UCT and Services SETA Launch R100 Million ARISE Initiative Revolutionizing Skin Health Research in Africa

The Groundbreaking Sod-Turning Ceremony

The University of Cape Town (UCT) Faculty of Health Sciences and the Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Services SETA) marked a pivotal moment in South African higher education and health research on February 13, 2026, with a sod-turning ceremony for the new Africa Research Initiative for Skin hEalth (ARISE) facility. 73 71 Held at the Wolfson Pavilion in the IDM Building on UCT's Health Sciences Campus in Rondebosch, Cape Town, the event was attended by key figures including Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr. Mimmy Gondwe, Services SETA Administrator Lehlogonolo Masoga, UCT Vice-Chancellor Professor Mosa Moshabela, and Professor Nonhlanhla Khumalo, the ARISE project lead from UCT's Division of Dermatology.

This R100 million investment from Services SETA underscores a strategic partnership aimed at bolstering research, training, and industry collaboration in skin and hair health tailored to African populations. The ceremony symbolizes the transition from pilot projects to a scalable national platform, addressing longstanding gaps in dermatological research and skills development in South Africa. 70

Understanding ARISE: Mission and Strategic Objectives

ARISE, or Africa Research Initiative for Skin hEalth, is an African-led endeavor housed within UCT's Division of Dermatology. Its core mission is to enhance research, postgraduate training, and industry engagement focused on skin and hair conditions prevalent among African populations. This includes tackling public health priorities such as occupational skin diseases, cosmetic product safety, and formulation science relevant to diverse skin types.

The new purpose-built facility will expand UCT's capacity for applied research laboratories, cosmetic testing suites, and training spaces. It aligns with South Africa's National Skills Development Plan 2030 by prioritizing youth employment through industry-aligned programs. By fostering innovation in the personal care sector, ARISE positions UCT—and South Africa—as a continental leader in dermatology and cosmetic science. 72

Professor Khumalo emphasized, "ARISE represents an important step in strengthening African-led scientific capacity in skin and hair health. The new facility will enable us to expand training, deepen research, and strengthen industry partnerships." 73

Building on UCT's Hair & Skin Research Lab Legacy

ARISE builds directly on the foundations laid by UCT's Hair & Skin Research (HSR) Lab, established in 2015 in partnership with Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH). This pioneering facility, the first of its kind globally for hair testing and skin toxicology, has conducted multi-disciplinary research involving biochemistry, genetics, physics, and engineering to characterize human hair variation beyond outdated racial categories. 72

• Identification of biomarkers for scarring alopecia and hair loss treatments.
• Studies on wound healing, keloids, and abnormal scarring.
• Hair as a biomarker for long-term drug exposure detection.

The HSR Lab has trained over 100 graduates through unique programs like the MSc and PhD in Trichology and Cosmetic Science, many of whom were previously unemployed science graduates now thriving in industry or entrepreneurship. ARISE scales this success with expanded infrastructure.Explore research opportunities at South African universities like UCT.

Skin Health Challenges Facing Africa and South Africa

Skin diseases impose a significant burden across Africa, where fewer than one dermatologist serves a million people, mostly in urban areas. 42 A recent Global Psoriasis Atlas study in rural South Africa revealed a 62.9% point prevalence of skin conditions, with dry skin, acne, hyperpigmentation, hair loss, and athlete's foot topping the list. 40 Climate change exacerbates this through increased UV exposure, pollution, and extreme weather, heightening risks for infections, cancers, and atopic dermatitis.

In South Africa, skin bleaching practices and environmental factors contribute to higher incidences of pigmentation disorders and skin cancer. ARISE's focus on African-relevant research fills critical gaps, ensuring products and treatments are tested on diverse skin tones underrepresented in global datasets.Learn more about UCT's HSR Lab.

Photo by Rishabh Sagar on Unsplash

Occupational Skin Diseases in South Africa's Beauty Sector

The cosmetology and beauty industry, employing thousands in South Africa, faces high rates of occupational skin diseases (OSD). Contact dermatitis—irritant (33%) and allergic (18%)—dominates cases reported to the National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH), often from prolonged exposure to chemicals in hair dyes, relaxers, and nail products. 60

Hairdressers and nail technicians report headaches (43%), skin irritation, and respiratory issues from poor ventilation and lack of protective gear. Despite under-reporting, OSD claims have declined due to diagnostic challenges. ARISE will pioneer occupational skin health research, developing safety protocols and testing for local products to protect workers and consumers.

Flagship Training: Advanced Diploma in Cosmetic Formulation Science

ARISE's cornerstone is South Africa's first graduate-level Advanced Diploma in Cosmetic Formulation Science, blending classroom theory with workplace training. Targeting unemployed science graduates, it equips learners with skills in product development, safety testing, and regulatory compliance tailored to African hair and skin.

• Duration: Postgraduate diploma with practical placements.
• Outcomes: Employment in cosmetics, entrepreneurship, or further research.
• Impact: Over 100 alumni placed in industry, contributing to economic transformation.

The new facility will double intake, adding short courses and PhD pathways. This initiative supports Services SETA's mandate to upskill the services sector, fostering innovation-led growth.Prepare your CV for higher ed research roles.

Research Priorities and Expected Innovations

ARISE will prioritize applied research in cosmetic toxicology, hair biomechanics, and occupational dermatology. Key areas include:

• Safety testing for indigenous ingredients in African cosmetics.
• Biomarkers for keloid scarring and pigmentation disorders.
• AI-driven analysis of hair proteomics for personalized care.

By collaborating with industry partners, ARISE aims to produce peer-reviewed publications, patents, and standards that elevate South African products globally. This positions UCT researchers at the forefront of dermatology innovation.View research assistant jobs in South Africa.

Economic Impacts and Broader Implications

Beyond health, ARISE stimulates the R multibillion personal care economy by nurturing entrepreneurs and protecting consumers through rigorous testing. It addresses youth unemployment—over 30% in SA—via skills programs, aligning with government priorities for inclusive growth.

Stakeholders like Services SETA's Masoga note, "Initiatives like this equip stakeholders to produce world-class talent that gains employment and creates it." The institute will also boost UCT's research output, attracting funding and international collaborations.Read UCT's full announcement.

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Stakeholder Perspectives and Government Support

Government endorsement via Deputy Minister Gondwe highlights ARISE's role in post-school education reform. UCT Dean Professor Lionel Green-Thompson praised the partnership for expanding health sciences infrastructure. Industry voices welcome the focus on safety and innovation, promising job creation in formulation and testing.

This multi-stakeholder model exemplifies successful public-private-university synergy in South African higher education.

Future Outlook: Scaling Impact Across Africa

With construction underway, ARISE is set for completion in phases over the next 2-3 years, enabling rapid expansion. Long-term visions include pan-African networks, clinical trials for novel treatments, and policy influence on cosmetic regulations.

For aspiring researchers and students, opportunities abound at UCT. Check Rate My Professor for insights on dermatology faculty or higher-ed-jobs for openings. South Africa's higher education landscape is evolving—join the skin health revolution.