BIGOSA - Breast Interest Group of Southern Africa

Scientific Meetings & Events

Bringing the breast healthcare community together.

BIGOSA’s Annual Scientific Meeting is one of Southern Africa’s leading multidisciplinary breast healthcare scientific meeting. Each year the meeting brings together local and international faculty, researchers and healthcare professionals to share the latest evidence, research and clinical advances shaping breast healthcare.

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14th Annual Scientific Meeting

Setting the Standard. Pushing the Frontier.

13–14 November 2026

Protea Hotel Johannesburg Wanderers
Sandton, Johannesburg

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Programme

Workshop, welcome reception and dinner on the Friday. Full scientific meeting, free papers and AGM on the Saturday.

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DAY ONE

Friday, 13 November

  • Educational workshop
  • Registration
  • Welcome reception & Conference dinner

DAY TWO

Saturday, 14 November

  • Scientific meeting
  • International faculty
  • Free paper presentations
  • Industry exhibition
  • Annual general meeting
  • Prize giving

Why attend?

Learn from internationally recognised experts while engaging with colleagues from across Southern Africa's breast healthcare community.

  • Evidence-based scientific sessions
  • International keynote speakers
  • Local expert faculty
  • Free paper presentations
  • Multidisciplinary panel discussions
  • Practical clinical updates
  • Networking opportunities

Whether your focus is surgery, radiology, pathology, oncology or nursing, the programme provides relevant, practical learning that supports better patient care.

Speakers

Each year BIGOSA welcomes internationally recognised clinicians and researchers to share global perspectives and emerging best practice.

Dr Fabio Crabbia

Completed his medical degree at Stellenbosch University in 2003 and postgraduate training in anatomical pathology at the University of the Free State in 2011. Following two and a half years at the National Health Laboratory Service in Bloemfontein, Fabio joined PathCare in 2014.

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Prof Nadia Harbeck

Director of the Breast Center and Center for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer at LMU University Hospital, Munich, and Chair for Conservative Oncology at its Department of OB&GYN.

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Prof Thorsten Kühn

Head of the Breast Centre at Die Filderklinik in Filderstadt and Senior Consultant at the University of Ulm Breast Centre. Prof Kühn has held leadership roles in the German Breast Group (GBG), the German Working Group for Gynaecologic Oncology (AGO and AGO-B), and is founding member and Chairman of EUBREAST – the European Breast Cancer Research Association of Surgical Trialists

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Dr Nivashini Murugan

Is a specialist breast and surgical oncologist who has worked as a dedicated breast specialist since 2012. She currently serves as the Clinical Head of the Department of Surgery at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital and as Head of the Batho Pele Breast Unit.

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Dr Maitazvenyu Mvere

Consultant Breast Radiologist and Managing Radiologist at MIC Radiology Group in Harare, Zimbabwe, with a special interest in breast imaging, image-guided breast intervention and multidisciplinary breast cancer care.

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Dr Phumudzo Ndwambi

Is a Specialist General Surgeon and Breast Surgeon at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. She holds an MBChB, FCS(SA), and MMed (Surgery), with a special interest in breast and oncoplastic surgery.

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Dr Stavros Nicoulaou

Has been recognised in the Global Top 100 Health Edition Honorees Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) in Healthcare, received Greece’s ARGO Public Service award from the President of Greece in 2023 and has received the International Federation of Pharmacists IPS Medal for 2024 for Outstanding Contributions in Industrial Pharmacy

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Prof Philip Poortmans

Former President of the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) and the European Cancer Organisation (ECCO). He previously held senior leadership roles at Radboud University Medical Centre and Institut Curie

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Dr Liana Roodt

Is a Specialist Breast and Endocrine Surgeon at Busamed Paardvlei Hospital whose work bridges the worlds of academic and private surgery, public-sector advocacy, and integrative medicine.

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Prof JJ Tabane

Professor of Communications at UNISA School of Business Leadership and Adjunct Professor of Media Studies at the University of Botswana.

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Scientific Programme

The programme combines keynote presentations, multidisciplinary panel discussions, free paper sessions, educational workshops and case-based learning.

