meet
the
board
What was initially envisioned as an all-encompassing support group for South Africans affected by rare conditions (or those who remain undiagnosed) has evolved into a formally registered NPO that is internationally recognised for its advocacy efforts. As a result, the management and oversight of the organisation has been formalised.
Each board member brings with them expertise and knowledge in various aspects of business as well as life-experience and personal understanding of rare diseases and their impact on patients, families, stakeholders and society at large.
KELLY DU PLESSIS
MOM. ADVOCATE. LEADER.
Kelly du Plessis is the CEO & Founder of Rare Diseases South Africa which was born out of necessity when her oldest child was diagnosed with Pompe Disease in 2010 at 11 months of age. Having dedicated her life and career to furthering the plight of those impacted by rare diseases in developing countries, Kelly serves on various boards and committees which focus on improving the quality of life for rare patients.
Kelly has taken rare disease policy and patient advocacy to new heights in South Africa and has presented at various national and international conferences to raise awareness and create a new narrative in terms of treatment and access for rare patients. Kelly has been awarded various awards and accolades for her contribution to healthcare both locally and abroad.
NOMSA MTSHALI
PATIENT SUPPORTER EXTRAORDINAIRE
Nomsa has devoted her life to assisting patients and families impacted by rare diseases. After working in the coporate sector for several years, the altruistic bug bit, leading Nomsa to join RDSA as a team member.
Nomsa was elected to the board of directors in 2024.
DR HELEN MALHERBE
MOM. RESEARCHER. RDSA DIRECTOR.
Helen became part of the rare disease community in 2004 when she lost her first child, Madeleine, to Trisomy 18 (Edwards Syndrome), and soon after established a contact point for families in South Africa affected by the same condition. In 2017, Helen completed a PhD to investigate the renewed need for the care and prevention of congenital disorders in South Africa, from which 13 scientific articles have been published to date.
Helen was Honorary Chair of Genetic Alliance South Africa (GA-SA), a non-profit, membership organisation uniting stakeholders relevant to the care and prevention of congenital disorders (CDs) until April 2020 when GASA was integrated into RDSA. Helen was appointed as an honorary RDSA Director overseeing Research and Epidemiology.
ROXY BURGER MOM. CONTENT PRODUCER. ENTREPRENEUR.
At the age of just 32, Roxy Burger has achieved what many fail to do in a lifetime. Having graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Audiovisual Production Management, Roxy is as talented behind the camera as she is in front of it and is an avid producer, presenter, radio DJ and reality show participant. She too, is the mom of a rare warrior and utilises her reputation and following to advocate and create awareness of rare diseases.
JEREMY PETERS DAD. MBA SURVIVOR. CORPORATE ENTHUSIAST
Jeremy grew up in Barberton, a small mining town in Mpumalanga. After matriculating in Barberton, he relocated to Johannesburg to pursue his studies in health sciences.
Jeremy holds an honours degree in Human Biology from the University of the Witwatersrand and an MBA from Wits Business School.
Jeremy has more than 12 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry and has held various executive leadership positions during his career. Jeremy has worked in a variety of Pharmaceutical companies and brings a dedicated corporate focus.
