In celebration of Women’s Month, the African Centre for Gene Technologies (ACGT) celebrates Dr Botle Precious Damane, Head of Medical Research at Steve Biko Academic Hospital and Senior Lecturer at the University of Pretoria, for her contributions to cancer research, mentorship and research capacity development.
A trailblazer in medical research, Dr Damane is spearheading the development of a cancer immunology research programme focused on addressing questions that are particularly relevant to African populations. Her research spans immuno-oncology, immunogenomics and molecular biomarkers, with a growing focus on understanding cancer within the African context and contributing to more precise, inclusive and equitable approaches to cancer research.
For Dr Damane, the journey into cancer research carries a deeply personal dimension. She lost her mother to leukaemia, an experience that strengthened her desire to understand the biology of diseases that had touched her family and contributed to her decision to pursue Haematology and Cell Biology. Years later, the loss of her father to mesothelioma broadened her scientific interests towards solid cancers and surgical oncology.
These experiences did not define her career. Rather, they gave personal meaning to a scientific path she had already chosen and strengthened her commitment to understanding cancer and improving outcomes for those affected by it.
Her academic journey began at the University of the Free State, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry in 2006. She went on to complete her Honours and Master’s degrees in Haematology and Cell Biology with distinction before earning her PhD in Medicine from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Behind those qualifications lies a journey that demanded persistence, sacrifice and resilience. As Dr Damane reflects:
“This journey demanded persistence, sacrifice, and belief in myself even when the path was not easy. Against all odds, I stayed committed, and this PhD is a reminder that resilience and purpose can carry you through the most difficult challenges.”
Her research programme also presents opportunities for multidisciplinary collaboration across immunogenomics, oncobiome, biomarker discovery, molecular oncology and clinical cancer research. By bringing these areas together, Dr Damane is helping build research programmes around questions that matter directly to cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment in Africa.
But Dr Damane’s contribution extends beyond the laboratory.
She is committed to making science accessible and meaningful to wider communities through newspaper features, radio interviews and educational outreach initiatives. She also actively encourages young people particularly from underserved communities to consider careers in medical science.
Her commitment to growing cancer research capacity is also reflected in Project Can-RISE – Cancer Research Innovation towards South African Empowerment. As part of the initiative and one of its organisers. Dr Damane helps shape a collaborative programme that brings together researchers, clinicians and emerging scientists around cancer research, skills development and collaboration.
The initiative’s 2026 meeting, taking place on 21–22 September, will provide a platform for the cancer research community to exchange knowledge, build connections and strengthen research capacity in South Africa. Through initiatives such as Can-RISE, Dr Damane is contributing not only to the advancement of cancer research, but also to the development of the people and collaborations needed to sustain it.
Her work therefore represents more than the advancement of a scientific field. It reflects the importance of building research capacity on the continent, asking questions that arise from African populations and creating opportunities for the next generation of African scientists to participate in shaping the future of medicine.
This Women’s Month, ACGT celebrates Dr Botle Precious Damane not only for what she has achieved, but for the possibilities her work creates for those who will follow.
By Mpho Makgabutlane
Edited by : Dr Botle Precious Damane
