Meet our team of scientists

Founder and CEO – Dr Sibongile Gumbi

Dr Sibongile Gumbi is the Founder and CEO of Smart Biotech, a South African biotechnology company developing plant-based biological solutions for human and animal health. With a PhD in Pharmacology from the University of Cape Town and an Executive MBA from IMD in Switzerland, she has over two decades of experience in innovation, public health, and entrepreneurship.

Dr Gumbi has held senior roles at the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and the South African Medical Research Council. She has also consulted for international organisations including the Rockefeller Foundation and GALVmed. She is a Fellow of the Africa Leadership Initiative.

In addition to her executive role at Smart Biotech, Dr Gumbi serves as an independent non-executive director at Adcock Ingram and holds governance positions across various organisations. These include an independent non-executive director at FNB Eswatini and Chair of the Governing Council at Waterford Kamhlaba United World College of Southern Africa. Her leadership reflects a strong commitment to responsible innovation and advancing science for social impact.

At Smart Biotech, Dr Gumbi leads the strategic vision and growth of the company, drawing on her deep expertise in pharmacology, innovation management, and health systems. She oversees the development of scientifically grounded, plant-based health products under the SmartHerbals brand, while also guiding partnerships, regulatory strategy, and market expansion. Her leadership blends a sharp entrepreneurial instinct with a deep belief in science as a tool for inclusive development—ensuring that Smart Biotech’s innovations are not only effective, but also accessible and socially relevant.

Operations manager – Dr Carin Basson

Dr Carin Basson is a plant molecular biologist by training, with a passion for research management and (more recently) business operations. She completed her BSc, Hons and MSc (Plant Biotechnology), and her PhD in Wine Biotechnology at Stellenbosch University, followed by an online certificate course in business administration at the Stellenbosch University Business School.

Dr Basson has followed a diverse and meandering road in the search for a science-related career in South Africa, which included research support services to post-graduate students, academic programme coordinators, and private companies, research and operations management for a biomedical engineering start-up, paralegal work in the world of luxury goods, and scientific editing, before joining Smart Biotech as operations manager.

At Smart Biotech, Dr Basson applies her broad experience to the day-to-day management of people, systems, and ideas—ensuring that operations run smoothly across both the SmartHerbals brand and the wider business. Her role includes developing internal processes, supporting product and brand development, liaising with partners and clients, and keeping the many moving parts of a growing company aligned. Whether refining a workflow, drafting a label, or troubleshooting a logistics hiccup, she brings a calm, considered approach rooted in both scientific rigour and practical problem-solving.

Sales and Marketing Manager – Simbulele Mnqabashe

As Sales and Marketing Manager at SmartHerbals, Simbulele (Sims) Mnqabashe plays a key role in shaping the company’s market presence and sales strategy. He oversees the planning and execution of national campaigns, supports the field sales team with tools and insights, and works closely with partners to grow brand visibility across retail outlets. From driving monthly promotions to refining the brand’s voice in-store and online, Sims ensures that SmartHerbals’ offerings reach the right people with the right message. His energy, creativity, and commitment to results make him a valuable force behind the brand’s continued growth.

Sales and Training Manager – Praymore Zingoma

Praymore Zingoma joined the SmartHerbals sales team in June 2025. Praymore is a dedicated Sales Manager with a strong background in both pharmaceutical practice and commercial operations. Holding a Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) degree, Praymore began her career as a Responsible Pharmacist, where she gained valuable experience in regulatory compliance, patient care, and operational management. Transitioning into the commercial sector, she has successfully leveraged her clinical knowledge to deliver impactful product training and drive sales performance. Her expertise lies in bridging the gap between medical products and market needs, ensuring clients and teams are well-informed and equipped for success.

At SmartHerbals, Praymore serves as Sales and Training Manager, where she brings together her pharmacy background and commercial acumen to lead nationwide sales efforts and develop targeted training initiatives. She works closely with sales agents, retail partners, and healthcare professionals to ensure that product knowledge is both accurate and accessible, supporting confident recommendation and use. From coordinating in-store activations to designing practical training tools, Praymore plays a central role in aligning SmartHerbals’ health solutions with the needs of the market. Her strategic mindset and commitment to team development continue to drive strong performance and meaningful client engagement across the business.

Digital Marketing Associate – Thabiso Ngcobo

As a Brand and Digital Marketing Strategist, Thabiso Ngcobo is committed to advancing SmartHerbals’ mission through strategic clarity and tactical execution. Grounded in digital intelligence, consumer psychology, and brand storytelling, Thabiso positions the business for meaningful growth — building trust, amplifying engagement, and driving ROI across every marketing touchpoint. Thabiso holds a degree in Government, Business, and Ethics, a BCom Honours in Marketing Management, and completed coursework for an MCom in Marketing Management before pausing his dissertation to pursue real-world impact. He also holds several prestigious qualifications in the field.

Beyond strategy, Thabiso is a father — and there’s nothing he values more than time with family and the peace of being near water. That balance keeps him grounded and focused on what truly matters: legacy, growth, and purpose.