Indian-origin public health scientists Salim Abdool Karim and Keertan Dheda were honoured with South Africa’s highest civilian award, the Order of Mapungubwe

Indian-origin public health scientists Salim Abdool Karim and Keertan Dheda were honoured with South Africa’s highest civilian award, the Order of Mapungubwe

¨     Indian-origin public health scientists Salim Abdool Karim and Keertan Dheda were honoured with South Africa’s highest civilian award, the Order of Mapungubwe, on 20 May 2026.

¨     The awards were presented during a formal ceremony in Pretoria.

¨     South African President Cyril Ramaphosa conferred the honours on the two scientists.

¨     The Order of Mapungubwe is a national honour of South Africa awarded for excellence and exceptional achievement.

¨     The award has different classes, including Gold and Silver categories.

¨     It recognises contributions that benefit South Africa and the wider global community.

¨     Professor Salim Abdool Karim received the “Order of Mapungubwe in Gold” for his contributions to medical science and public health.

¨     His research has mainly focused on the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.

¨     His leadership and scientific guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic were also recognised.

¨     He serves as the director of Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA).

¨     He is also a professor at University of KwaZulu-Natal.

¨     Professor Keertan Dheda received the “Order of Mapungubwe in Silver” for his research in pulmonology.

¨     His work focuses on tuberculosis and drug-resistant respiratory infections.

¨     His research has contributed to clinical and public health management practices.