NATASCHA PLANI

Natascha is a partner of the practice. She joined the practice in 1998. Natascha practises at our Alberton practice. She received a Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree from the University of Pretoria in 1994 and a Master of Science degree in Traumatology from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2010.

In 2007 and 2008 Natacha worked abroad in Australia for the Department of Health. She was employed as the project manager of the Cancer Services Networks (CanNet) Project for the Acute Care and Policy Division of the Northern Territory Department of Health, on behalf of the Commonwealth.

Natascha has a special interest in the field of intensive and critical care and trauma as well as orthopaedics. She has gained her vast experience in intensive care and trauma in the Cardiac and Trauma Intensive Care Units (ICU’s) of the Netcare Union Hospital and now Netcare Alberton Hospital in Alberton. Natascha completed a post-graduate diploma in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy (OMT1) in 1999 and in Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy (CPT1) in 2000. She is registered to practice physiotherapy in South Africa, the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

Natascha is dedicated to the promotion of physiotherapy, especially in the cardiorespiratory sphere. She shares her knowledge through tutoring and clinically supervising both under and post-graduate physiotherapists on a regular basis. In 2007 Natascha was a clinical facilitator for the University of the Witwatersrand’s third-year physiotherapy students’ medical and surgical rotation at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. From 2002 until 2020 she was the clinical supervisor for the University of the Witwatersrand’s Fourth Year Physiotherapy Students’ intensive care Rotation at the Netcare Union Hospital. This programme continues at the Netcare Alberton Hospital.

In 2005 and 2006 Natascha lectured the University of the Witwatersrand’s fifth-year medical students on the role of physiotherapy in surgical, medical and ICU patients.

Since 2002 Natascha has presented numerous courses on various topics for the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Group (CPRG) of the South African Society of Physiotherapy (SASP) and has lectured on their one-year post-graduate diploma (CPT1). She has presented at several ICU refresher courses nationally between 2005 and 2024. Natascha has lectured and examined students enrolled in the University of the Witwatersrand’s master’s degree programmes.

Natascha regularly presents papers in the field of critical and intensive care, and trauma at local and international conferences, frequently as an invited speaker. She was awarded the Discovery Clinical Leadership Excellence Award for the best poster presentation at the 2012 International Critical Care Congress by the Trauma Society of South Africa. She also participates on an ongoing basis in various surveys and research projects globally.

Natascha has made great contributions to physiotherapy by serving on several committees over the years. She served on the finance committee of the SASP during the periods 2006-2007 and 2010-2012. Natascha was the CPRG’s secretary from 2003-2007 and chairperson from 2011-2016. She was the CPRG representative and the treasurer for the South Gauteng Provincial committee of the SASP from 2005-2007 and 2006-2007 respectively. She was a member of the SASP’s organising committee for the International Physiotherapy Congress in 2005. Natascha was a member of the Executive Committee of the Internal Confederation of Cardiorespiratory Physical Therapists from its inception in 2011 until 2019. She was the confederation’s treasurer from 2016-2019.

Natascha enjoys reading and travelling. She has a passion for the bushveld. She trains in the gym regularly and is a keen runner. She has completed six Comrades Marathons.

CAREN FLEISHMAN

Caren is a partner of the practice. She joined the practice in 1993. Caren practises at our Oakdene practice.

Caren received a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy and a Master of Science in Physiotherapy at the University of the Witwatersrand in 1988 and 1998 respectively. She completed a post-graduate diploma in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy (OMT1) in 1996.

Caren has gained her many years of experience in the practice as well as on the sports field. Her special fields of interest are the treatment and rehabilitation of neuromusculoskeletal injuries (particularly shoulder and sports-related injuries) and pain management.

Caren has travelled extensively nationally and internationally with various sporting codes and multi-coded events over the years. She was selected as a physiotherapist in the South African medical team for four Olympic Games (Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and London 2012), three All Africa Games (Johannesburg 1999, Nigeria 2003 and Algeria 2007) and the Maccabiah Games (Israel 2001 and 2005). Caren was selected as the chief physiotherapist for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in India and as a senior physiotherapist for the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

Caren was the physiotherapist for the South African Women’s Soccer team (Banyana Banyana) and the South African men’s baseball team for many years. She had the privilege of attending the Atlanta Braves and Chicago White Sox’s spring training camps in 1997. She was selected as the chief physiotherapist for the referees at the Rugby World Cup in South Africa in 1995.

