UKZN’s School of Clinical Medicine has recognised three living legends for their outstanding contributions to healthcare and their significant impact on the lives of South Africans. Professor Ephraim Thibedi Mokgokong, a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Professor Saraladevi Naicker, Emeritus Professor in Nephrology; and Dr Mathume Joe Phaahla, South African Minister of Health were honoured at an event at the Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine that was livestreamed on YouTube.
The alumni were acknowledged for their remarkable achievements in research, teaching, community engagement, and policy development, all of which have positively influenced South Africa’s healthcare sector.
College of Health Sciences Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Busi Ncama praised the alumni for their tireless dedication, ground-breaking discoveries, and unwavering compassion. The accolades were presented by Professor Ncoza Dlova, Dean of the School of Clinical Medicine who conceptualised the awards in 2021 to honour such legends whilst they are alive rather than memorialising them posthumously.
In conversation with media personality and presenter Ms Nongcebo Vukile Mckenzie, the legends shared their life experiences and journeys. Phaahla said he stumbled on medicine after initially wanting to become an engineer. He recalled the lack of information at that time, and how circumstances led him to pursue a medical career.
Phaahla, whose early education took place in a rural school with limited resources, earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) at the former University of Natal (now UKZN) and went on to practice as a medical practitioner in various provinces before taking up prominent roles in government. He currently serves as the Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community Malaria Elimination Eight (E8) Initiative, a coalition of eight countries working to eliminate malaria in southern Africa by 2030.
Naicker, whose early education mirrored that of Phaahla, highlighted the importance of education in her life. Prior to becoming a Professor Emeritus of Medicine, she held significant positions in the field of nephrology, mentoring postgraduate students and contributing to numerous national and international conferences.
Mokgokong shared his journey from a rural village to becoming a renowned gynaecologist and the first Dean of the former Medical University of Southern Africa (Medunsa, now the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)). He received his education at the University College of Fort Hare and the University of Natal, where he pursued his MBChB and later obtained a doctoral degree (MD). Mokgokong has been actively involved in medical practice and outreach programmes, has mentored numerous medical professionals and has conducted outreach workshops in the Limpopo Province.
Mokgokong has been actively involved in medical practice, outreach programs, and mentoring numerous medical professionals, including serving as a gynaecologist to the Zulu and Swazi Royal families, as well as conducting outreach workshops in the Limpopo Province. For his contributions, he has also been awarded the Order of Baobab in Gold for his excellent contribution to medical sciences in South Africa.
Words: Nombuso Dlamini
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini
