6# AFF Agenda | DNAforAFRICA

#4 AGENDAS

#2026 CAPE TOWN

AFRICAN FORENSIC FORUM

6#AFF 2026 | PROGRAM

Day 1 - Wednesday 18March

SEE WORKSHOPS

Day 2 - Thursday 19March

SPEAKERS

WELCOME & AGENDA - PDF

6#AFF workshops

6#AFF 2026 WORKSHOPS

Please note that the workshops run parallel & IN-PERSON, so participants can attend only one session

1. Sep&Prep hands-on workshop

Ms Nosipho Sithole | QIAGEN

DURATION: 3 hours

Experience the power of seamless sample preparation with our Sep&Prep Demonstration featuring the EZ2 Connect Fx, designed to support efficient workflows for forensic and human identification laboratories. This session highlights automated extraction methods tailored for sexual assault casework, where reliability, sensitivity, and traceability are essential. Participants will see the instrument’s intuitive interface, chemistries, and robust documentation features in action. Whether you're aiming to enhance throughput or strengthen consistency in complex casework, this demonstration showcases how the EZ2 Connect Fx can elevate your extraction processes.

2. TrueAllele workshop - Unlocking DNA profile interpretation for Africa

Dr Mark Perlin | CyberGenetics

DURATION: 3 hours

Are you ready to see how cutting‑edge DNA technology can transform forensic science across Africa? Join us for a special TrueAllele® workshop, presented by the system’s inventor, Dr. Mark Perlin, and supported live online by the Cybergenetics team. What to Expect Using real African case examples, Dr. Perlin will demonstrate how the TrueAllele® probabilistic genotyping system can: Solve complex DNA mixtures that traditional methods cannot Deliver accurate, objective results—even with limited or degraded samples Strengthen forensic capabilities across the continent Support justice systems with science-driven, defensible evidence Experience TrueAllele® in Action While attendees won’t be operating the software during this session, Cybergenetics will be online to provide live demonstrations of the system’s capabilities. Interested in hands‑on training? You’ll have the opportunity to sign up for future practical sessions. Why Attend? Learn directly from the technology’s creator Understand how TrueAllele® is already impacting real cases Discover opportunities for implementing advanced DNA analysis in your own region

3. Rapid DNA Solutions - Because Every Minute Counts

Ms Parmowtee Goodur, Ms Melani Alfama | Thermo Fisher Scientific

DURATION: 3 hours

This workshop introduces participants to Rapid DNA technology and its practical application in forensic and law-enforcement contexts. Using the Applied Biosystems RapidHIT ID System, the session will demonstrate how forensic DNA profiles can be generated in as little as 90 minutes, in a wide range of operational settings, and without the need for specialised laboratory infrastructure or technical expertise.

Participants will learn how enhanced Rapid DNA investigative lead solutions can support time-critical decision-making during the early stages of an investigation. The workshop will explore how Rapid DNA programmes are being used to generate actionable leads, exclude suspects, accelerate investigative workflows, and support public safety.

The session will include discussion of operational considerations, deployment scenarios, and the role of Rapid DNA in complementing traditional forensic laboratory processes, drawing on current applications supported by Thermo Fisher Scientific.

4. International humanitarian law and the protection of the dead in armed conflict

Adv Vaughn Rossouw

Legal Advisor, ICRC Central Tracing Agency, African Centre for Medicolegal Systems

DURATION: 3 hours

Among the most devastating consequences of armed conflict are family separation, people going missing, and a failure by parties to armed conflict to treat the dead with dignity and to return them to their families. All too often, families of those who went missing as a result of armed conflict continue to live with uncertainty for years or even decades after the end of active hostilities, afforded neither closure of mourning nor a reason to stop hoping that their missing loved one will one day return. International Humanitarian Law (IHL) sets out obligations for parties to armed conflict to prevent and respond to missing persons and their families, and the dignified management of the dead. Yet, what is still lacking is adequate awareness of the law, and an understanding of practical measures to implement the relevant obligations that address measures to prevent and respond to missing persons in armed conflict, the dignified management of the dead, and families right to know the fate of their relatives. This workshop aims to create awareness among forensic academia and researches with respect to the IHL obligations towards the missing, the dead and their families. By bridging law and forensic practice, this workshop explores the applicable IHL obligations towards the missing and their families and the dignified management of the dead, and how these obligations find practical application in different types of armed conflict, be that International or non-International armed conflicts. This workshop will benefit forensic science students and postgraduates with a research focus or interest in humanitarian forensic action, human identification, or management of the dead.

6#AFF speaker/experts

6#AFF 2026 PRESENTERS | EXPERTS | PANELISTS

OUR MISSION EXPLAINED IN 5 STEPS

6#AFF 2026 | PROGRAM

6#AFF 2026 WORKSHOPS

6#AFF 2026 PRESENTERS | EXPERTS | PANELISTS

Prof. Aaron Amankwaa

Professor of Forensic Biology

Mrs Chandra Finaughty

UCT

Mr Simbarashe Kaneunyenye

UCT

Mr Michael Menear

Forensic Scientist

Dr Mark Perlin

Chief Scientific Officer

Dr Sarah Forbes-Robertson

Lecturer and Researcher

Dr Joe H Smith

SAPS, UNISA & UFS

Mrs Vonita Thompson

Director Forensic Pathology Service

Ms Melani Alfama

Scientist | Thermo Fisher Scientific

Ms Parmowtee Goodur

Scientist | Thermo Fisher Scientific

Ms Tumisang T. Mbedzi

Forensic Anthropologist

Mr Friday Musangu

Forensic Scientist

Ms Beatrice Phiri

Laboratory Assistant

Mr Wilhelm Fouche

Forensic Death Investigator

Prof Kathryn Smith

Stellenbosch University

Ms Amy-Leigh Whittaker

UCT

Prof Bruce Budowle

Forensic Medicine,Uni. of Helsinki

Dr Elysia Greenway

Postdoctoral Researcher | SU

Dr Vanessa Lynch

DNAforAFRICA

Prof. Marion Mutugi

Professor of Genetics

Ret Lt Col. Sharlene Otto

Forensic Analyst

Dr Gert Saayman

Forensic Pathologist

Ms Nosipho Sithole

QIAGEN

Ms Jenna van den Munckhof

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Mr Chanda Bwalya

Forensic DNA Scientist

Prof Laura Heathfield

UCT

Dr Donna-Lee Martin

UCT

Ms Thobeka Nkheloane

UCT

Adv. Vaughn Rossouw

Legal Adviser | ICRC

Ms Rhona Singh

SAPS

Ms Gamuchirai Yvonne Tagwireyi

Human Rights Lawyer

African Forensic Sciences Academy

President AFSA, Dr A Olckers

Day 1 - Wednesday 18 March

Day 2 - Thursday 19 March

THANK YOU TO OUR VALUED SPONSORS FOR MAKING THIS EVENT POSSIBLE