QUALIFICATIONS
- MSc in Nuclear Physics
- MBChB; MMed (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)(Stellenbosch University)
- Fellow of the College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of South Africa (Stellenbosch) – FCOG (SA)
- Fellowship in Reproductive Biology (SA)
- Registered Fertility Specialist
- Certificate of Advanced Training in Minimal Access (Laparoscopic) Surgery at the European Institute of Tele-Surgery (EITS), Strasbourg, France
- Publications (national and international)
- President of the South African Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (SASOG)
- Board Member of the South African Menopause Society (SAMS)
- Certificate of Added Qualification as a North American Menopause Society (NAMS) Menopause Practitioner
During her rotation she spent a total of twelve months exclusively in Urogynaecology were she also became familiar with vaginal and prolapse surgery. She is competent in outpatient procedures such as hysteroscopy, cystoscopy and pelvic ultrasound. Her MMed and college dissertation was based on a descriptive cohort study and included a comparison of the presentation of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adolescents compared to women aged 35 years and older at Groote Schuur Hospital. She presented her dissertation at the SASOG 2014 congress and was awarded 2nd prize and a certificate of excellence for oral presentations by a registrar. In 2011 she represented South Africa and Western Province in age group Triathlons and competed in Triathlon World Championships in Beijing. She has competed in Ironman and half Ironman events and in 2015 placed 2ndin SA championships and qualified for World Championships in Chicago.
QUALIFICATIONS
- MBBCH, 2005 (University of Witwatersrand)
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support, 2007 (Academy of Emergency Medicine, Cape Town)
- ATLS, 2008 (Trauma centre, University of Witwatersrand)
- Surgical Skills course, 2008 (University of Witwatersrand)
- Fellow of the College of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists of South Africa (Cape Town) – FCOG (SA), 2014
- MMed (Gynaecology), 2014 (University of Cape Town)
- Sub-specialist in Reproductive Medicine – Fertility Specialist in training
QUALIFICATIONS
- 1989 MBChB, University of Stellenbosch
- 1996 FCOG (SA), Colleges of Medicine, SA
- 1996 MMed (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)(University of Free State)
- Fellow of the College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of South Africa (Stellenbosch) – FCOG (SA)
- 2022 Masters in Endometriosis at the MIS Academy in Dubai
She is especially interested in positive psychology and resilience, women and reproductive psychology, and mindfulness therapy.
QUALIFICATIONS
- BA Sport Science with Psychology (Stellenbosch University)
- 1984 HED (Higher Educational Diploma, University of Pretoria)
- 1988 BEdPsych (Educational Psychology, University of Pretoria)
- 2001 Reflexology & Meridian Therapy, the International School of Inge Dougans, Denmark
- HonsBA (Clinical Psychology) (Stellenbosch University)
- MA (Psychology), Stellenbosch University
- Specialised Infertility Counselling (Psychological Aspects of Fertility Patient)
- Member of ESHRE (Psychological Counselling) and SIG (Special Interest Group)
- Representative of IICO (International Infertility Counselling Organisation) for South Africa
- Delivered oral presentation at the 28th Annual Meeting of ESHRE, Istanbul, Turkey, 2012 (only representative from sub-Saharan Africa invited to present a study): Psychological aspects presented by infertility patients of both genders before the commencement of each new phase of clinical intervention in fertility treatment.)
She earned her Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology at the University of Stellenbosch and her Doctoral Degree in Applied Psychology at the University of Calgary, Canada. She has recently moved back to Cape Town after living in North America for more than two decades.
Dr. Swart brings with her more than 20 years of international experience in individual, couples and sex therapy and has been a sessional instructor to medical students and Masters degree students in Psychology in Sex Therapy while in Canada.
Dr. Swart was for 4 years the resident Sexology expert for SA’s Health24’s Forum (Health24.com is South Africa’s premier health and wellness website, averaging over 1.2 million unique users from across the world each month. Of these, over 650 000 users are based in South Africa).
She was also SA’s DRUM magazine’s Sexologist for the past few years (along with its sister magazines, Huisgenoot and YOU, DRUM magazine is currently one of the largest consumer magazines in South Africa with a total readership of three million and ninety thousand).
Dr. Swart has been featured as the sex expert in various magazines and news papers across Canada and South Africa.
She has a private-practice in Claremont and Somerset West in the Western Cape and she is fluent in English and Afrikaans. She is currently available for online sessions. Her favourite quote is “Don’t wait. The time will never be just right” by Napoleon Hill. She is currently accepting new patients.
QUALIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS (Past and Present)
- College of Psychologists of British Columbia
- Health Professions Council of South Africa (Registered Psychologist)
- Canadian Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology
- Canadian Society of Clinical Hypnosis
- International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy
- The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT)
- The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)
- International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health
View her website here
She completed her studies in Nature Conservation at Stellenbosch University and developed an interest in Reproductive Biology. She completed her Honours in Nature Conservation. Her honours project was a study in the histology of Cape Serotine Bats. Thereafter she completed her M.SC. in Reproductive Biology in 2002. Her M.Sc project was determining the optimal dosage of PMSG in the superovulation of mice and the effect of insulin on the growth of embryos in vitro. Birgit enjoys all aspects of Reproductive Medicine but has a keen interest in patient centred care and support.
QUALIFICATIONS
- BSc(Agric) Animal Physiology, Nature Conservation and Zoology
- BSc(NCons)(Hons) Honours in Nature Conservation
- MSc(Agric)(Cum Laude) majoring in Animal Reproductive Physiology
- National Diploma in Clinical Technology (Human Reproductive Biology)
- BTech in Clinical Technology (Human Reproductive Biology)
- Member of SASREG
She continued her studies and Honours degree in Genetics, with a project entitled: “Evaluation of microsatellites for genotyping of Rhipicephalus Microplus”, graduating in 2016. Cheyenne started her internship at the Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA) accredited laboratories of Tygerberg Hospital, Drs Aevitas and Wijnland Fertility Clinics in 2017. She completed her Master’s degree at Stellenbosch University Cum Laude in 2018. In 2019 she started her career as an embryologist at Drs Aevitas Fertility Clinic and locummed at Windhoek IVF Clinic in Namibia. We are proud to welcome Cheyenne back to the Wijnland Fertility team in December 2019. Her MSc study was conducted at Wijnland Fertility from 2017 to 2018 and focussed on the effect of human male patient diagnosis on syngamy timing and blastulation outcomes using time-lapse technology.
QUALIFICATIONS
- BSc Human Physiology, Genetics and Psychology – University of Pretoria
- BSc(Hons) Genetics – University of Pretoria
- MSc Human Reproductive Biology (Cum Laude) – University of Stellenbosch
- SASREG Member
Elsa completed her undergraduate degree in Environmental and Biological science at the North West University in Potchefstroom in 2016 where she received a Golden Key Achiever award. She furthered her studies at the Central University of Technology in Bloemfontein in 2017 in Clinical Technology. She obtained 4 academic bursaries whilst studying at CUT which includes first year Matric Award (2017), Vice Chancellors Award (2018) and the Senior Merit Award (2019 & 2020). In 2019 she started her HPCSA WIL training at Cape Fertility clinic in Cape Town. She completed her B.Tech degree in Reproductive Biology in 2021 (Cum Laude) with a project titled: “The effect of male age on Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection outcome when utilizing TESE samples versus Oligo-Astheno-Teratozoospermic samples”. She joined Wijnland Fertility in June 2021 showing particular interest in Male Infertility and Andrology.
In her personal capacity she likes to be active. Her hobbies include reading, exercising, Parkrun and hiking. She also loves to be outdoors, camping and spending time with family. Her love for helping others, human physiology and a fast-paced environment are only a few reasons why she decided to become an Embryologist and join the Wijnland Fertility team.
Her professional focus lies in supporting individuals and couples through the complex and deeply personal journey of fertility treatment with care, precision, and dedication.
She began her career at BioART Fertility Centre in 2021, where she developed a strong foundation in assisted reproductive technologies, including gamete handling, fertilization techniques, embryo culture, and cryopreservation etc… From 2023, she was part of the esteemed team at Vitalab KZN, where she advanced her technical skills and gained valuable experience in patient care.
In June 2025, she joined The Wijnland Team. Here, she continues to contribute her expertise in embryology while remaining committed to clinical excellence and compassionate care.
With her academic background and a growing portfolio of hands-on experience, Shikara is committed to ongoing learning, professional development, and contributing to advancements in the field of assisted reproduction. She is driven by a clear purpose: to help create families, one embryo at a time.
She continued her studies at Stellenbosch, earning her Honours degree in Physiological Sciences with distinction in 2022. Her research focused on investigating the effects of hyperglycaemia and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binding on endothelial cells. Driven by a passion for reproductive biology, Andrea pursued her dream of becoming an embryologist through a Medical Biological Science Internship at Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria. During her two-year training, she gained invaluable laboratory experience while actively participating in research and academic projects. In January 2025, Andrea returned to the Cape to join the Wijnland team as a Junior Embryologist, where she looks forward to further developing her expertise and contributing to the field.
She spent nearly 20 years in Netcare and was privileged to complete her studies in Medical and Surgical nursing and Nursing management.
She spent most of my time in theatre, obstetrics, gynaecology and IVF areas.
