WALTER SISULU UNIVERSITY BOASTS SOUTH AFRICA'S ONLY SPONDYLOARTHRITIS EXPERT

Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences lecturer and researcher, Professor Ajesh Basantharan Maharaj has put WSU on the map as the only South African institution with a global expert in the medical field of spondyloarthritis.

Maharaj, an Honorary Associate Research Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, is the only South African and one of only three Africans who have exclusive membership to the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS).

Their roles include providing insights and recommendations on management strategies for Africa in Spondyloarthritis, a group of diseases that cause spinal inflammation.

“Walter Sisulu University has the unique advantage of having me, the only recognized Spondyloarthritis expert in South Africa, on its academic staff. This fact makes it the only South African academic institution with a specialised authority in this medical area,” Maharaj pointed out.

In 2025, Maharaj will guest edit two special editions of Best Practice & Research: Clinical Rheumatology, the world’s second most prominent review journal in rheumatology.

This reputable medical journal is focused on evidence-based medicine for musculoskeletal conditions, providing clinical physicians and trainees with practical review articles to stay current in their practice.

Maharaj, was selected as guest editor after he gained prominence within the field following a string of notable contributions to the global rheumatology arena.

“I am actively involved in the super speciality clinics of rheumatology at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital. In this capacity, I provide instruction on clinical rheumatology and oversee the assessment and management of challenging patients, applying my knowledge and skills to make a tangible difference in patient care,” said Maharaj.

An avid scholar and teacher, Maharaj’s mastery stretches far beyond the classroom.

He is currently the co-lead of the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA), where his role involves coordinating global treatment guidelines for managing comorbidities in psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis patients.

“Given that these conditions are often linked to various comorbidities that can impact patients' health outcomes, our recommendations aid clinicians in providing optimal care to enhance patients' quality of life and overall well-being. I am the sole South African actively engaged in this organisation, while there are a total of six South African members in the organisation,” he asserted.

Maharaj is on the editorial boards of multiple international journals and is a reviewer on various channels, whilst meeting the demands of his daily research and teaching work.

“Rheumatology is rapidly expanding within the medical community. Due to its quick growth, staying informed about global advancements can be quite demanding. It's essential to continuously enhance one's expertise to remain current with new developments,” said Maharaj.

Maharaj continues to place his focus on imparting the knowledge he has gained to the emergent generation of doctors and academics at Walter Sisulu University (WSU), preparing them to excel in their various medical specialities.

By Yanga Ziwele