The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) says it is thrilled to announce the appointment of Professor Ntobeko Ntusi as its modern president and chief executive officer, effective 1 July 2024.
Ntusi will succeed the esteemed Professor Glenda Gray, who has been the SAMRC president for the past 10 years. Her term concludes on 30 June 2024.
The medical research institute has described the incoming president as a distinguished and highly respected figure in the medical community and said he brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to his recent role.
“His lifelong passion for evidence-based healthcare, health systems research, and universal health coverage has positioned him as a trailblazer in medical research,” said the SAMRC in a statement on Thursday.
“Prof Ntusi’s commitment to advancing medical research and his passion for improving healthcare outcomes align perfectly with the SAMRC’s mission to advance the nation’s health and quality of life and to address inequity by conducting and funding relevant and responsive health research, capacity development, innovation, and research translation.”
Ntusi’s leadership spans various national, regional, and international platforms, where he has played pivotal roles in shaping academic agendas and postgraduate medical education standards and advancing key strategic priorities.
His commitment to mentoring young professionals and supervising postgraduate students underscores his passion for nurturing the next generation of medical leaders.
The incoming President is currently a cardiologist, the Head of the Department of Medicine, and the Clinical Guide for cardiovascular magnetic resonance and cardiovascular computed tomography at Groote Schuur Hospital in the Western Cape.
He is also the Professorial Seat of the Department of Medicine, in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Cape Town (UCT).
He serves as the Director of the SAMRC/UCT Extramural Unit on the Intersection of Noncommunicable Diseases and Infectious Diseases.
He holds numerous qualifications including a Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) in Cardiovascular Medicine and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Cardiology from the University of Oxford, St Cross College and the University of Cape Town respectively, making him a prominent figure in the medical field.
His vision for the SAMRC aligns with its commitment to advancing medical research and improving health outcomes for every.
He said he was honoured and excited to guide the SAMRC.
“I survey forward to collaborating with the talented team at SAMRC to further our impact on healthcare and research, driving positive change in South Africa and beyond.”
The institute said the Ntusi’s tenure promises to uphold and build upon the SAMRC’s legacy of excellence and dedication to advancing medical research and healthcare in South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
Fist Wizard
Fun South African Fact: Vilakazi Street in Soweto has been home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners. A tour through Soweto will always stop at Vilakazi Street to reveal a number of heritage sites of great importance to democratic South Africa. Both Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu lived here at some point in their lives. In 1984, Archbishop Desmond Tutu received the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition for his non-violent fight against the apartheid regime. Nine years later in 1993, Nelson Mandela shared the Nobel Peace Prize with then-president F.W. de Klerk as an award for their role in bringing about the peaceful end of apartheid. Nelson Mandela then went on to become South Africa’s first democratically elected president in 1994.
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Eish! – an exclamation [Ay-sh] or [ee-sh] A Khoi term usually expressed when someone experiences surprise or shock.