Meet Our Doctors, Nurses and Management Staff
Dr Robert de Bruyne
MBChB, FC Rad Onc (SA)Learn More About Dr Robert de Bruyne
Dr Robert de Bruyne graduated from the School of Medicine at University of Pretoria in 1990. During his internship at Addington Hospital in 1991, Dr de Bruyne was on rotation in the oncology wards and subsequently was offered a post in the Oncology Department. This marked the start of a rewarding and fulfilling career.He graduated as a clinical oncologist from The College of Medicine of South Africa in 1998. Later that year, he took a position in private practice at Parklands Hospital. During his early years as a junior consultant, Dr de Bruyne became interested in an emerging technology to treat prostate cancer using implanted radioactive seeds. He attended a course at the Seattle Prostate Institute in 2000, and was involved in performing the first prostate brachytherapy procedure in KwaZulu-Natal soon thereafter.His practice focus took a turn in the direction of treating prostate cancer exclusively from 2005. Since then, he has been involved in developing excellence in prostate brachytherapy in South Africa, presenting at oncology and urology conferences and workshops as well as proctoring new units.Dr de Bruyne considers himself fortunate to be happily married for more than 25 years, and has a family that fills him with joy and pride. He feels most privileged to be part of a group practice of extraordinary individuals. Outside of his career, Dr de Bruyne is passionate about keeping fit, fly fishing, surfing, outdoor pursuits and creativity.
Dr Shane Cullis
BSc, MBChB, FC Rad Onc (SA)Learn More About Dr Shane Cullis
Dr Shane Cullis started out studying Entomology and Zoology at UKZN and then “changed tack” and went on to do Medicine at UCT. He specialised in Clinical Oncology in Durban and has been in private practice with Hopelands Cancer Centre since 1999. He moved to Pietermaritzburg in 2001, becoming the first “full time” oncologist in the city.
He initially treated all malignancies, but had special interests in breast cancer, melanoma and lymphoma. Since 2015, Dr Cullis has narrowed his field of practice to focus on breast cancer only, and he is passionate about optimising breast cancer management in the KZN Midlands region.
Dr Cullis is a member of the South African Society of Clinical and Radiation Oncology, the South African Society of Medical Oncology, the European Society of Medical Oncology, the Breast Interest Group of South Africa, and has been a board member of the Access to Innovative Care Foundation since its inception in 2010.
He has participated in the committees determining the current guidelines for the management of breast cancer in South Africa. He is also the principal investigator of several international clinical trials in breast cancer, in order to expand our knowledge of breast cancer treatment and to be able to offer access to cutting edge treatments to South African patients.
He is very happily married and has twin sons. Outside of medicine, Dr Cullis cherishes spending time with his family and exploring the wilderness areas of Southern Africa.
Dr Luci Jooste
MBChB, FC Rad Onc (SA)Learn More About Dr Luci Jooste
Dr Luci Jooste attended the University of Pretoria and graduated in 1989. She was offered an internship post at Addington Hospital in 1990, and it was there that she was exposed to the field of oncology. Dr Jooste was fascinated by this discipline and decided to pursue her specialisation in oncology.Dr Jooste obtained her specialist degree at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 1997. She spent her first three years in private practice in Port Elizabeth, before returning to Durban and joining Hopelands Cancer Centre in 2000.She treats most solid malignancies, with a special interest in women’s cancer. Dr Jooste also provides a service to patients in outlying clinics.In the last 26 years, she has witnessed the evolution in cancer care and remains fascinated by the discipline of oncology.In her spare time, Dr Jooste enjoys spending time in the bush, particularly bird watching.
Dr Riaz Mall
MBChB,FC Rad Onc (SA)
Learn More About Dr Riaz Mall
Dr Riaz Mall attended the University of Natal Medical School. He served his internship at King Edward VIII Hospital and then worked there as a Medical Officer. Thereafter, Dr Mall worked in Derby and London in the UK.After returning to South Africa, Dr Mall joined the Oncology Department at Addington Hospital and received his Fellowship of the College of Radiation Oncologists of South Africa (FC Rad Onc) in 2002. Dr Mall has been at Hopelands Cancer Centre ever since.Dr Mall treats most solid tumours and has an interest in gastrointestinal, breast and lung cancer, and has been involved in a number of clinical trials in breast, colon and lung cancer.Outside of work, he enjoys reading books and travelling.
