Dear Staff and Student Colleagues

It is with profound sadness that we share the news of Dr. Gio Perez's passing. As the former head of the Metro Health Services for the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, Dr. Perez was an invaluable partner to the Faculty of Health Sciences. 

He bridged clinical service and academic endeavor with unwavering commitment, bringing openness and flexibility to serve the health needs of South Africa's people.

A larger-than-life leader marked by profound humility, integrity, and humanity, Dr. Perez truly embodied the spirit of Ubuntu. He possessed a rare and remarkable gift — the ability to see the full humanity in every person he encountered, whether a head of state or a street sweeper, never letting title, status, or circumstance cloud his recognition of the inherent dignity and worth that lives in us all.

The Faculty of Health Sciences mourns his loss deeply. Our heartfelt condolences extend to his family, colleagues, friends and the entire Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness community.

Rest peacefully, rus goed, phumla kakuhle, lala ngoxolo Dr. Perez 

Professor Lionel Green - Thompson
Dean: Faculty of Health Sciences