SA’s R1.2bn biomedical research facility opens its doors at Stellenbosch University

The glass building valued at more than R1.2 billion, with state-of-the art research technology running into several millions, is located at the University of Stellenbosch’s Biochemical Research Institute.

Staffed by men and women in white coats, wearing blue gloves, sometimes goggles, South Africa’s genomics laboratory has this week been flooded by visitors from 25 countries – scientists, researchers and global healthcare leaders.

‘Pride of Africa’

Regarded as the pride of Africa, the facility has opened its doors to the continent and the world – offering training and fellowships to those in the field of genomics.

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The world-class facility is equipped with new technology, which include the metagenomics next generation sequencing, which is revolutionising how viruses are discovered. A genome that once took years to complete is now being sequenced and analysed in a day or two.

The genomics centre will also have access to Abbott’s diagnostics molecular lab testing capabilities to provide fast and scalable molecular testing, as well as providing researchers with the ability to create molecular tests for new and emerging viral threats.

Lucious Chabuka came to South Africa to receive training in Sars-CoV-2 sequencing, aimed at helping him to set up his country’s sequencing laboratory and identify variants.

“This is a genomic lab where we sequence pathogens. While we spent last year sequencing SarsCoV-2, this year our focus is on HIV, hepatitis B and cholera.

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“I was in Malawi two weeks ago to help the country sequence cholera and next week we are off to Mozambique,” said Chabuka.

‘Most innovative technology’

Sequencing Covid takes 96 samples, with results produced at a much faster pace than before.

Laboratory head Dr Yeshnee Naidoo said: “This lab has been equipped with the most innovative technology. We have systems able to do surveillance on SarsCoV-2 – for not just South Africa but for various other countries around the continent.

Watch the video of the laboratory below

“We actively do our sequencing of Sars-CoV-2 on a weekly basis and we can go up to a high throughput with a lot of instruments.

“We have the capacity to do surveillance on viruses, bacteria – as well as to find out whether there are unknown organisms.”

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The only laboratory of its kind in Africa, the facility will enable the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation, headed by Professor Tulio de Oliveira and other members of the Abbott Pandemic Defence Coalition, to identify and track emerging viruses posing a threat to public health.