Waheed Amanjee: Bridging science, medicine, and innovation

Waheed Amanjee’s journey is a testament to the power of scientific curiosity and perseverance. Hailing from the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists alumnus’s passion for research and innovation has propelled him to remarkable achievements in both academia and entrepreneurship.

A lifelong passion for science

Waheed grew up in the small farming town of Harding before moving to Port Shepstone at the age of 13. His passion for science led him to the University of Cape Town (UCT) in 2020, where he pursued an MBChB degree. Through UCT’s intercalated clinician-scientist track, he was awarded a National Research Foundation-funded opportunity to complete a Medical Science Honours degree in Bioinformatics. This specialised programme integrates research training into medical studies, allowing students to develop expertise in both clinical care and scientific innovation. “I’m thrilled to be supported by the Mandela Rhodes Foundation to conduct my master’s thesis in the Neurogenomics Lab – all while finishing my medical degree over the next two years,” he says.

Choosing Medicine: A Calling Inspired by Family

Waheed’s journey into medicine was deeply personal. Growing up, he explored various scientific fields, from engineering to coding, but a pivotal moment during his matric exams changed his trajectory. “I found myself torn between engineering and healthcare. Then in the final week of matric exams, my mother was hospitalised, and it felt like a final calling towards the medical field. Ultimately, I realised that the clinician-scientist path allowed me to weave together all my interests while pursuing my commitment to reshaping healthcare through compassion and innovative research,” he says.

The Eskom Expo influence

Waheed’s passion for science was ignited through his love of tinkering with electronics – an interest inherited from his father, who worked as a cell phone technician “during the era of Nokia brick phones”. “I was also captivated by films like Disney’s Meet the Robinsons, which told the story of a young inventor revolutionising technology,” he says. His first participation in the Eskom Expo in 2014 set him on a path of continuous experimentation, from building a solar-powered Raspberry Pi laptop to researching energy harvesting from footsteps. These projects earned him the opportunity to represent South Africa at international science fairs in Zambia and Turkey. “These experiences not only broadened my worldview but also reinforced my belief that passion and perseverance can propel us to achieve great things,” he says.

Giving back to the Eskom Expo community

Waheed remains an active member of the Eskom Expo community. As part of the Eskom Expo Cape Town committee, he assists in organising district expos and regional science fairs. He also mentors young innovators, such as Aadil Dawood, who, like him, earned the chance to compete internationally through Eskom Expo. Additionally, he helped establish the Suleman Bux Memorial Award at the Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF), in honour of his late grandfather, a philanthropist who dedicated his life to supporting young people’s education. “One of the individuals my grandfather assisted was a young man who would go on to become Chief Justice of South Africa, Raymond Zondo. Honouring his legacy through this award at Eskom Expo is my way of continuing his commitment to supporting future generations of innovators, ensuring that access to opportunities is never a barrier to success,” he says.

Memorable Moments and Career Highlights

Waheed credits the Eskom Expo for shaping his confidence and providing a sense of belonging. He fondly recalls his experiences at the ISF in Boksburg, where he met inspiring peers, including Ashraf Moosa, with whom he later co-founded WiZmed. His career milestones include graduating with First Class Honours in Bioinformatics, researching genetic variations in asthma medication response, and co-founding the African Research Society. “As one of only 67 scholars selected for the prestigious Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship in 2025 – widely regarded as Africa’s most competitive scholarship – I’m embarking on my MSc in Medicine at the UCT Neurogenomics Lab and excited to see where this clinician-scientist-entrepreneur path will take me next,” he says.

A multidimensional skillset

Beyond his academic pursuits, Waheed has a passion for creative endeavours. His background in marketing has fueled an interest in graphic design and web development. He also enjoys spontaneous road trips around Cape Town, which often turn into impromptu photography sessions. His entrepreneurial spirit runs deep, having grown up in a family business environment. Although his father envisioned him taking over the family trade, Waheed found his own way into business – co-founding WiZmed, now South Africa’s largest stethoscope distributor.

Advice for young scientists

Waheed encourages young scientists to pursue projects they are truly passionate about, emphasising that dedication and creativity can overcome resource limitations. “I believe Eskom Expo should integrate a stronger focus on entrepreneurship and sustainability. While nurturing scientific curiosity and innovation is essential, empowering young scientists to translate their ideas into practical, market-ready solutions is just as important,” he says. Projects could be aligned with both the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063 goals, ensuring innovations address continental priorities.

Looking Ahead

Waheed Amanjee’s journey is a powerful example of how science fairs can ignite a lifelong passion for research and innovation. As he continues to bridge medicine, research, and entrepreneurship, his story serves as an inspiration for aspiring scientists across South Africa and beyond.