Ms. Sboniso Mhlongo | Veterinary Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Sboniso Mhlongo is a highly accomplished South African public health professional and microbiologist with extensive expertise in veterinary public health, epidemiology, and quality management systems. She holds a Master of Public Health with distinction from the University of Johannesburg, alongside degrees in Quality, Environmental Management, and Microbiology from leading South African universities. Her career at the North West Department of Agriculture as Chief Veterinary Technologist has been defined by leadership in ISO 17025-compliant laboratory operations, surveillance programs for food, water, and environmental hygiene, and mentoring multidisciplinary teams. Ms. Mhlongo’s research interests center on zoonotic disease surveillance, laboratory quality systems, and occupational health risk assessment in veterinary settings. She is highly skilled in data management, statistical analysis using SPSS and Excel, laboratory diagnostics, and biosafety procedures, and has demonstrated excellence in policy translation through technical reporting and national health framework development. Her notable accomplishments include pioneering SANAS accreditation for a state-owned veterinary laboratory and coordinating national surveillance projects that informed animal health policies. Recognized for her academic excellence and professional impact, she is a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society and registered with professional scientific and veterinary councils. Her career reflects a deep commitment to strengthening public health systems and advancing laboratory standards in South Africa.