Today on The Breakthrough Clinical Trials Lounge, we welcome Nsuku Mabunda — a South African reality TV star, model, and digital creator, best known as a finalist and 2nd runner-up on Big Brother Mzansi Season 5: Umlilo. During the show, she was celebrated by her fans, the Golden Nation, and fondly referred to as “Umlilo” and the “Queen of Umlilo.” She brought the fire into the house, and today we took her beyond her comfort zone into the world of clinical trials — exploring the importance of community participation in clinical research. Clinical trials are the cornerstone of science, driving the development of medicines, diagnostics, and better healthcare for all. Today’s conversation between Dr Nyeleti Bicky Mthombeni and Nsuku Mabunda is one that every person in Africa should connect with, because in one way or another, we are all patients. We all rely on treatment, and it is important for us to understand why and how medicines are made.