  • Breast Surgery
  • Medical Oncology
  • Radiation Oncology
  • Breast Imaging
  • Pathology
  • Multidisciplinary Decision Making
  • Clinical Research
  • Emerging Therapies
  • Ethics & Leadership
Download the full programme

Call for Abstracts

BIGOSA welcomes submissions from researchers, clinicians and healthcare professionals wishing to present original research, clinical innovation and practical experience.

All submissions undergo peer review, with selected abstracts presented during the Annual Scientific Meeting.

Abstract Submission Deadline

31 July 2026

Submissions are now closed for 2026.

Registration

Registration for the Annual Scientific Meeting includes:

  • Access to the full scientific programme
  • Educational workshops (where applicable)
  • Industry exhibition
  • Conference networking events
  • Annual BIGOSA Membership

13–14 November 2026

Secure your space

Registration is handled by the meeting organiser, K.I.T. Group – African Agenda.
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Fees are listed in full on the Membership page.

Sponsorship & Exhibition

The BIGOSA Annual Scientific Meeting provides organisations with an opportunity to engage directly with Southern Africa's multidisciplinary breast healthcare community.

Opportunities include:

  • Access to the full scientific programme
  • Educational workshops (where applicable)
  • Industry exhibition
  • Conference networking events
  • Annual BIGOSA Membership
Contact us for sponsorship opportunities

Beyond the Annual Congress

BIGOSA continues to expand its educational offering through webinars, specialist workshops and professional development initiatives held throughout the year.

 

Future events and educational opportunities will be published here as they become available.

Talk to the Congress Secretariat

For congress registration, abstract submissions or sponsorship enquiries, our team is here to help.

Talk to the Congress Secretariat

K.I.T. Group – African Agenda
info@bigosa.co.za · +27 (0)21 683 2934

Dr Fabio Crabbia

Completed his medical degree at Stellenbosch University in 2003 and postgraduate training in anatomical pathology at the University of the Free State in 2011.

Following two and a half years at the National Health Laboratory Service in Bloemfontein, Fabio joined PathCare in 2014.

Fabio is a general pathologist with a special interest in breast pathology, as well as uropathology and soft tissue, bone, thyroid, and lung pathology. Fabio currently serves as Histopathology Coordinator for PathCare and Lead Pathologist for the Helderberg region of the Western Cape.

Prof Nadia Harbeck

MD, PhD Presented by AstraZeneca

Director of the Breast Center and Center for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer at LMU University Hospital, Munich, and Chair for Conservative Oncology at its Department of OB&GYN

Prof Harbeck is the current Chair of the ESMO Early Breast Cancer Faculty and served as ESMO Director of Education and ESMO Executive Board member (2023–2025).

She is a member of the German AGO expert panel, co-director of the West German Study Group, and a principal investigator or steering committee member of numerous international breast cancer trials.

With over 780 peer-reviewed publications (h-index 103) and recognition as a Highly Cited Researcher from 2021 to 2024, she is among the most influential clinical researchers in breast oncology worldwide. She is the recipient of the 2025 Bavarian Order of Merit, the 2023 German Cancer Award, and the 2020 ESMO Lifetime Achievement Award.

Prof Thorsten Kühn

Head of the Breast Centre at Die Filderklinik in Filderstadt and Senior Consultant at the University of Ulm Breast Centre.

One of Germany’s leading breast cancer specialists, with more than 30 years of experience in gynaecology, breast surgery, and breast cancer research.

Prof Kühn has held leadership roles in the German Breast Group (GBG), the German Working Group for Gynaecologic Oncology (AGO and AGO-B), and is founding member and Chairman of EUBREAST – the European Breast Cancer Research Association of Surgical Trialists

He has authored more than 200 peer-reviewed publications, contributed to Germany’s national S3 Breast Cancer Guideline, and has been consistently recognised among Germany’s top breast cancer specialists by FOCUS magazine (2007–2025) and stern magazine (2024–2025).

Dr Nivashini Murugan

A specialist breast and surgical oncologist who has worked as a dedicated breast specialist since 2012.

She currently serves as the Clinical Head of the Department of Surgery at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital and as Head of the Batho Pele Breast Unit. She is also a Senior Lecturer in Surgery at the University of the Witwatersrand, where she is closely involved in undergraduate and postgraduate surgical education, assessment, mentorship and research.

