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SAESS
Executive Committee 2025
President
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Dr Shawn Venter
Dr Shawn Venter is an orthopaedic spinal surgeon and a leading advocate for full endoscopic spine surgery in South Africa. As President of the South African Endoscopic Spine Society (SAESS), he plays a central role in shaping the national direction of minimally invasive spinal care, with a mission to expand access, elevate surgical standards, and mentor the next generation of endoscopic spine surgeons.
He has been at the forefront of introducing and refining advanced techniques, including monoportal and biportal endoscopic spine surgery. His spinal training began under the mentorship of the late Prof S. Govender with other notable mentors from across the globe including Prof M Pestonji, Prof H Aygun, Prof JL Pao and Dr Gore.
Internationally, Dr Venter maintains active memberships in the World UBE Society, North American Spine Society, Endoscopic Spine Foundation India, and the World Federation of Spine Endoscopy. His practice is grounded in clinical excellence, research validation, and ethical leadership.
As President of SAESS, he is committed to transforming spinal surgery in South Africa—bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and everyday clinical practice, and making high-quality minimally invasive spinal care accessible to all.
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
Dr Falethu Sukati is a consultant orthopaedic spine and trauma surgeon at Steve Biko Academic Hospital and in private practice. He specialises in spine surgery and has a special interest in endoscopic and minimally invasive techniques. Dr Sukati is a dedicated medical educator and faculty member in the University of Pretoria. He is a member of AO Spine and part of the AO Global Spine Diploma. He is committed to advancing clinical care and surgical skills through evidence-based training and research. After his admission as a Fellow of the College of Orthopaedic Surgeon (SA), he went on to obtain a Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Education, the AO Global Diploma in Spine Surgery and other certificates in spine surgery.
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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