Board of Directors
At DKMS Africa, our board members bring a wealth of experience, expertise, and commitment to our mission. With a deep understanding of healthcare challenges in South Africa, including insights from doctors working in hospitals we partner with, our board is well-equipped to guide the organisation in bridging healthcare gaps and saving lives. Smart, passionate, innovative, and caring, our directors are dedicated to advancing our mission and expanding our reach.
Dr Elke Neujahr - Chairwoman
Dr Elke Neujahr is the Global CEO of DKMS Group, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors in Africa and Chair of the Management Board of DKMS, providing strategic leadership across the global organisation. With a doctorate in communication studies, she brings extensive expertise in corporate strategy, reputation management, crisis communication and organisational transformation. Before joining DKMS, she advised national and international leaders on corporate reputation and change management. She is also the author of several respected publications on leadership, corporate communication and crisis management.
Katharina Harf - Director
Katharina Harf is Executive Chairwoman of DKMS US, Vice-Chairwoman of the DKMS Foundation Board, and Managing Director of DKMS US. Inspired by her family's personal experience with blood cancer, she has dedicated her career to expanding access to life-saving stem cell donation worldwide. A Harvard graduate, Katharina has played a pivotal role in the international growth of DKMS, leading strategy, advocacy and awareness initiatives. She remains a passionate global ambassador for the organisation, championing hope for patients and families affected by blood cancer.
Stephan Schumacher - Director
Stephan Schumacher has been part of DKMS since its founding in 1991 and currently serves as Managing Director of DKMS Donor Center gGmbH. He has played a pivotal role in the organisation's international expansion, helping establish and lead several DKMS entities, including in Poland and the UK. As a Board member of DKMS Africa and other international DKMS organisations, he brings extensive experience in donor recruitment, operations and global strategic development. His decades of leadership have been instrumental in advancing DKMS's global mission to provide more patients with access to life-saving stem cell donors.
Dr Andrew McDonald - Director
Dr Andrew McDonald is a specialist Clinical Haematologist at Alberts Cellular Therapy in Pretoria East Hospital's Haematology Centre and Stem Cell Transplant Programme Director. With extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders, he previously served as a consultant at Groote Schuur Hospital, where he trained junior doctors and led specialist haematology services. He has played a key role in advancing stem cell transplantation in South Africa, including achieving JACIE accreditation for transplant services. Dr McDonald is actively involved in clinical research and is committed to improving patient outcomes through innovation, education and excellence in haematology care.
Dr Sharlene Parasnath - Director
Dr Sharlene Parasnath is Head of the Clinical Haematology and Stem Cell Transplant Unit at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital. A specialist clinical haematologist, she has extensive expertise in stem cell transplantation and is committed to expanding equitable access to life-saving haematology services. She serves in leadership roles across several national haematology and stem cell organisations, contributing to clinical excellence, education and healthcare advancement. Her work is focused on improving patient outcomes and strengthening haematology services across South Africa. She is also passionate about advancing clinical education, research and collaboration to improve the future of blood cancer care and stem cell transplantation.