Her clinical and academic work is centred on breast cancer, with particular interests in breast-conserving and oncoplastic surgery, de-escalation of breast and axillary surgery, multidisciplinary cancer care, and improving outcomes for women treated within resource-constrained health systems.

She is actively involved in both local and international breast cancer research collaborations and has an established publication record, with research spanning clinical outcomes, breast cancer biology, patterns of care and health-system challenges relevant to women in South Africa and the broader African context.

She has played an active role in strengthening breast services at Baragwanath and remains passionate about developing sustainable, patient-centred models of breast cancer care, advancing surgical training, and contributing to high-quality, locally relevant research with wider international relevance.

Dr. Maitazvenyu Zuva Mvere

MBChB, FRCR (UK), EBBI

Dr Maitazvenyu Zuva Mvere is a consultant radiologist with subspecialist expertise in breast and oncologic imaging. She is the Managing Radiologist at MIC Radiology Group in Zimbabwe, where she provides clinical leadership and supports the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred radiology services. She previously served as Consultant Radiologist and Clinical Director at the Well Woman Clinic from 2013 to 2022, where she played a key role in the development of breast imaging and women’s imaging services and formation of the country’s first dedicated breast cancer multi-disciplinary group.

Dr Mvere obtained her MBChB from the University of Zimbabwe and went on to complete postgraduate medical training in the United Kingdom. She trained in paediatrics within the East Anglia Training Scheme, worked as a Junior House Officer in the Oxford Hospitals NHS Trust, and served as a Research Fellow in HIV Medicine at King’s College Hospital, London. She later completed radiology training through the Leeds Radiology Academy and Nottingham Training Scheme, and in 2010 was awarded the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (UK). She subsequently undertook a Breast Imaging Fellowship at the Nottingham Breast Institute from 2011 to 2013.

Her academic and professional development has remained strongly focused on oncologic and breast imaging. In 2023, she was awarded the European Board of Breast Imaging Diploma, and in 2025 she completed a Master in Oncologic Imaging through the University of Pisa in collaboration with the European Society of Oncologic Imaging (ESOI).

Dr Mvere has contributed to both research and scientific education through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations, particularly in breast cancer imaging and multidisciplinary care. Her work has included publications in Clinical Oncology and Breast Cancer Research, as well as presentations at the SA Imaging Congress and the Zimbabwe Medical Association Annual Scientific Congress. Her academic interests include breast cancer staging, screening performance, ultrasound assessment, and the impact of radiology review on multidisciplinary treatment planning.

She has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing the radiology profession both locally and regionally. She is actively involved in shaping policy and professional standards through her leadership roles within the Association of Radiologists and Radiation Oncologists of Zimbabwe (ARROZ), where she serves as Chair of the Tariff Committee and Chair of the Image Practice Committee. In these roles, she has contributed to important discussions on the sustainability of radiology services, fair remuneration structures, and evolving scope of practice considerations within imaging.

Dr Mvere is also a co-founder of the Africa Breast Imaging Network, a social media platform established to connect breast imagers across the African continent and promote collaboration, shared learning, and professional development in breast imaging.

She is a member of the Radiological Society of South Africa (RSSA), the European Society of Breast Imaging (EUSOBI), and the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI). She also serves as ARROZ Representative to the Council of Affiliated Associations of Zimbabwe, is an Executive Committee Member of the Breast Interest Group of Southern Africa (BIGOSA) and is the Founder and First President of the Zimbabwe Women Doctors Association(ZWDA).

Dr Phumudzo Ndwambi

Specialist General Surgeon and Breast Surgeon at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. She holds an MBChB, FCS(SA), and MMed (Surgery).

She has a special interest in breast and oncoplastic surgery. She is actively involved in clinical practice, research, teaching, and surgical education.

Passionate about life, her students, and the wellness of women, Dr. Ndwambi is committed to advancing both surgical excellence and patient care.

Known for her infectious laughter and engaging personality, she inspires enthusiasm and passion in her peers, trainees, and students alike, making a lasting impact both inside and outside the clinical environment.

Dr Stavros Nicolaou

Dr Nicolaou has almost 38 years' experience in the pharmaceutical industry, mainly in domestic and international general management.

