MEET THE TEAM
Émile Malan
(MBChB MBA)
Managing Director
Désirée van Heerden
(BSc Physiology and Psychology, Hon. Psychology)
Head of Regulatory Affairs
Jhenaan Sorefan
(MBA BSc Medicine, Hon.)
Regulatory Affairs Associate
Émile’s motivation for starting Vicore and his approach to decision-making is quite simple. Africa has an estimated 25% of the world’s disease burden, yet a mere fraction of the world’s healthcare resources (~3%). Anyone who can lend a hand, should. Amongst other things, his exposure as a doctor to the full weight and impact of the HIV epidemic in South Africa during the early 2000s, and
overburdened healthcare systems in sub-Sahara Africa, keeps him motivated to make a difference. For the benefit of patients and healthcare systems, Émile will continue to leverage strategic partners but also his experience as a clinician, pharmaceutical exec and pro-digital advocate to ensure Vicore
becomes the leading Regulatory and Medical Affairs partner for clients in Africa and other Emerging Markets.
Désirée was born and raised in Klerksdorp, South Africa. Désirée and has 12 years experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Her tertiary studies were done at the Northwest University where she received her B.Sc. in Physiology and Psychology and went on to complete her honours in Psychology with UNISA. While completing her honours, Désirée started working for a leading South
African Medicine Regulatory consultancy. Désirée is a passionate team manager and also specialises in regulatory affairs on the African continent for all types of pharma products, incl. medicine, medical devices, alternative medicines and cosmetics). She believes that when all areas of the pharma industry work together, a better outcome can be found for the patient.
Jhenaan was born and raised in Mauritius. After working in the medical research publication field as an editor for Elsevier medical journals, Jhenaan moved to Medical Device sales before joining Aspen
Global Incorporated and the pharmaceutical industry where she finally found her true calling. After gaining almost a year of experience in pharmaceutical Quality Assurance at Aspen, she decided to
extend her experience and pursue a career in Regulatory Affairs with Vicore in 2020. She believes her health sciences background can be applied in an even more meaningful way by applying her mind and energy to regulatory affairs.
Noor Owasil
(MSc Industrial Engineering & Management, BEng. Chem Engineering with Energy Engineering)
Snr Regulatory Affairs and PV Associate
Alida Geldenhuys
(BSc Physiology)
Regulatory Affairs Manager
Jeanne Le Roux
(BSc Zoology and Physiology , MSc Epidemiology)
Regulatory Manager
Noor was born and raised in Mauritius and holds two engineering qualifications. After spending some time in the UK, Noor returned and joined Quality Beverages Ltd, one of the leading local bottling companies in Mauritius where she worked as a Project Engineer. She then moved to a medical device manufacturing company where she was the Validation Engineer and participated in R&D
projects. After spending nearly six years in the manufacturing industry, the start of Noor’s journey in Regulatory Affairs began in 2019 when she joined Aspen Global Incorporated in Mauritius, where she was greatly involved in both Manufacturing Site projects (site additions, and replacements) and Life
Cycle Activities (variations, renewals) for her portfolio of products which included various
injectables. Noor joined the Vicore team in 2021 and would like to make a positive impact in the healthcare industry; she strongly believes in improving lives by making healthcare accessible and affordable.
Alida joined Vicore in 2020 and has more than 14 years of regulatory affairs experience.
Knowledgeable in various aspects of the industry, medicine registration processes, dossier life-cycle management and post-registration processes, processes at the various 3rd parties, post-importation
processes including final batch releases, GxP compliance, document control and many others. Alida has a passion for regulatory affairs & quality assurance and the pharmaceutical industry and enjoys continuously building her experience and knowledge in these sectors in which her diligence, attention to detail and analytical persona can thrive.
Jeanne’s journey in Regulatory Affairs began around 10 years ago when she joined a leading consultancy company in her hometown, Potchefstroom, South Africa. Three years later she joined a South African-based pharmaceutical company where her responsibilities included medicine registration processes, life-cycle management, portfolio management and quality assurance. She has a passion for teaching and learning, and places a high value on continuous learning, has a strong work ethic and finds much joy and work satisfaction in ensuring work of high quality that exceeds client expectations. Jeanne joined Vicore in 2021.
Maryam Beebeejaun
(B. Pharm)
Regulatory Affairs and QA Pharmacist
Maryam graduated from the School of Pharmacy at the University of the Western Cape, South Africa in 2006. She worked in the pharmaceutical industry as a Deputy Responsible Pharmacist for more than ten
years. She brings with her a wealth of experience in the fields of Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Quality Assurance, and Quality Management Systems. She is an energetic person with a holistic way of
thinking and is eager to enhance her skills and grow her knowledge within the regulatory and quality sector. Maryam is passionate about delivering high-quality services that will be in the best interest of the patient. Maryam will be assisting Vicore with Quality Management Systems strengthening, service development and regulatory services to our valued clients.
Tina Smuts
(B.Pharm, PCDT Pharmacist)
Regulatory Affairs Pharmacist
Tina is originally from a small town called Malmesbury in the Western Cape. She did her Pharmacy Degree at NMMU in Port Elizabeth and recently finished her PCDT qualification at Potchefstroom University. She has worked in Clinical Pharmacy for 15 years and is passionate about health and
medicine in all forms. Her experience in retail gives her a consumer view as well as a healthcare provider view on ground level. Tina is a positive, hardworking individual and believes her experience in Clinical Pharmacy can add value to any project she is involved in.
Karishma Bholah Nunkoo
(BSc Food Science and Technology, MSc Quality Management)
Regulatory Affairs Associate
Karishma was born and raised on the beautiful tropical island of Mauritius. Willing to embrace new challenges, she joined Vicore in May 2022 in the Regulatory field. Prior to taking this role, Karishma was involved in artwork and compliance management at Aspen Global Incorporated for eight years. During her tenure, she played a big part in improving the
processes of distribution complaints, transport verification/validation, and artwork batch release confirmation. Prior to that, Karishma worked in the food manufacturing sector at Food Canners Ltd in the Quality Assurance department. Karishma holds a bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Technology and a master’s degree in Total Quality Management and Performance Excellence from the University of Mauritius. Karishma has a passion for photography and loves spending time with her two dogs. She is also a fitness freak!