Dear Staff and Student Colleagues 

Professor Asgar Ali Kalla’s passing on Saturday, 4 April 2026, marks a profound loss for the University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, and the broader rheumatology community in South Africa and internationally.

A UCT graduate of 1975, Professor Kalla served as Head of Rheumatology in the Department of Medicine from 2000 to 2017 and was later appointed Professor Emeritus. Over many years, he helped shape rheumatology at UCT through his dedication to clinical excellence, teaching, mentorship, and research. Generations of students and trainees remember him as a meticulous clinician, committed teacher, and generous mentor.

Beyond UCT, he made an enduring contribution to rheumatology across Africa and globally. He served as President of the South African Rheumatism and Arthritis Association, Secretary-General and later President of the African League of Associations for Rheumatology (AFLAR), and Editor-in-Chief of the AFLAR Journal of Rheumatology. His leadership strengthened collaboration across the continent and elevated African scholarship internationally.

Professor Kalla remained deeply committed to outreach and equitable healthcare, regularly supporting clinical services in underserved communities even after retirement. He was widely respected not only for his academic leadership, but also for his humility, warmth, and collegial spirit.

His contributions were recognised through numerous honours, including his election as Master of the American College of Rheumatology, Master of the Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology, and Master of AFLAR.

Prof Kalla loved to teach and inspired many undergraduate and postgraduate students to examine the musculoskeletal system with precision. He was dedicated to outreach and visited Khayelitsha, East London and Gqerberha regularly, even after his retirement.

In his words in 2017, “The legacy that I would like to leave behind is one of collegiality, approachability and friendliness”. He has certainly achieved this.

We extend our sincere condolences to his wife Zuleikha, his family, colleagues, students, and friends. His legacy at UCT and within global rheumatology will continue to endure.

Lala ngoxolo Prof. Kalla 

Professor Lionel Green - Thompson
Dean: Faculty of Health Sciences