Executive Team
Morena Makhoana
CEO
Morena Makhoana holds an MBChB from the University of Cape Town in 2000. After completing his medical studies at UCT he enrolled for the Program in Investment Analysis & Portfolio Management at Unisa.
He began his career with The Biovac Institute and Litha Healthcare as the Medical Affairs Manager at The Biovac Institute in 2004. In this role he was responsible for conducting and overseeing clinical trials as well as performing Pharmacovigilance for vaccines. His significant contribution and commitment to the organisation’s major deals has led to his rapid rise within the group, as Deputy CEO in 2008 and his recent appointment to the position of CEO of The Biovac Institute in 2010. The primary focus of this role is to ensure the continued achievement of The Biovac Institute’s development roadmap, as well as provide integration between Biovacs’ operations and strategic outlook, with the overall strategy of the JSE listed Litha Healthcare Group.
He is sought after to advise on healthcare issues affecting the biotechnology industry and his knowledge and skills played a key role in the specialist team, that was instrumental in assisting the South African Government in sourcing emergency vaccines for the H1N1 influenza outbreak.
Morena’s career began as an intern at Natalspruit Hospital in 2001. After his internship he was appointed as a Community Medical Officer at Heilbron Hospital. He quickly moved through the ranks and was promoted to Senior Medical Officer and soon became Acting Head of Clinical Services before joining the Biovac group in 2004.
He currently advises and serves on the following boards:
- Board member of Litha Healthcare Group Limited
- Board member of Sisonke Pharmaceuticals
- Member of the Cape Biotechnology Industry Forum
- Member of the Advisory Panel at Cape Peninsula University of Technology