Virtual Reality for Health Sciences Education: A Scoping Review

Karabo Kgaswane has completed her Honuors Degree in Speech Language Pathology at the age of 22 years from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University and is currently doing her Master’s Degree in Paediatric Speech Language Pathology. She is also practicing as a registered and HPCSA certified Speech Language Pathologist.

Speech Title : Recovery of Swallowing Function Following UTI-Induced Sepsis through Multimodal Therapy with VitalStim Therapy: A Clinical Case Report

Nihal Muneer is a Speech and Swallow Pathologist currently practicing at Kent Healthcare, Dubai. He earned his Master’s degree from NITTE University, where he developed a strong foundation in clinical research and rehabilitative sciences. Nihal has contributed significantly to the field with five scientific publications and numerous presentations at international conferences. His research interests primarily involve voice and swallowing rehabilitation and the integration of objective diagnostic tools like FEES. As an RCI-registered professional and a lifetime member of ISHA, he bridges the gap between clinical practice and academic inquiry to improve patient outcomes in neurogenic and voice-related pathologies.

Speech Title : From Critical Care to Compassionate Care: Restoring Connection Through the Safe Swallow System in ICU Dysphagia

Sunaina Lakha is a Speech Therapist and Audiologist in private practice in Johannesburg, South Africa. Her work is grounded in a deeply patient- and family-centred philosophy, with connection forming the core value of her clinical practice. She is widely recognised for her holistic, multidisciplinary approach to acute care—particularly in the management of dysphagia within complex hospital settings. Sunaina qualified in 2003 after completing her degree at University of the Witwatersrand. She was honoured to be among the first cohort of allied health professionals in South Africa to complete a compulsory year of community service through the Department of Health—a landmark moment in the country’s healthcare history. Her early placement at a resource-constrained hospital serving predominantly informal settlements shaped her clinical philosophy and ignited her passion for hospital-based care. There, she developed a strong focus on problem-solving within limited-resource environments, inclusive dysphagia management across diverse religious and cultural contexts, and patient reintegration into society as the ultimate goal of rehabilitation.