Dr Thandi Kapwata is a Specialist Scientist in the Environment & Health Research Unit of the South African Medical Research Council. She holds a PhD from the University of Pretoria. Her research focuses on environmental risk factors affecting health in South Africa including air, water and soil pollution and the health impacts of exposure to climate variables. Her main area of interest relates to the health impacts of exposure to temperature extremes in the form of high temperatures and heatwaves, particularly in rural and vulnerable communities.