African Health Excellence Awards 2025 Yields Big Wins for UKZN

UKZN is beaming with pride after members of its community – staff, alumni, and partners – excelled at the prestigious African Health Excellence Awards 2025.

Their recognition reflects the outstanding leadership, innovation, and impact that define UKZN’s contribution to the Health Sciences sector.

Professor Ncoza Dlova scooped the Lifetime Achiever Award, a recognition that celebrates her extraordinary contributions to dermatology, Medical research, and leadership on the continent. A trailblazer in her field, Dlova has dedicated her career to advancing skin and hair health, pioneering ground-breaking research, and mentoring generations of clinicians and scientists. Her unwavering commitment to improving healthcare outcomes – particularly for African communities – has earned her national and international acclaim. This award is a fitting tribute to her lifelong dedication, visionary leadership, and impactful legacy in African health sciences.

Professor Khathutshelo Percy Mashige, Dean of the School of Health Sciences clinched the Leadership Award, which recognises Mashige’s visionary leadership, unwavering dedication to academic excellence, and his influential mentorship that continue to shape future generations of healthcare professionals.

Two Medical alumni were awarded prizes. Psychiatrist, Dr Bonginkosi Mafuze won the Rising Star Healthcare Professional of the Year, an accolade that acknowledges Mafuze’s remarkable impact, dedication and growing influence in the healthcare industry. His passion and commitment are paving the way for a brighter future in health service delivery.

Dr Samukelisiwe Ngcobo won the Healthcare Professional Author of the Year Award which recognises her thought leadership and contribution to knowledge creation. Ngcobo’s work, based on her own journey in mental health, is enriching the healthcare landscape and inspiring peers and students alike.

UKZN’s neighbouring academic hospital, Victoria Mxenge, was named Health Institution of the Year. This recognition reflects the hospital’s commitment to exceptional healthcare service, patient-centred care, and its dedication to improving community wellbeing. Its strong partnership with UKZN continues to strengthen training, research, and clinical excellence in the region.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Health Sciences Professor Busisiwe Ncama congratulated all the winners. “These achievements are a powerful testament to the outstanding work emerging from the UKZN community which continues to inspire greatness. We celebrate every winner and look forward to seeing even more excellence in the years ahead,” she said.

Words: MaryAnn Francis

Photographs: Supplied