UKZN Neurosurgery HOD Takes the Helm at College of Neurosurgeons

The Head of Discipline of Neurosurgery at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) School of Medicine and Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH) and Scientific Chair of the Society of Neurosurgeons of South Africa, Dr Basil Enicker, has been elected as the President of the College of Neurosurgeons for the 2026 – 2029 triennium.

Said Enicker: “It is an immense honour and privilege to be elected President of the College of Neurosurgeons of South Africa. I accept this responsibility with humility, recognising that the College plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the highest standards of neurosurgical training, examinations, professional development and patient care in our country,” said Enicker.

“This appointment is not merely a personal achievement; it is a responsibility to serve the neurosurgical community, our trainees and ultimately the patients who depend on access to safe, high-quality neurosurgical care. I look forward to working collaboratively with colleagues across all universities and provinces to strengthen specialist training, promote academic excellence, encourage research and innovation, and ensure that South Africa continues to produce neurosurgeons of international calibre,” he added.

Born and raised in Umlazi, south of Durban, Enicker’s journey into Medicine was inspired by a fascination with the human brain and nervous system. After matriculating from St Francis College in Mariannhill, he pursued both his undergraduate Medical degree and postgraduate specialist training at UKZN’s Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine.

Enicker, who has served as Colleges of Medicine of South Africa’s (CMSA) examiner since 2013 and convener since 2019, said his vision was to build on the strong foundation established by his predecessors while ensuring that the College remains responsive to the evolving healthcare needs of our nation.

The official announcement was made by the Chief Executive Officer of CMSA, Professor Eric Buch, who said: “We look forward to working with and supporting the incoming President and Council as they undertake their responsibilities during the next triennium.”

Enicker’s clinical and research interests include pituitary/skull base surgery, paediatrics and neuro-trauma and critical care. Conferred in 2025, his doctoral research focused on paediatric hydrocephalus in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), shedding light on the burden of the disease and proposing an integrated model to improve patient outcomes.

Enicker said with a population of about 12 million people, KZN was served by a single accredited academic neurosurgical training programme. “As the population grows and the complexity of neurosurgical disease increases, expanding the number of trained neurosurgeons is essential to improve timely access to specialist care, reduce preventable disability and mortality, and strengthen healthcare services across the province.”

One of the core responsibilities of the College, according to Enicker, is to ensure that South Africa has robust training programmes, high educational standards, and appropriately accredited training posts. “By expanding training opportunities while maintaining rigorous standards, we are investing in the future of neurosurgery and ensuring that every South African, regardless of where they live, has access to world-class neurosurgical care,” he added.

Words: Lunga Memela

Photograph: Supplied