Dr. Rhonin R. Naidoo
Executive Member
Dr Naidoo obtained his BDS degree from the University of the Witwatersrand (1989). He obtained postgraduate qualifications from the University of Pretoria in the fields of Periodontics & Oral Medicine (1996 & 1997). He completed his specialty training in Oral Medicine & Periodontology at Wits (2001).
He has presented lectures at several dental and medical study groups and congresses over the He is a twice past-President the SADA – KZN branch and current National Councillor of SADA KZN branch. He is the immediate past President of the national SADA He is a member of the South African Society for Periodontology. Dr Naidoo is in specialist Periodontics & Oral Medicine and practices in Durban.
Dr Christa Blignaut
Secretary
Dr Christa Blignaut completed her undergraduate dental training at the University of Pretoria (UP) in 2011. She completed her community service in the Free State in 2012, whereafter she went into private practice. During this time, she completed her certificate in Implantology as well as her Diploma in Implantology…
both at the University of Pretoria & ITI Center of Excellence. She completed her postgraduate studies at University of Pretoria in 2023 and is currently practicing as a periodontist and oral medicine specialist in private practice in Pretoria. She is also a part-time consultant at the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University at the Periodontal and Oral Medicine Department.
Dr. Feheem Bhamjee
Vise President
Dr Feheem Bhamjee is a specialist in Oral Medicine and Periodontology, having completed his MChD in 2017. He co-founded Matrix Dental Specialists, a multidisciplinary practice offering advanced dental care. He earned his BChD in 2007 from the Universities of Stellenbosch and the Western Cape, followed by…
postgraduate diplomas in Implantology (2009) and Oral Surgery (2011). He also completed the MFOS primary exams in 2010. Dr Bhamjee pursued further training in Brazil, Portugal, and completed a master course in Regenerative and Plastic-Esthetic Periodontal Surgery in Switzerland in 2020. He was a clinical consultant at UWC from 2018 to 2023 and currently serves as Vice President of SASPIO. He is known for his commitment to excellence in advanced implantology and periodontal therapy.
Dr. Tumane Mafojane
Treasurer
Dr Tumane Mafojane qualified with a Bachelor of Dental Therapy degree from the University of Durban Westville (now University of KwaZulu Natal- UKZN Westville campus). He obtained a Bachelor of Dental Science degree from Medunsa (now Sefako Makgatho health Sciences University- SMU). He holds a Master of Dentistry…
in Oral Medicine and Periodontics from the University of the Witwatersrand-Wits.
He is involved with teaching, research and clinical training of undergraduate and postgraduate’s students at the University of the Witwatersrand. He occupies a full-time position as Head Clinical Unit (HCU)in the department of Oral Medicine and Periodontology, school of Oral Health Sciences-Wits. He held the position of SASPIO Secretary 2023-2024 and is currently the treasurer 2024-2025.
Dr. Sibongile Mahlangu
Executive Member
Sibongile Mahlangu graduated with a BChD from the University of the Western Cape in 2005. She completed her community service in Mpumalanga Province and thereafter worked in private practice in Gauteng. She worked as a sessional dentist at the Wits Oral Health Centre in 2013. She worked as a full-time…
junior lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand and a full-time dentist at the Wits Oral Health Centre from 2014 – 2018. She completed an MSc in Oral Medicine at the University of the Witwatersrand in 2017. She completed her Registrar training in Oral Medicine and Periodontics at the University of the Western Cape in 2023. She is currently working as a periodontist at the Perio Zone (Durban) and is a sessional consultant at the University of the Western Cape. She is also part of the training staff at the Implant and Aesthetic Academy.
Dr Suzette Stander
President
Dr Suzette Stander is a specialist in Periodontics, Implantology, and Oral Medicine. She obtained her BChD in 2006, a Postgraduate Diploma in Implantology cum laude in 2009, and her specialist qualification in 2013—all from the University of the Western Cape. She has been in private practice since 2014, directing…
Implant Perio Inc. in George and consulting in Port Elizabeth and Bloemfontein. Dr Stander has served on the SASPIO executive since 2016 and is currently its President (2025–2026). She is also a Proctor at the Implant and Aesthetic Academy and a former clinical lecturer at UWC (2021–2023). She has presented at various national dental meetings and was recently appointed as Study Club Director for the ITI Garden Route. She enjoys travelling, kayaking, and snorkeling.
