SAMRC Vice-President appointed as Nelson Mandela University Medical School's first Honorary Professor

Nelson Mandela University is honoured to announce the appointment of Professor Liesl Zühlke as the Honorary Professor linked to the medical school. Prof Zühlke, a paediatric cardiologist, is the Vice-President: Extramural Research and Internal Portfolio at the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC).

Professor Zühlke is the first recipient of an honorary professorship linked to the Medical School since it was established in 2021.

Welcoming the appointment, Mandela University Vice-Chancellor Professor Sibongile Muthwa said: “The appointment of Professor Zühlke as an Honorary Professor marks a significant milestone in the development of our Medical School and the Department of Public Health. As a globally recognised clinician-scientist, her contributions to public health research, capacity building and health equity have had a profound impact in South Africa and beyond. Her appointment reflects our commitment to academic excellence, innovative health research and partnerships that strengthen healthcare systems.”

Prof Muthwa explained that the Medical School, based at the university's Missionvale Campus in Gqeberha, was established to address the country’s healthcare challenges through the training of socially responsive healthcare professionals, with a particular focus on primary healthcare and underserved communities. Its first cohort of medical students will complete their degrees this year.

SAMRC President and CEO, Professor Ntobeko Ntusi, congratulated Professor Zühlke on her appointment, describing it as fitting recognition of her exceptional leadership. “Throughout her career, Professor Zühlke has shown a steadfast dedication to promoting health equity, enhancing research capacity and improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations in South Africa and across the continent. We are extremely proud of this achievement and look forward to the ongoing impact of her work through this significant role.

“This appointment reflects the level of leadership and scientific excellence that the SAMRC aims to cultivate in support of our mission to improve the nation's health through research and our commitment to research capacity development.” He added that the appointment further strengthens the partnership between Mandela University and the SAMRC, creating opportunities to expand research capacity, promote innovation and contribute to evidence-based solutions for some of the country's most pressing health challenges.

Professor Zühlke's international standing was further recognised when she was named Laureate for Africa and the Arab States in the 2026 L'Oréal-UNESCO International Awards for Women in Science. The award acknowledges her work in improving care for children with heart conditions, particularly rheumatic heart disease (RHD), which disproportionately affects children living in poverty.

According to the awards programme, “Professor Zühlke's research repositioned RHD as a socio-political issue, tied to health system deficiencies and inequities. Her dedication to scientific excellence, leadership in global health and capacity-building activities has improved the lives of vulnerable children with cardiovascular disease.”

Reflecting on the appointment, Professor Zühlke said: “I am deeply honoured and proud to accept this appointment, and I hope my dear friend, the late Professor Lungile Pepeta, is smiling broadly today. This is the first honorary professorship within the Medical School, which was Professor Pepeta's dream. “We sadly lost him to COVID-19 and miss him very much. I am sincerely grateful for this recognition and look forward to working with the Department of Public Health and contributing to teaching, research and mentorship.”

The late Professor Lungile Pepeta, a renowned paediatric cardiologist and former Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, played a pivotal role in championing the establishment of Mandela University's Medical School before his passing in 2020.

Professor Zühlke will deliver a lecture later this year at the University's Missionvale Campus to mark her appointment, formally commencing her engagement with the Department of Public Health and the broader university community. Through this role, she is expected to contribute to teaching, mentorship, research leadership and strategic partnerships that will support the development of future health professionals and researchers.

As the Medical School continues to expand its teaching, research and community engagement footprint, Professor Zühlke's appointment strengthens its commitment to developing future health professionals and advancing solutions to Africa's most pressing public health challenges.