Local Organising Committee

Meet the

Local Organising Committee

Dr. Wendy Solomon

SMLTSA President and Scientific Chair

Dr. Wendy Solomon, PhD, has been President of the Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists of South Africa (SMLTSA) since 2021. She is also a Senior Lecturer and Program Coordinator in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). Dr. Solomon serves on the SMLTSA Executive Committee, contributes to the Scientific Advisory Committee, and is the sub-editor for the Journal of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology South Africa. With a background in medical technology and a passion for health science education and advancing the field of medical laboratory science, her research focus areas are DNA methylation in diabetes and developments in health science education.

Wendy Steytler

2025 SMLTSA Congress Chair

Wendy Steytler is the current chairperson of the SMLTSA Cape Branch. Wendy is passionate about Medical Technology and the furtherance of our profession. Education is the cornerstone of life in the laboratory. Her mission is to encourage young people to get involved with the various aspects of SMLTSA.

Yuleen Carelse

SMLTSA Office Manager & Congress Treasurer

Yuleen Carelse serves as the Office Manager at the National SMLTSA Head Office in Pinelands, Cape Town. A cornerstone of the SMLTSA team, Yuleen oversees the administrative operations of the association and plays a pivotal role in stakeholder engagement and member relations. With her dedication to efficiency and a commitment to supporting the goals of SMLTSA, Yuleen ensures smooth coordination across all levels of the organization, contributing to its success and growth.

Meredith Mouton

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Meredith Mouton is a seasoned Medical Technologist with over 40 years of experience in private pathology, specializing in microbiology. Currently serving as the Quality Manager for the South African Bone Marrow Registry, Meredith is deeply committed to delivering quality results and ensuring exceptional patient care. Her passion for her profession is matched by her belief in continuous education and the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of her work. Outside of her professional life, Meredith enjoys spending time in her garden, exploring the forest with her dogs, or relaxing with a good book.

Marielize Swartz

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Marielize Swartz-Cornellisen is an experienced Medical Technologist specializing in Immunology, with over a decade of expertise in Medical Laboratory Science. Her professional skills include Total Quality Management, teaching, training, mentoring, and coaching. As a National Examiner and Internal Moderator for Medical Technologists and Technicians, Marielize has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of the profession.
Passionate about empowering the next generation of Medical Laboratory Scientists, Marielize is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and ensuring the continuous improvement and refinement of essential skills within the field. As an active member of the SMLTSA, she contributes to the growth and advancement of the profession, fostering excellence in laboratory science.

Lynn White

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Lynn White is a Training and Development Specialist at PathCare, bringing extensive experience in training, instructional design, and clinical administration. With a strong focus on customer relations and patient care, Lynn is dedicated to delivering quality care and ensuring client satisfaction. Passionate about making a meaningful impact in the healthcare environment, Lynn’s commitment to excellence in training and patient care continues to shape and improve the industry.

Fatima Hendricks

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Fatima Hendricks is the student representative for the Cape Town branch of the Society of Medical Laboratory Technology of South Africa and is currently in her fourth and final year of study in Medical Laboratory Sciences. With a passion for diagnostics, she aims to contribute meaningfully to the field of medical science by fostering a community for collaboration between students and professionals within the field.

Carol Smith

Social Events

Carol Smith is a retired Medical Technologist (MT) with a distinguished career spanning numerous roles in medical laboratory science and professional leadership. Formerly a PathCare consultant, manager, and Academy Technical Specialist, Carol has been an active member of the SMLTSA Cape Branch, serving as both a member and chair. She has also held leadership positions as Chair of the Clinical Chemistry Scientific Advisory Committee (Clin Chem SAC), NEC member and Chair, and SMLTSA Executive Committee member. A former Congress Chair, Carol’s contributions have significantly advanced the field of medical laboratory science through her expertise, dedication, and commitment to professional development.

Cellice Lendoor

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Cellice is an inquisitive Cytogeneticist and proud Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) alumnus, with a passion for advancing patient care through cutting-edge genetic technologies. Currently involved in diagnostic molecular genetic testing, including Optical Genome Mapping, she thrives on exploring innovations that improve diagnostic outcomes. With a mind devoted 80% to science and 20% to everything else, Cellice is committed to pushing the boundaries of knowledge in the field of Cytogenetics.

Bianca Nene

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Bianca Nene is a Medical Microbiology Scientist Intern at the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) at Tygerberg Hospital. She is completing her training to register as a Medical Laboratory Scientist with the HPCSA in December 2024. Her honours research focuses on improving diagnostic accuracy in detecting Salmonella and Shigella species. As a student representative for the Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists of South Africa (SMLTSA) and a committee member for the African Federation of Medical Laboratory Science, Bianca is passionate about advancing diagnostics, public health, and advocacy in Medical Laboratory Science.

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The 2025 Congress is brought to you by SMLTSA. SMLTSA is dedicated to the promotion of the aims and ideals of medical laboratory science, appropriate to the interests of the community it serves, within a comprehensive unitary health service