Johannesburg, May 20, 2026 — Two internationally recognised South African scientists of Indian origin were among 38 people honoured this week with the country’s highest civilian awards for their outstanding contributions to public health.
Professor Salim Abdool Karim and Professor Keertan Dheda were presented with the Order of Mapungubwe by President Cyril Ramaphosa at a ceremony in Pretoria. The Order recognises South African citizens whose exceptional achievements have benefited the nation and the wider global community.
Professor Salim Abdool Karim received the Order of Mapungubwe in Gold. The citation highlighted his seminal work in medical science and public health, notably his research into HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis epidemiology, and his influential role in shaping national health policy. The Presidency also singled out his “tireless leadership and swift response during the Covid-19 pandemic,” noting that his evidence-driven approach helped anchor South Africa’s early pandemic response.
Abdool Karim directs the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) and is a professor at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Unable to attend the investiture in person, he expressed humility about the honour and said it belonged to the many team members and the patients who participated in the studies that informed the work.
Professor Keertan Dheda was awarded the Order of Mapungubwe in Silver for pioneering research in pulmonology that has transformed the clinical and public health management of tuberculosis and drug-resistant respiratory infections. The Presidency described him as an acclaimed international expert whose blend of cutting-edge research and clinical practice has produced important scientific advances and influenced health policy in multiple countries.
Dheda is based at the University of Cape Town, where he holds the DSTI-NRF Research Chair in Interrupting Antimicrobial Resistance Amplification. He also leads the Division of Pulmonology and the Respiratory Service at Groote Schuur Hospital and directs the Centre for Lung Infection and Immunity at the UCT Lung Institute.
After receiving the award, Dheda said the recognition would serve as a catalyst for grassroots innovation and renewed effort on TB diagnostic work within local communities. He emphasised that scientific progress is the product of teams, partnerships and patients, and accepted the honour as a symbol of collective efforts to advance health equity in high-burden regions.
President Ramaphosa said the accomplishments of the year’s recipients underscore South Africa’s growing international standing as a centre of scientific and medical best practice.
The awards highlight the country’s contributions to global public health through rigorous research, clinical innovation and policy leadership.
