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SAESS
Executive Committee 2025
President
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Dr Shawn Venter
Vice President
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Prof Aftab Younus
Prof Aftab Younus is the Head of Orthopaedics and Spine Surgery at Helen Joseph Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, where he plays a key role in academic training and surgical innovation. He is a leading Orthopaedic and Spine Surgeon in South Africa with a special interest in endoscopic and minimally invasive spinal surgery. He is committed to advancing spinal care through education and clinical excellence. He runs three major academic courses annually at Wits University: the Endoscopic Spine Course, the Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Course, and the Basic Spine Course, all of which are dedicated to equipping surgeons with modern, evidence-based techniques in spine surgery.
With extensive experience in both open and endoscopic procedures, Prof Younus is a pioneer in promoting safe, effective, and accessible spine care across South Africa and the broader African region.
Medical Aid Coordinator
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Dr Paseka Seroto
Paseka Seroto is a neurosurgeon with a special interest in spinal surgery. He holds an MBCHB qualification from Sefako Makgatho University, as well as an FC Neurosurgery qualification. A devout husband of one and father of three.
Other qualifications: Spine fellowship at Stellenbosch University, AO Global spine diploma. Certificates: ECC Endoscopic Spine Surgery, and Executive Leadership in Global Surgery from UCT and artificial intelligence in healthcare from MIT. Spent 8 months (endoscopic fellowship) with Dr Nel at Spine Africa and Dr Malcolm Pestonji in India. MBA in healthcare Leadership (Stellenbosch University).
Positions: South African Spine Society (SASS) Exco (Secretary), Neurosurgery national chairman for AO Southern Africa (2023-2025) and examiner for the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA).
Treasurer
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Dr Leonie Bell
Dr Leonie Bell is a committed general practitioner working full-time as a spinal assistant and interventional pain practitioner. She excels in delivering comprehensive, patient‑centred spinal care. Her passion lies in minimally invasive spine surgery, particularly unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE) techniques. Commited to training and fostering a culture of continuous learning, she provides support (and an assistant's viewpoint) to all who pass through her theater with the goal to master minimally invasive techniques.
Academic Coordinator
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Dr Falethu Sukati
Honorary Secretary
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Dr Dennis Agbazue
Dr. Dennis Agbazue is an Orthopaedic Endoscopic Spinal Surgeon & Interventional Pain Specialist with the following qualifications: MBBS (UNN), Dip PEC (SA), FRCS (Glasgow), FC (Ortho) (SA), FIPP (Miami), CIPS (Budapest). He is actively practicing both uni-portal and bi-portal Endoscopic spine surgery and would like to encourage others to learn these techniques.
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