Prestigious Awards for UKZN Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeons

Grey’s Hospital orthopaedics registrar Dr Khangelani Sondovana has been awarded the esteemed Professor S Govender Free Paper Award for the Best Spine-related Research presented at the South African Orthopaedic Association (SAOA) Congress 2025.

Professor Shunmugam Govender was a revered spinal surgeon whose legacy continues to inspire the orthopaedic community. A passionate advocate for research, teaching, and training, he left an indelible mark on the field. In honour of his memory, his family and the SAOA annually present this award to the most outstanding spine or educational free paper submitted at the congress. The award carries a prize of R20 000.

“The awarded research sheds light on the mortality rate among surgically treated patients with cervical spine injuries in low-and middle-income countries (LMIC), South Africa. Given the limited availability of such data, this study might play a vital role in guiding the allocation of healthcare resources,” noted SAOA.

Sondovana said: “This recognition would not have been possible without the invaluable guidance of my supervisors, Dr Alberto Puddu and Dr Herman Pieter Mare. I remain deeply grateful to the Pietermaritzburg Orthopaedic Complex for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout this journey.”

“The findings highlight the significance of a multidisciplinary treatment approach and underscore the resilience of institutions like ours, which, despite resource constraints, remain committed to excellence in training, research, and patient care. This work stands as a testament to the potential of impactful research, dedicated teaching, and the cultivation of future specialists – all of which are essential to advancing evidence-based medicine within the communities we serve. Inkunzi isematholeni,” he added.

Sondovana’s peer, Dr Mario Rankin – a Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon and senior lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) – was honoured with the 2025 SAOA Research Grant in support of advancing his work on various research projects. Rankin is currently pursuing a PhD which focuses on exploring the cellular immune function of human chondrocytes. The award is presented in recognition of SAOA members who are pursuing interesting and innovative research in the field of Orthopaedics.

“It is very encouraging to receive such recognition. Not only does it motivate me on the daunting path of a PhD, but it also contributes to securing international recognition for my research,” said Rankin.

“This achievement would not have been possible without the support of my supervisors Professors Alex Sigal, Len Marais and Soma Pillay, as well as my colleagues and friends at the African Health Research Institute laboratory. I would also like to thank UKZN’s School of Medicine for their support.”

Words: Lunga Memela

Photographs: Supplied