07 April 2025 | Story: Nontobeko Moimane| Photo: Naledi Nkosi
3 minutes read time.
One researcher has chosen to go beyond the surface to the core of our biology in a world grappling with rising health burdens, particularly cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Dr Joseph Musonda Chalwe, a dedicated medical laboratory scientist and now a proud Vaal University of Technology (VUT) PhD graduate, has made it his mission to explore how our genes influence our health, especially within African populations often underrepresented in global health studies.
Dr Chalwe’s scientific journey began with curiosity, purpose, and a sense of calling. After earning his undergraduate degree in Biomedical Technology and a postgraduate qualification in Biotechnology at VUT, he trained at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. It was here that he found his passion for genetics.
“I was deeply fascinated by the isolation of DNA and the techniques used to study it,” he recalls. “Seeing how changes in chromosomes could lead to devastating health outcomes ignited something in me.” While many viewed genetics as abstract or too complex at the time, the field felt intuitive, almost instinctual, for him.
Driven by this passion, Dr Chalwe embarked on a PhD that delves into cardiovascular health and genetic polymorphisms, a field as intricate as it is vital. He focused his research on an often-overlooked demographic: the Black elderly population in South Africa. “Despite the prevalence of CVDs in this group, there’s been minimal genetic research,” he explains. “We need data that reflects our people, our environments, and our challenges.”
His research uncovered an unexpectedly high prevalence of genetic polymorphisms, variations in DNA sequence, in this population. Most prior studies had centred on Western and Asian communities. “I anticipated finding some polymorphisms, but I wasn’t prepared for how widespread they were,” he says.
Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), Dr Chalwe’s work linked multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to key cardiovascular risk factors like cholesterol, glucose, and blood pressure. The result? A powerful CVD risk model that could revolutionise how early detection and prevention are approached in African healthcare settings.
Of course, the journey wasn’t without setbacks. “The pandemic changed everything,” Dr Chalwe shares. With labs closed and samples inaccessible, research halted. Yet, where many saw roadblocks, he saw an opportunity. “I turned to writing. I ensured our data could still be transformed into knowledge.” His resilience turned a global crisis into a season of productivity.
Today, Dr Chalwe is celebrating his PhD achievement and looking ahead. He actively works in the medical devices and diagnostics industry and offers vital support to professionals across the continent. But his vision stretches further. “I believe the challenges we face as Africans can only be solved by Africans. I plan to use entrepreneurship and medical science together to make a meaningful impact.”
For young scientists considering a similar path, Dr Chalwe offers this heartfelt advice: “Find your passion and pursue it with courage. Your passion, combined with your faith, will carry you through the toughest moments. And never underestimate the power of collaboration; we are stronger together.”
When asked how earning his PhD feels, he reflects gracefully: “This journey has enriched me intellectually and personally. My father once told me to focus on the end and embrace each step. That wisdom carried me through, and I’ve grown in ways I never imagined.”
Dr Joseph Musonda Chalwe’s story is not just one of academic success; it’s one of purpose, perseverance, and the belief that science, grounded in the local context, can heal communities and change lives.
