The Faculty is celebrating another milestone, this time for one of our stars who continues to rise. I am proudly sharing that Chair and Head of the Department of Medicine, Professor Ntobeko Ntusi, will be the new President and CEO of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), effective 1 July 2024. This is a resounding affirmation by peers of his excellence as a clinician scientist and leader. We acknowledge the outgoing incumbent, Professor Glenda Gray, for her outstanding leadership during her tenure, and wish her well in the future. 

As a premium health institution in South Africa, the SAMRC directs health research in the country to inform health policy and practice. Professor Ntusi is an accomplished colleague who is well suited to take on this distinguished role in spearheading this organisation. 

Professor Ntusi has served as Professor of Medicine and Chair of Medicine in the Faculty since 1 November 2016, a role he fulfilled with exemplary leadership. He is also currently the Head of Medicine, a consultant cardiologist and the clinical lead for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR) at Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH).

Professor Ntusi obtained a BSc (Honours) in Cellular and Molecular Biology from Haverford College, United States of America, and obtained his MBChB from UCT. He eventually read for a DPhil in Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Oxford and completed his MD in Cardiology at UCT. He has received numerous academic awards and has been widely cited by scholars.  

Professor Ntusi’s leadership has been inspiring in many aspects, but for me, new to UCT at the time, his role in responding to the Covid-19 pandemic is preeminent. He led the clinical response to Covid-19 at GSH, including working in the wards with very sick patients alongside colleagues during this most uncertain and challenging epoch of our generation. This collaborative work with colleagues also provided a model for responding to Covid-19 hospitalisations for the rest of the country and continent. 

While the SAMRC is set to gain from his appointment, UCT is not losing Professor Ntusi entirely, as he will remain a research professor with his research group and grants based at UCT, and he plans to continue his outpatient clinics and cardiovascular imaging lists at GSH. 

I am deeply grateful for your contribution to the Faculty during your tenure, Professor Ntusi. Enkosi kakhulu.  My heartfelt congratulations to you on this new odyssey. I am proud of the honor it brings to UCT.  We look forward to continuing a strong partnership with the SAMRC and share great optimism for SAMRC’s next chapter under your leadership.  

Kaise ke gangans
Associate Professor Lionel Green-Thompson
Dean: Faculty of Health Sciences