Caren is a familiar face at the Comrades Marathon. She has assisted the runners at the expo and along the route on race day for 20 years. She has been a judge for as equally long at the BSN Medical “Strap 4 Life” competition, an inter-varsity competition for 4th year physiotherapy students assisting at the Comrades Marathon. Caren was the physiotherapy co-ordinator for the City-to-City marathon for 2011 and 2012.

Caren is passionate about keeping abreast of the latest physiotherapy research and techniques and attends many courses in this quest. She has presented several papers at both national and international congresses. She is often involved in tutoring within the practice and externally. She regularly presents courses and workshops, mainly on the shoulder joint and elastic taping. Caren teaches and examines on the OMT1 diploma. She has previously taught and examined on the post-graduate Sports Physiotherapy diploma (SPT1).

Caren is passionate about her profession. Not only is she willing to share her knowledge through tutoring, but she has also served on various committees of the South African Society of Physiotherapy (SASP) over the past years. Caren was previously the chairperson of the South Gauteng Sports Physiotherapy Group (SPG). She was the marketing representative on the National Executive Committee of the Orthopaedic Manipulative Physiotherapy Group (OMPTG) from 2004-2008. She also served on the committee of the SASP’s Private Practice Group. Caren has served as the Gauteng physiotherapy regional representative of the South African Sports Medicine Association (SASMA) and the physiotherapy representative on the National Executive Committee of SASMA.

In 2008 Caren was awarded a life-time membership of the OMPTG for exceptional service and contribution to the profession. She received an honorary award from the SPG in 2018, in recognition for her achievements and dedication to sport physiotherapy at the highest level.

In 2006 and 2007 Prof Seftel invited Caren as a guest on his programme “Medically Speaking” on Radio 702. She was invited to give an overview of physiotherapy, the SASP and the role of physiotherapy in the management of lower back pain on Errol Ballantine’s Saturday morning health feature on Radio 702 during National Physiotherapy Back Week in September 2015. Caren appeared on SABC2’s programmes “Women in Sport” in 2011 and “House Call” in 2012.

Caren enjoys travelling. She is a sports fanatic and follows most major sporting events. Caren exercises regularly at the gym. She is a keen reader and enjoys attending the movies.

HEATHER TALBOT

Heather is a partner of the practice. She joined the practice in 1995. Heather practises at our Mulbarton practice. She has served as a trustee of the body corporate of the Mulbarton Medical Centre for many years and is currently the chairperson.

Heather received a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Physiotherapy at the University of the Witwatersrand in 1988 and 2005 respectively.

Prior to joining the practice, Heather gained experience in the medical, surgical and trauma orthopaedic wards, cardio-thoracic and respiratory intensive care units and outpatient department of the Johannesburg Hospital from 1989-1990 and 1991-1994. She cared for the elderly in the acute medical wards of the Medway Hospital and rehabilitation wards of the All Saints Hospital in Kent, United Kingdom in 1990 and 1991.

Heather’s special fields of interest are the treatment and rehabilitation of neuromusculoskeletal injuries (including sports-related injuries) and pain management.

Heather tutored Wits undergraduate physiotherapy students on a part-time basis from 1992-1996. In 2007 and 2008 she lectured on “The late management of lower back pain” on the Discovery Acute Lower Back Pain Project.

Heather is dedicated to the development of physiotherapy and has served on several committees of the South African Society of Physiotherapy (SASP). She was a member of the South Gauteng Provincial committee of the SASP from 1988-1990 and 1992-1996. She served on the public relations sub-committee of the national executive committee of the Orthopaedic Manipulative Physiotherapy Group from 2005-2008. Heather acted as the chairperson of the South Gauteng Provincial committee of the SASP from 2012 until 2022.

Heather was invited as a guest speaker at a Women’s Leadership Seminar and the National Secretary and Personal Assistant’s Symposium organised by The Renaissance Network in June 2012 and September 2012 respectively. The topics of the presentations were: “Women and Optimal Wellness: from Ergonomics to Effective Stress Management” and “Promoting the Well-being of the Office worker: Ergonomics and Stress Management”. Heather has assisted with physiotherapy stations at several charity sporting events.

Heather enjoys the outdoors. She is passionate about wildlife conservation and the preservation of our environment. Heather enjoys following most major sporting events.

