Nelson Mandela University has announced the appointment of internationally renowned paediatric cardiologist Professor Liesl Zühlke as the first Honorary Professor linked to its Medical School since the school was established in 2021.
Professor Zühlke, who serves as Vice-President: Extramural Research and Internal Portfolio at the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), will be affiliated with the University’s Department of Public Health.
Milestone for the Medical School
Welcoming the appointment, Nelson Mandela University Vice-Chancellor Professor Sibongile Muthwa described it as an important milestone in the continued growth of the institution’s Medical School.
“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.”
Professor Muthwa noted that the Medical School, based at the University’s Missionvale Campus in Gqeberha, was established to help address South Africa’s healthcare challenges by training socially responsive healthcare professionals, with a particular focus on primary healthcare and underserved communities. The Medical School’s first cohort of students is expected to graduate later this year.
Recognition from the SAMRC
SAMRC President and CEO Professor Ntobeko Ntusi congratulated Professor Zühlke on the appointment, describing it as recognition of her exceptional leadership and longstanding commitment to health equity.
“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.”
He added that the appointment strengthens the partnership between Nelson Mandela University and the SAMRC, creating opportunities to expand research capacity, promote innovation and contribute to evidence-based solutions for some of South Africa’s most pressing health challenges.
International Recognition
Professor Zühlke’s appointment follows her recent recognition as the Laureate for Africa and the Arab States in the 2026 L’Oréal-UNESCO International Awards for Women in Science.
The award honours 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, her research has helped reposition rheumatic heart disease as a socio-political issue linked to health system deficiencies and inequality, while her work in scientific leadership and capacity building has improved the lives of vulnerable children living with cardiovascular disease.
Honouring Professor Lungile Pepeta’s Legacy
Reflecting on the appointment, Professor Zühlke paid tribute to the late Professor Lungile Pepeta, whose vision helped establish Nelson Mandela University’s Medical School.
“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.”
Professor Pepeta, a respected paediatric cardiologist and former Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, played a pivotal role in championing the establishment of the University’s Medical School before his passing in 2020.
Supporting the Next Generation of Health Professionals
Professor Zühlke will deliver an inaugural lecture later this year at the University’s Missionvale Campus to formally mark the start of her engagement with the Department of Public Health.
Through the honorary professorship, she is expected to contribute to teaching, mentorship, research leadership and strategic partnerships, further supporting the University’s mission to develop future healthcare professionals and researchers while advancing solutions to Africa’s most pressing public health challenges.
Source: Nelson Mandela University.
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