Dr Diana Pillay
MBChB, DCH, DA, FC Rad Onc (SA), M.Med (Onc), M.Med MScLearn More About Dr Diana Pillay
Dr Diana Pillay completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Natal in 1992. Whilst serving her internship at McCord Hospital in Durban, she was introduced to the discipline of oncology. Prior to specialising in oncology, Dr Pillay started her postgraduate studies and earned a Diploma in Child Health in 1994 and a Diploma in Anaesthetics in 1995. She obtained her Fellowship in Radiation Oncology (FC Rad Onc) from the College of Medicine of South Africa in 2000 and her Master of Medicine in Radiotherapy and Oncology (MMed) through the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 2002. Dr Pillay then earned her MMed MSc (Bioethics and Health Law) in 2022, through the University of Witwatersrand. Dr Pillay joined Hopelands Cancer Centre in 2003. Hopelands Cancer Centre offers comprehensive cancer care throughout KwaZulu-Natal, with Dr Pillay having serviced the South Coast since 2003. She was part of the team that assisted the public sector oncology clinics between 2019 and 2020. Dr Pillay has a special interest in molecular oncology and its role in clinical medicine. She is also keen on addressing the ethical challenges facing cancer care in South Africa. When not working, Dr Pillay enjoys playing the piano, reading and relaxing with yoga and Tai Chi.
Dr Ziad Seedat
MBChB, FC Rad Onc (SA)MBA (Edinburgh)
Learn More About Dr Ziad Seedat
Dr Ziad Seedat attended the University of Natal and Edinburgh and joined Hopelands Cancer Centre in 2004. His special interests are in head and neck stereotactic radiosurgery.Dr Seedat is a Director and Executive Committee member of the South African Oncology Consortium, has served on the steering committee of the South African Society of Clinical and Radiation Oncologists, and is a member of the European Society for Medical Oncology and the American Society for Radiation Oncology.
Dr Robbie Dent
MBChB, FC Rad Onc (SA), PGDipPallMedLearn More About Dr Robbie Dent
Dr Robbie Dent grew up in Westville and did his undergraduate qualification at Stellenbosch.He specialised at Addington Hospital, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital and at Greys Hospital in Pietermaritzburg.He joined Hopelands Cancer Centre in 2010 and has a post graduate diploma in palliative medicine as well as a dispensing licence. His special interests include urogenital cancer, colorectal cancer, skin cancer and palliative care.Dr Dent is married to Julie and has a daughter and son. He enjoys time off with family, travelling, reading, and being in the bush.
Dr JD Sithlu
MBChB, FC Rad Onc (SA)Learn More About Dr JD Sithlu
Dr JD Sithlu matriculated from Tongaat Secondary School in 1989 and completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Natal Medical School. In 1996, Dr Sithlu did his internship at RK Khan Hospital, and then did 6 months of surgery at RK Khan Hospital, paediatrics at King Edward VIII Hospital, psychiatry at Addington Hospital and cardiology at Wentworth Hospital. Dr Sithlu completed his Fellowship of the College of Radiation Oncologists of South Africa in 2003, and spent the next year as a consultant at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital. In 2005, he then joined the largest private practice group at the time, Leon Gous & Venote, in East London, where he became a director. Dr Sithlu joined Hopelands Cancer centre in 2013 and has a special interest in colorectal and prostate oncology. Outside of work, Dr Sithlu enjoys travelling, movies and is an avid foodie.
Dr Robert Wilson
BSc, MBChB, FC Rad Onc (SA)Learn More About Dr Robert Wilson
Dr Robert Wilson grew up in a family with deep roots in the medical field, both of his parents were involved in the different aspects of the care for oncology patients. This early exposure not only equipped him with foundational insights, but also kindled his passion for the field.Dr Wilson’s academic journey began with a BSc degree and after diverse experience in South Africa and abroad, he started his career as a medical student. His earlier life experience would shape his medical path and his eventual passion for oncology. A pivotal moment in Dr Wilson’s professional evolution was a rotation at a leading Western Cape hospital's Oncology Department, where his fervour for oncology was further cemented. He was privileged to study Radiation Oncology at the University of Natal, where he received thorough training in both Radiation and Medical Oncology. Today, his areas of specialisation span a wide spectrum of oncological fields, with a particular focus on breast, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, lung, and skin cancers. Dr Wilson currently practises in Busamed Hillcrest Private Hospital.
Dr Adam McCleave
MBChB, FC Rad Onc (SA)Learn More About Dr Adam McCleave
Dr Adam McCleave joined the Hopelands Cancer Centre team in 2017. He qualified with his MBChB in 1990 in Zimbabwe, and obtained his FC Rad Onc (SA) specialisation here in KwaZulu-Natal.
Dr McCleave was an associate at the Durban Oncology Centre for 18 years, after leaving his provincial consultant post in 1999. He has been an investigator in numerous industry clinical trials, in assessing new therapies for most common cancers. Cancers of the gastrointestinal tract have been an area of particular interest.
Establishing a centre of excellence at Busamed Hillcrest Hospital has been his focus in the Hopelands group.
Dr McCleave lives in Hillcrest with his wife, Sue, who is a radiotherapist, so one might say they have an oncological home.