Nicolaou has been recognized in the Global Top 100 Health Edition Honorees Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) in Healthcare, received Greece’s ARGO Public Service award from the President of Greece in 2023 and has received the International Federation of Pharmacists IPS Medal for 2024 for Outstanding Contributions in Industrial Pharmacy He was recently awarded the National Order of Merit of the Ill degree of the Republic of Ukraine by President /elenskyy for personal contribution to strengthening interstate cooperation between SA and Ukraine and selected as the Winner of Lifetime Leadership of the Year Category at the 2026 Future Leadership Awards. He is a previous winner of the SA Institute of Marketing Management (IMM) Health Care Marketer of the year Award, has been inducted as a fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa and was elected as an honorary member of the Southern African Society for Thrombosis and Haemostasis.

In 2019 he received an honorary doctorate in Medicine from Wits University and was awarded the Order of the Lion of St Mark by the Greek Orthodox Pope Theodoros II and is a recipient of the Title of “High Commander of the Order of the Apostle & Evangelist Mark” of the Patriarchate of Alexandria. He’s presently the Group Senior Executive for Strategic Trade for Aspen Pharmacare Holdings and is a member of the Holdings Group executive which has oversight of the more than 60 countries Aspen operates in globally

 

Presently serves on a number of industry boards and advisory councils including the President’s National Orders Advisory Council and also presently chairs the Saudi-SA Business Council, a member of the SA-France Business Council and serves on the Board of Business Unity South Africa and the BRICS Business Council. Stavros is the Co-Chair of the 820 of the Industrial Transformation and Innovation Task Force and he has previously served as Chairman of the Interim Board and on the Board of Cricket South Africa and has served on the Boards of both BrandSA and Proudly SA sits on the 2027 Cricket World Cup Board. He has been a regular speaker at the Economist Roundtable, World Economic Forum (WEF), WTO and IFC.

 

Nicolaou is particularly passionate about diversity, transformation, championing localisation and building bridges between the private and public sector in order to improve access to treatment for patients in emerging markets and improving healthcare outcomes in these markets.

Prof Philip Poortmans

Presented by the Sceales Antrobus Cancer Research Trust

Radiation Oncologist at Iridium Netwerk and Associate Professor at the University of Antwerp

Radiation Oncologist at Iridium Netwerk and Associate Professor at the University of Antwerp, with a career spanning more than three decades across Belgium, the Netherlands, and France.

Prof Poortmans is a former President of the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) and the European Cancer Organisation (ECCO). He previously held senior leadership roles at Radboud University Medical Centre and Institut Curie, where he was appointed Marie Curie Professor at Paris Science & Lettres University.

Widely recognised for his expertise in breast cancer, clinical trial quality assurance, and multidisciplinary cancer care, he has authored hundreds of scientific publications and continues to play an active role in advancing global oncology collaboration.

Dr Liana Roodt

Specialist Breast and Endocrine Surgeon at Busamed Paardvlei Hospital Executive Director of Project Flamingo, a non-profit organisation improving equitable access to timely breast cancer surgery and holistic patient support across South Africa, and as Executive Director of the Cancer Alliance of South Africa,

As Executive Director of the Cancer Alliance of South Africa, the country’s foremost civil-society coalition advocating for cancer equity and policy reform. She is also the current chair of the Cape Town Breast Cancer Forum as well as the Winelands Multi-disciplinary breast tumour board.

Dr Roodt obtained her MBChB from the University of Pretoria, her MMed (Surgery) Cum Laude from the University of Cape Town, and is a Fellow of the College of Surgeons of South Africa [FCS (SA)]. She also holds a Diploma in Integrative Medicine from Stellenbosch University, reflecting her conviction that true healing requires attention not only to the body, but to the emotional and spiritual dimensions of health.

As a lecturer and senior consultant in the Department of Surgery at the University of Cape Town, she is deeply invested in mentoring the next generation of surgeons and advocating for a health system where compassion and excellence coexist. Her work embodies the belief that science and soul need not be separate – that the best medicine is both evidence-based and deeply human.

Prof JJ Tabane

Ethics Session

Professor of Communications at UNISA School of Business Leadership and Adjunct Professor of Media Studies at the University of Botswana

 A strategist, governance expert, and media figure with over three decades of experience spanning government, corporate affairs, and academia, Prof Tabane brings a uniquely cross-disciplinary perspective to the congress’s ethics session – Patients, power and accountability: the ethics of building equitable breast cancer care.

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