UKZN Alumnus Named Ambassador President for 2026’s African Health Excellence Awards
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Class of 2005 Medical School alumnus Dr Ntokozo Mzimela, says she is thrilled and humbled to be Ambassador President for the African Health Excellence Awards 2026.
The Africa Health Excellence Organisation (AHEO) said Mzimela embodied excellence, leadership, and unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare across Africa, with her expertise and visionary influence continuing to shape standards of quality, equity and innovation in the health sector.
Known as ‘The Bug Dr’ – a pseudonym she chose to appeal to both young and older patients – Mzimela is a passionate pathologist specialising in microbiology and is the founding philanthropist of the non-governmental organisation Unbreakable Souls. Mzimela was recognised as a Global Health Icon at the 2023 Zenith Global Health Awards in London and maintains that one of her fondest memories from Medical School was the culture of togetherness and striving for excellence that UKZN fostered. “The environment motivated me to always strive for better and do my best,” she said.
“Receiving this acknowledgment from AHEO is a profound validation that the work I am doing as an advocate for health excellence is not only recognised but also valued across the continent.
“It means that my commitment to being a relentless cheerleader for healthcare professionals at all levels in Africa is making a tangible difference,” said Mzimela. “This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects a sustained effort – I have been entrusted with this ambassadorial role three times now, which speaks to the trust and confidence AHEO places in my leadership and vision.” she said.
She said what made the year particularly significant was the scale and diversity of the ambassador model they had developed since 2024. “We now have 30 ambassadors spread across eight countries, representing a wide range of professions and cultural backgrounds. This expansion underscores the growing impact and reach of our initiative. I was the first person to pioneer this ambassadorial model, initially nominated twice by AHEO when it was still based in Mpumalanga,” said Mzimela.
“Later, I was identified by the AHEO board as the ideal person to implement their vision of increasing the organisation’s visibility and influence across Africa. This role has allowed me to shape and drive a strategic initiative that not only highlights excellence but also fosters collaboration and unity among health practitioners continent-wide.”
Currently serving as a pathologist in microbiology at Lancet Laboratories in Johannesburg, Mzimela said AHEO’s acknowledgement marked her first executive position, which has subsequently opened doors to invaluable networking opportunities with thought leaders, innovators, and policymakers across Africa. “Engaging with these experts has broadened my understanding of the diverse challenges and solutions within African healthcare systems, fuelling my passion and inspiring me to push for greater impact. The role has also enhanced my leadership skills, strategic thinking, and ability to mobilize resources and people towards a shared goal.”
Mzimela said the recognition enabled her to amplify the often unseen and underappreciated excellence that existed within African healthcare. “By shining a spotlight on these achievements, we create a ripple effect that motivates practitioners, encourages best practices, and ultimately raises the standard of care. Moreover, this visibility is crucial in attracting more funders and partners who are essential to bridging the persistent gaps in healthcare quality and access across the continent.”
In 2025, UKZN enjoyed big wins at the health excellence awards: https://ukzn.ac.za/news/african-health-excellence-awards-2025-yields-big-wins-for-ukzn/.
This year’s awards event is scheduled to take place on 14 November, 2026. Nominations close on 30 April 2026 and can be submitted via www.heosa.africa or emailed to nominations@heosa.africa.
Words: Lunga Memela
Photograph: Supplied