In 2003, she expanded her horizon’s and moved to the Middle East where she worked in Saudi Arabia and UAE, expanding her international career in IVF and Operating Rooms (including scrubbing and anesthesia)
In 2019, she returned to South Africa and the beautiful Cape province and joined the Wijnland Fertility team as an IVF coordinator.
She am a proud mother of 3 beautiful daughters and 2 grandchildren.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Diploma in General Nursing (1981)
- Diploma in Midwifery (1983)
- Diploma in Medical and Surgical Nursing (Operating Room)
- Diploma in Nursing Management
Hannelie is also a Profesional Cardiac Nurse with 20 years experience in, Cathlab ( Vascular/Cardiac), Scrub in Heart Theatre, Vascular surgery, ICU experience, Operating Theatre Senior nurse in Recoveryroom Nursing.
Darrell first started working at Wijnland in 2006 and then resigned in 2014. She rejoined the team in 2019, and is responsible for co-ordinating and caring for all pregnant and gynaecology patients. She is also responsible for theatre arrangements and bookings.
Darrell enjoys music and to crochet, but most of all spending time with her family, friends and dogs.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 4 year Diploma in General, Psychiatry, Community and Midwifery – 1988 – 1991
She returned to South Africa and spent several years working in ICU and renal dialysis units and moved to the lung function laboratory for 9years. Before joining Wijnland Fertility she worked in the Catheterization Laboratory at Panorama Mediclinic and Vergelegen Mediclinic for 27 years and was in charge of Catheterization Laboratory at Vergelegen.
Fran enjoys sport and being outdoors.
In 2006 she started to work at Durbanville Medi-Clinic in the surgical wards. After moving to Worcester in 2007, she worked in the maternity and neonatal ICU and developed an absolute passion for it.
After getting married in 2008, she moved back to Cape Town and worked in Panorama NICU until 2009.
In 2010 she prioritized community work and worked in clinics for a year, but after the birth of her first son she decided to return to the maternity ward and since 2024 joined Wijnland Fertility.
She has a passion for supporting people who are in need and is married to a wonderful husband and has 2 sons aged 10 and 14 that she loves more than life.
Thea enjoys walking for long distances in nature and spending time around the fire to barbeque with friends and family, and to dance at the right occasion.
Thea grew up in Grabouw and is a country girl in heart and soul.
From taking over the wine industry, to data administration and hospitality posts in America and the UK for 4 years, to the luxurious co-ordination of a resort hotel and spa in Knysna. Her most recent accomplishments have included having a heavy hand in the smooth running of B.Y.L Diamonds before opening her very own coffee shop in the heart of Stellenbosch finding her passion working with people. Yvette’s biggest passion is in her interest in the field of culinary arts.
Yvette knows what it takes to make something work, and we are so happy to have her as part of the Wijnland Family.
Work experience
- Co-Owner/Shareholder/Manager (Mar 2018 – Aug 2019, Nude Coffee, Stellenbosch)
- Accounts Manager/Sales Representative (June 2015 – Feb 2018 BYL Diamonds, Cape Town)
- Sales & Marketing Representative (July 2014 – May 2015, Royal African Diamonds, Cape Town)
- Tasting Room Manager (Sept 2012 – June 2014, Darling Cellars, Darling)
- Hospitality Industry o The Marine Hotel, Relais and Chateaux, Hermanus (Dec 2009 – Aug 2012)
- Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa, Knysna (Nov 2008 – Oct 2009)
- Eseeola Lodge, NC, America (May 2007 – Oct 2007 & May 2008 – Oct 2008)
- Smoke Tree Ranch, Palm Springs, CA, America (October 2007 – May 2008)
- New Park Manor Hotel, Brockenhurst, United Kingdom (December 2004 – August 2005)
- Data Administrator (September 2005 – November 2006 National Treatment Agency, London)
Qualifications
- National Tourism Diploma (Boland College, Stellenbosch Campus, 2004)
- Women in Leadership (USB-ED)
- Business Management Fundamentals (USB-ED)
Sunette is passionate about people in need, especially women and small children. Sunette and her family moved down from Pretoria to Cape Town in December 2016 and enjoy exploring the Cape with her beautiful daughter. She enjoys reading and is a keen Mountain Bike Cyclist. She also enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends.
She grew up in Cloetesville, currently stays in Kuilsriver and loves doing outdoor activities such as hiking and camping and loves cooking and dancing. Her motto in life: “I believe, we make a living by what we get, but a life by what we give…”
Outside of work, Logan finds joy in her role as a dedicated wife and loving mother to her two beautiful children. Her family is her greatest source of happiness, and she cherishes spending quality time with them.
A firm believer in kindness and positivity, Logan strives to embody these values in her daily interactions. She sees each day as an opportunity to reflect God’s kindness and make a positive impact on those around her.