Dr Douwe Vellema
Dr. Douwe Vellema is the anchor physician of the collaboration between Aevitas and Fembryo in George. He obtained his MBBCh at the University of the Witwatersrand and completed his internship at Raheema Moosa Mother and Child Hospital in Johannesburg, where Professor Justus Hofmeyer inspired him to pursue obstetrics and gynaecology.
Following a year in London, a chance encounter with Prof. Paul Wessels led him to specialize at the University of the Free State. He further developed his skills in urogynaecological and oncology surgery under Prof. Hennie Cronje, and in endoscopic endometriosis and infertility surgery under Prof. Paul Wessels. He later spent three years in Canada to earn his Canadian qualification before returning to South Africa to establish a private practice in George.
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Dr. Vellema has a longstanding passion for endoscopic surgery and infertility. His expertise was honed through advanced international training, including a program in advanced endometriosis surgery under Prof. Arnaud Wattiez, with mentorship from Dr. Viju Thomas of the Minimal Access Gynaecological Surgery (MAGS) unit.
In 2011, he performed the first total laparoscopic hysterectomy in the Garden Route, followed by the first laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy in 2012. He also established a Pelvic Floor Unit in collaboration with a colorectal surgeon and urologist.
His growing interest in endometriosis surgery led him to treat an increasing number of patients struggling with infertility. With the enthusiasm and guidance of Prof. Kruger, this progression in his practice culminated in the establishment of George Fertility Clinic in partnership with Aevitas and Fembryo.
Prof. Thinus Kruger
Prof. Thinus Kruger is a distinguished fertility specialist and visionary leader in reproductive medicine, renowned for founding South Africa’s first IVF clinic at Tygerberg Fertility Clinic, affiliated with Stellenbosch University. His academic background includes an MD in reproductive medicine and a DSc for groundbreaking research in male infertility, reflecting his lifelong commitment to advancing the field.
Under his leadership, Tygerberg Fertility Clinic achieved historic milestones: the first test tube baby in 1984, the first frozen embryo pregnancy in 1988, and the first baby born from ICSI in 1995. His work was acknowledged by the World Health Organisation for standardising sperm morphology guidelines.
Prof. Kruger’s extensive qualifications, including an MBChB and Fellowships in Obstetrics & Gynaecology, highlight his expertise. He currently serves as an Adjunct Professor at Eastern Virginia Medical School and as treasurer of SASREG, continuing to shape the future of reproductive medicine.
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With over 240 peer-reviewed articles and fourteen edited textbooks, his prolific contributions have earned him international recognition, including an award from the British Fertility Society (1995) and the Gold Medal for Physical Science Achievement (2008).
Beyond academic achievement, Prof. Kruger embraces a holistic approach to infertility, prioritizing simple and cost-effective solutions. He initiated and led the collaboration that established the George Fertility Clinic, ensuring patients on the Garden Route have access to world-class fertility care and specialists.
Dr.Victor Hulme
Dr. Victor Hulme is a seasoned fertility specialist and valued partner at Aevitas Fertility Clinic since 2012, with extensive experience in patient care and a special focus on egg reserve.
After qualifying as an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, he completed a two-year fellowship in Fertility at the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Tygerberg Hospital (1988–1989) under the guidance of Prof. Kruger, founder of Aevitas Fertility Clinic.
Following his fellowship, Dr. Hulme practised as a fertility specialist at Panorama Mediclinic in Cape Town’s northern suburbs, successfully combining a private Obstetrics and Gynaecology practice with fertility work. His academic interests center on decreased egg reserve, leading to the 2013 publication of Ovarian Reserve, co-authored with Prof. Siebert of Aevitas.
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Alongside his academic contributions, Dr. Hulme finds deep fulfilment in guiding patients through important decisions on their fertility journey. His passion for IVF, dedication to successful outcomes, and commitment to building meaningful relationships are central to his role. As Clinic Director at Aevitas, he considers it a privilege to witness the courage of patients who entrust the clinic with one of the most private chapters of their lives.
Dr. Danie Botha
Dr. Danie Botha is a distinguished gynaecologist and subspecialist in reproductive medicine with qualifications including MBChB, MMed O & G (UP), FCOG (SA), and Certification in Reproductive Medicine. His expertise spans reproductive medicine and endoscopic surgery.
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As Clinical Director at FEMBRYO, Dr. Botha is a registered subspecialist in Reproductive Medicine and Endoscopic Surgery, known for his dedication to patient care. Before specializing, he practiced as a General Practitioner in Okahandja, Namibia.
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He completed postgraduate studies at the University of Pretoria, earning his MMed (cum laude) in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. He also serves as an honorary consultant at the University of Stellenbosch and is a past president of SASREG (Southern African Society of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecological Endoscopy).
Dr. Botha’s areas of expertise include endometriosis and its effect on fertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, and endoscopic gynaecological surgery. His surgical team performed the first total laparoscopic hysterectomy in the Eastern Cape in 2007 and pioneered advanced surgery for rectovaginal endometriosis.
Driven by a passion to serve Christ through his profession, he combines medical excellence with compassion, striving to alleviate the burden of disease and improve patient wellness. A devoted family man and nature lover, Dr. Botha continues to contribute significantly to reproductive medicine and endoscopic surgery.