HANNES VAN AARTSEN

Hannes is a partner of the practice. He joined the practice in 2012. Hannes was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy with distinction from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2010. He completed a Master of Science in Physiotherapy in 2016 in the cardiopulmonary field of study.

Hannes has a special interest in the field of physiotherapy in the intensive care setting. He has a passion for the management of patients following cardiothoracic surgery. He leads the cardiac rehabilitation programme at our rehabilitation centre located in the MediMix at Newmarket in Alberton. Hannes attends to patients in the intensive care unit, medical, surgical, paediatric wards at the Life Roseacres Hospital, Life Bedford Gardens Hospital and Netcare Alberton Hospital.

Hannes served as the vice-chairperson of the South Gauteng Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Group of the South African Society of Physiotherapy (SASP) from 2012-2013. He has supervised and examined Wits undergraduate physiotherapy students in the cardiopulmonary field. Hannes is a lecturer of post-graduate physiotherapy cardiopulmonary courses.

Hannes enjoys the outdoor life, both at the coast and in the bush. He is a keen rugby supporter and enjoys mountain biking. He also enjoys spending time with his family and listening to music.

CIKIZWA MAFANYA

Cikizwa is a partner of the practice. She joined the practice in 2001. Cikizwa practices at our Alberton practice.

Cikizwa received a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy and a Master of Science of Physiotherapy at the University of the Western Cape in 1998 and 2010 respectively. She completed a post-graduate diploma in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy (OMT1) in 2005 and a Certificate in Pain Management in 2016.

Cikizwa’s special fields of interest are the treatment and rehabilitation of neuromusculoskeletal injuries (including sports-related injuries), intensive care and pain management. She is passionate about keeping abreast with the latest physiotherapy research and techniques. She regularly attends courses in this quest.

She is dedicated to the development of physiotherapy. Cikizwa shares her knowledge through tutoring and clinically supervising both under- and post-graduate students on a regular basis. She tutors and examines on the post-graduate Sport Physiotherapy 1 (PT1) and OMT 1 diplomas. Cikizwa chaired the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Group for four years.

Cikizwa enjoys spending time with her family, attending gym for her weekly swimming sessions and growing her knowledge in pain management through reading the current research.

RENEE DE SMEDT

Renee is an associate of the practice. She joined the practice in 1990. Renee received a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy at the University of the Witwatersrand in 1989. She completed a post-graduate diploma in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy (OMT1) and Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy (CPT1) in 1991 and 2009 respectively.

Renee has gained her experience in both an outpatient and hospital environment. Her special fields of interest are pain management and the treatment and rehabilitation of neuromusculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary conditions. Renee attends to patients at our Mulbarton practice as well as to patients in the medical, surgical and paediatric wards and intensive care unit of the Netcare Mulbarton Hospital.

Renee was a competitive swimmer. She swam for Eastern Transvaal while at high school and university. Renee is a keen follower of most major sporting events. She enjoys spending time with her family. She is an avid reader. Renee enjoys taking holidays in the bushveld.

WENDY LABUSCHAGNE

Wendy is an associate of the practice. She joined the practice in 2002. Wendy practices at our Oakdene practice.

Wendy received a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy at the University of the Witwatersrand in 2001. She completed a post-graduate diploma in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy (OMT1) in 2009.

Wendy’s special fields of interest are the treatment and rehabilitation of neuromusculoskeletal injuries (including sports-related injuries) and pain management. She has attended several courses in the recent years on the management of chronic pain.

Wendy enjoys spending time with her family at various sporting and music events and dog shows. She has obtained a National Certificate in Contemporary Music (N3) for both singing and playing the piano. She has been involved in the recording of two praise and worship albums with her church. Wendy and her family all train and compete in Shotokan Karate. In May 2022 she achieved South African colours in the Veteran’s division for both Kata and Kumite at the SAJKA National Championships.
Wendy trains and shows her three American Pitbull Terriers. She also has a flare for cake decorating.

FRANCESCA BHARATH

Francesca is an associate of the practice. She joined the practice in 2013. She practices at our rehabilitation centre located in the MediMix at Newmarket in Alberton and at our Lambton practice.

Francesca received a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal in 2011. Thereafter she obtained a post-graduate diploma in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy (OMT1) and a Certificate in Pain Management in 2014 and in 2016 respectively. In 2024 she obtained a Master of Science in Physiotherapy at the University of Stellenbosch.

