From the Vice-Chancellor
Outstanding UCT achievements recognised nationally and globally
26 May 2026
Dear colleagues and students
It gives me enormous pleasure to share and celebrate a series of extraordinary achievements by members of our University of Cape Town (UCT) community, whose work continues to shape lives, influence global scholarship and affirm UCT’s standing as a leading institution on the African continent and in the world.
Over the past weeks, several of our colleagues have received prestigious national and international recognition across various fields. These honours reflect not only individual excellence, but also the deep commitment within our university to advancing knowledge in service of society.
We are especially proud that President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced three members of the UCT community among those who received National Orders.
Professor Keertan Dheda received the Order of Mapungubwe in Silver for his internationally acclaimed contribution to pulmonology and scientific research that has transformed the global management of tuberculosis and respiratory infections. His pioneering work has influenced public health policy across many countries and improved the health outcomes of countless communities.
Professor Karen Sliwa-Hahnle received the Order of Mapungubwe in Bronze in recognition of her groundbreaking work in cardiovascular medicine, particularly relating to cardiac disease in pregnancy and cardiovascular conditions affecting African populations. Her research has contributed significantly to reducing maternal mortality and shaping international clinical guidelines.
We also congratulate Mr Gavin James Krastin, UCT PhD candidate, who received the Order of Ikhamanga in Bronze for his exceptional contribution to performance art, curation and arts education. His work continues to challenge and enrich South Africa’s cultural and intellectual landscape in deeply meaningful ways.
We further celebrate Professor Liesl Zühlke, who has been named the 2026 Laureate for Africa and the Arab States in the prestigious L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards. This remarkable recognition honours her pioneering contributions to cardiac and cardiovascular science and her tireless advocacy for children and vulnerable communities affected by heart disease. Her work exemplifies the transformative role of science in advancing equity and social justice, while also inspiring a new generation of women scientists across Africa.
In addition, we congratulate Professor Mark Solms, who is one of South Africa’s top five researchers recognised among the world’s leading researchers in the 2026 Research.com rankings. Research.com evaluated nearly 9 600 scientists' profiles worldwide using leading academic databases, including OpenAlex and CrossRef. Rankings are based on the Discipline H-index (D-index), a metric that measures a researcher’s impact and citation record within the field of neuroscience. To be eligible for inclusion, scientists must achieve a minimum D-index of 30.
These achievements remind us of what is possible when excellence and purpose come together in pursuit of knowledge. They also demonstrate the profound impact that UCT scholars, researchers and students continue to have in South Africa, across the continent and globally.
On behalf of the university, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all those honoured and recognised. We are immensely proud of your achievements and grateful for the inspiration you provide to our entire community.
Sincerely
Professor Mosa Moshabela
Vice-Chancellor
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