Professors Salim Abdool Karim and Keetan Dheda.
Image: File/Facebook
In a prestigious ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, two eminent South African professors, Salim Abdool Karim and Keetan Dheda, will be among the select individuals to be awarded National Orders, the highest accolades conferred by the South African government.
The announcement was made by Phindile Baleni, Chancellor of the National Orders, and can be found on the official website of the Presidency.
National Orders are the highest awards that South Africa, through the president, bestows on its citizens and eminent foreign nationals who have contributed towards the advancement of democracy and who have made a significant impact on improving the lives of South Africans.
The National Orders also recognise the contributions made by individuals who contributed and continue to contribute to the building of a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa as envisaged in the Constitution.
President Cyril Ramaphosa will bestow on deserving recipients: the Order of Ikhamanga, the Order of the Baobab, the Order of Mapungubwe, and the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo.
The Order of Mapungubwe, which recognises South Africans who have accomplished excellence and exceptional achievement to the benefit of South Africa and beyond, in gold, will be bestowed on professors Karim and Tulio De Oliveir, and silver to professors Dheda and Vukosi Ntsakisi Marivate.
Professor Karim will be awarded for his contribution to medical science and public health, particularly in respect of HIV/Aids and tuberculosis research, and health policy development which is placing South Africa on the international stage.
"Your tireless leadership and swift response during the Covid-19 pandemic was outstanding and commendable," said the statement.
Professor Dheda will be awarded for his contribution in scientific research, specifically pulmonology, that has enabled improved management globally of tuberculosis and other respiratory infections.
"He is an acclaimed international expert whose combination of cutting-edge research and clinical prowess has produced numerous scientific breakthroughs and shaped public health policy in many countries, enhancing community health."
In a post on Facebook, Eric Apelgren, the director and founder of The Mkhongi Circle and former head of the Department of International and Governance Relations at eThekwini Municipality, congratulated Professor Karim and the team at Caprisa (Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa).
"This is South Africa’s highest honour, and it’s a truly deserved recognition of decades of groundbreaking HIV/Aids and Covid-19 research that has saved lives in South Africa and across the world. From the landmark Caprisa 004 microbicide trial to shaping global pandemic response, your work has put KZN and South African science firmly on the global map.
"Dr Karim, your message says it best - this award belongs to the great team of scientists, collaborators, study participants, and funders who have contributed selflessly to making the world a healthier place through science. It reflects what’s possible when scientific excellence meets deep commitment to public health and community.
"We understand you’re unable to collect the award this year while in New York, but the recognition stands now. We’ll be celebrating here at home and look forward to welcoming you back to receive it in person next year. Thank you for representing South African science with such excellence and humility. The University of KwaZulu-Natal, Caprisa, and all of us in KZN are proud to call you one of our own. Here’s to more discoveries, more impact, and a healthier future for all."
The orders will be presented at Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria.
For the full list of recipients, see www.thepresidency.gov.za.