Francesca has experience in the treatment and rehabilitation of acute and chronic neuromusculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary conditions in both the hospital and outpatient environment. She has gained vast experience in the management of pre- and post-operative care in the plastic and reconstructive unit at the Union Hospital and now the Netcare Alberton Hospital. Francesca has a special interest in vocational rehabilitation (return-to-work conditioning) in which she focuses on assisting people with disabilities, including those who have recently acquired an injury or disability, to confidently return to work. Francesca is also involved in pain management and prevention of persistent pain in this population. She is listed as a graduate on the Train Pain and Progressive Goal Attainment Programme (PGAP) Service Provider Directories.

Francesca is keen to share her knowledge in her fields of interest which she does through tutoring and mentoring colleagues within the practice. She presented her master’s research titled “Return to Work in Major Trauma Survivors” at the 2024 Critical Care Congress of South Africa. Her research is currently in the process of being published.

Francesca is a mom to a beautiful little boy and when she is not at work, she prioritizes family time. She cherishes every moment with her son and husband. Her favourite activities include being outdoors with her boys and attending church as a family.

SAMSON HLONGWANE

Samson is an associate of the practice. He joined the practice in 2015. He received a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy at the Medical University of South Africa (now Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University) in 2011.

Samson attends to patients at the Life Roseacres Hospital, Netcare Alberton Hospital and our rehabilitation centre located in the MediMix at Newmarket in Alberton. He has a special interest in the management of sport injuries and neurological conditions.

Samson trains regularly in the gym and enjoys music.

Joanne received a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Physiotherapy from the University of the Witwatersrand in 1974 and 2000 respectively. She completed a post-graduate diploma in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy (OMT1) in 1978. From 1980 Joanne, mentored and examined students who were enrolled in the OMT1 diploma.

Joanne was highly regarded amongst her medical peers. She gained vast clinical experience over the 39 years that she practiced. Her special fields of interest were the treatment and rehabilitation of neuromusculoskeletal injuries and the management and prevention of chronic pain. She particularly had a passion for treating and rehabilitating shoulder conditions. She was nominated as a ”Pain Ambassador” of the Pain Management Physiotherapy Group of the South African Society of Physiotherapy (SASP) in 2010.

Joanne’s accomplishments in the field of physiotherapy were many. Some of these being: an honorary undergraduate physiotherapy lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand from 1980-2000, a supervisor of the University of the Witwatersrand’s M.Sc. Physiotherapy programme from 2000–2007 and an external examiner of the University of Stellenbosch’s M.Sc. Physiotherapy programme from 2006-2008.

Joanne presented many workshops, courses and congress papers nationally and internationally from 1980. She was passionate about continuing education for her staff and physiotherapy colleagues. Joanne always encouraged physiotherapists to perform to the best of their ability and act with integrity, professionalism and empathy. She will be remembered by many for her inspirational shoulder courses, excellent clinical reasoning and great wisdom. She made treating the shoulder joint seem so easy!!

Joanne always promoted the physiotherapy profession with pride and served it with distinction. She served on various committees of the SASP over the years. Most recently she chaired the National Executive Committee of the Orthopaedic Manipulative Physiotherapy Group (OMPTG) from 2004–2007. In 2002 Joanne was awarded a life-time membership of the OMPTG for exceptional service and contribution to the profession.

Joanne also found time to travel to the Maccabiah Games in Israel in 1986 and 1990 to attend to the South African athletes.

Despite Joanne being a hard worker, she also made time to have fun. She loved to escape to either the bush or Ballito Bay. She also visited her son in New York on several occasions. She had some amazing bush experiences and always came back with such entertaining stories.

Prior to falling ill, Joanne loved playing golf, bridge, going to gym and walking, and like everything else, she did them with great enthusiasm. Joanne was an avid reader and enjoyed going to dinner or the movies with her family and friends.

Joanne always gave of herself wholeheartedly and radiated such a positive and calming energy. She was loved by all who met her. She had an uncanny ability to see all sides of a problem and help solve it.

Joanne took her illness in her stride and handled it with dignity, courage, grace and inner strength and showed love and appreciation for everyone around her throughout. She passed away in November 2016. She will always leave a gaping hole in the lives of her family, friends and colleagues.

In honour of Joanne’s significant efforts in building a successful practice and the great influence and mentorship that she bestowed on many of us, we have retained her surname in our practice’s name.

Rest in peace Jo.