Dr Jaishanthan Reddy
MBChB, FC Rad Onc (SA)Learn More About Dr jaishanthan Reddy
Dr Jaishanthan Reddy is a dedicated oncologist at Hopelands Cancer Centre, with a rich history of providing patient-centric care over the past five years. His professional philosophy aligns closely with that of the Hopelands practice, placing emphasis on the belief that every patient who enters our facility can find assistance. In addition to staying abreast of the latest medications and techniques available in South Africa, Dr Reddy’s focus lies in executing fundamental aspects of care and effective communication to facilitate a smooth journey for both patients and their families. Outside of his professional sphere, Dr Reddy’s leisure time centres around family. He derives joy from maintaining an active lifestyle through working out and running, and he engages his intellectual side through avid reading. Furthermore, he finds simple pleasure in the cinematic experience, appreciating the art of storytelling on the big screen.
Dr Pelham Piek
MBChB, FC Rad Onc (SA), M.Med OncologyLearn More About Dr Pelham Piek
Dr Pelham Piek attended medical school at the University of the Free State and qualified in 2007. He completed two years of internship at Greys Hospital and Edendale Hospital, and completed his community service in Klerksdorp in 2010. Following his community service, Dr Piek specialised in oncology at Universitas Hospital in Bloemfontein and qualified in 2016. He stayed on as a consultant in the department for two years and gained valuable experience during this time. Dr Piek joined Hopelands Cancer Centre towards the end of 2018. Although he treats a wide range of cancers, he does have an interest in gynaecological malignancies, skin cancers and lung cancer. Dr Piek cherishes spending time outdoors with his wife and three children, and enjoys trail running.
Dr Marion Algar
MBChB, FC Rad Onc (SA), M.Med OncologyLearn More About Dr Marion Algar
Dr Marion Algar graduated with her MBChB from the University of Cape Town in 2013. She completed her internship at the Pietermaritzburg Hospital Complex. For her year of community service, she worked in the Oncology Department at Klerksdorp Hospital.Following her community service, she relocated back to her hometown of Durban where she worked as a medical officer in a private oncology practice. In 2019, Dr Algar moved to Cape Town to complete her specialisation in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Groote Schuur Hospital and the University of Cape Town. She obtained her Fellowship of the College of Radiation Oncologists of South Africa (FC Rad Onc) in 2022.Dr Algar joined the Hopelands Cancer Centre team in August 2023. She treats a broad range of cancers and has a special interest in breast, gynaecological and gastrointestinal malignancies.Outside of oncology, Dr Algar enjoys travelling, running and birdwatching.
Dr Stef Pieterse
MBChB (UKZN), DipPEC (SA)Learn More About Dr Stef Pieterse
Dr Stef Pieterse is a dedicated medical practitioner with a passion for holistic and compassionate patient care. She graduated from the University of KwaZulu-Natal Medical School in 2017 and completed her internship and community service in the Western Cape, where her interest in oncology and palliative care was first sparked.
After returning to KwaZulu-Natal, Dr Pieterse joined the Emergency Department at Harry Gwala Regional Hospital and went on to earn a Diploma in Emergency Medicine. In 2022, she transitioned into private practice as a general practitioner, while also working locum shifts in private emergency units. During this time, she completed a course in palliative care, reinforcing her commitment to supporting patients through every stage of their healthcare journey.
In August 2024, Dr Pieterse joined the Hopelands team as a medical officer. She works closely with the oncology team, with a special focus on the follow-up care of breast cancer patients, supporting Dr Shane Cullis in the continuity and quality of patient care.
Outside of her professional life, Dr Pieterse enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and young son.
Dr Nontobeko Sonjica
MBChB (UKZN)
Learn More About Dr Nontobeko Sonjica
Dr. Sonjica hails from the Eastern Cape and spent much of her upbringing in KwaZulu-Natal, with Margate and Chatsworth as her hometowns. She is now based in Pietermaritzburg. She earned her MBChB in 2005 and began her medical career serving in rural communities. Following this, she worked as a general practitioner with a focus on emergency medicine. During her time as a medical officer, she pursued her Internal Medicine Part 1 examinations but soon discovered her true passion lay in Oncology. Dr. Sonjica has a special interest in Urological and Breast cancers. In February 2025, she joined the Hopelands team where she is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centred care. Outside of work, Dr. Sonjica enjoys travelling, quad biking, hiking, and chasing waterfalls - always seeking new adventures and moments of inspiration.
Sashwin Padayachee
Chief Financial and Operating Officer
Sr Boni Mdletshe
Regional Unit Manager – Durban
Sr Lungi Dladla
Regional Unit Manager – Pietermaritzburg and Hilton
Vanessa Naidoo
HR Manager
Akshay Budhram
Group Radiotherapy Manager
Somantha Lazarus
Radiotherapy Unit Manager – Hillcrest
Riana Jackson
Radiotherapy Unit Manager – Pietermaritzburg
Emillio John
Radiotherapy Unit Manager- Gateway/ Umhlanga