Opening Doors For Others
Completing her PhD at the University of Cape Town marks a major milestone for African STARS fellow Dr Masala Mugeri.
“I left home in 2022 without even knowing where Cape Town Station was,” she says. “I simply trusted that the bus would take me there – a village girl in a big city with a big dream and a lot of uncertainty.”
The journey taught Masala not to compare her path with others, but to understand her own purpose and keep moving forward. She now hopes to encourage the young people she mentors, particularly those from rural communities. “The journey may not be easy, but it is doable.”
Now an African STARS Fellow at CERI, Masala sees her PhD as a foundation for the next stage of her work – and for helping others progress too.
“I have earned my stripes and now I want to pass them on. The goal is no longer just to succeed. It is to use what I have learned to open doors for others, contribute to better health outcomes, and make an impact.”
News date: 2026-10-05
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KRISP has been created by the coordinated effort of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and the South African Medical Research Countil (SAMRC).
Location: K-RITH Tower Building
Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, UKZN
719 Umbilo Road, Durban, South Africa.
Director: Prof. Tulio de Oliveira