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08 August 2025 | Story Reuben Maeko | Photo Reuben Maeko
Prof Gert van Zyl
From left: Prof Lizemari Hugo, Senior Lecturer at the School of Nursing, Prof Gert van Zyl, the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Dr Arnelle Mostert, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biomedical Sciences, and Dr Elzana Kempen, Senior Lecturer in the Division of Health Sciences Education.

The Southern African Association of Health Educationalists (SAAHE) recently bestowed the Council Medal Award – its highest accolade – on Prof Gert van Zyl, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS) in recognition of his extraordinary and sustained contributions to Health Professions Education (HPE) in Southern Africa.

The SAAHE Council Medal is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated long-term, impactful contributions to HPE, transforming pedagogy, advancing equity and diversity, and inspiring excellence in teaching, research, and engagement. Recipients must also demonstrate national and international recognition, as well as exemplary leadership, mentorship, and inclusiveness.

 

A transformative leader in medical education

Prof Van Zyl’s visionary leadership has been pivotal in shaping the future of medical education in South Africa. His strategic role in the development and implementation of the UFS’s five-year MBChB curriculum modernised the teaching and learning experience for medical students, aligning it with international best practice while addressing the specific needs of the South African healthcare context.

Speaking of his award, Prof Van Zyl expressed his gratitude and humility, acknowledging the collective efforts of colleagues, students, and institutional partners over the years. His recognition serves as an inspiration to the HPE community, illustrating the profound and lasting impact that dedicated leadership and innovation can have on the future of healthcare education.

Central to his transformative approach has been the integration of Interprofessional Education (IPE) and Community-Based Education (CBE). These innovative strategies ensured that medical training not only develops technical expertise but also nurtures collaborative practice and community engagement. Prof Van Zyl championed practical learning through CBE initiatives in Trompsburg and Springfontein, later expanding this model to Botshabelo, thereby fostering a strong culture of service to underserved communities.

 

A founding member and lifelong contributor to SAAHE

Prof Van Zyl’s association with SAAHE dates to its very inception in the early 2000s. As a founding member, he was actively involved in the organisation’s transition from the South African Association of Medical Educators (SAAME) to SAAHE, participating in the first meeting in Bloemfontein. His leadership and passion for HPE have been constant in the association’s growth and evolution.

His sustained commitment is evident in his 15 years of service on the SAAHE Executive Committee (2005-2020). Throughout this period he was instrumental in guiding the association’s strategic direction, ensuring that it remained a dynamic platform for advancing medical and health professions education.

Prof Van Zyl’s engagement extended well beyond committee work. He has been a consistent and influential presence at SAAHE conferences, contributing his expertise and thought-leadership at gatherings in 2006, 2007, 2012-2015, 2017-2019, and 2024. His presentations and discussions have enriched the dialogue around pedagogy, curriculum reform, and capacity building in HPE.

 

Advocate for mentorship, inclusivity, and capacity building

At the heart of Prof Van Zyl’s career is a deep commitment to mentorship and capacity development. Colleagues and students alike have benefited from his guidance, which blends academic excellence with a genuine investment in the growth and success of others. His leadership style has consistently promoted inclusivity and equity, fostering an environment in which diverse perspectives and talents can thrive in the service of excellence in HPE.

 

A deserving recognition of a lifetime’s work

The awarding of the SAAHE Council Medal to Prof Van Zyl is a fitting acknowledgment of his decades-long dedication to advancing HPE in Southern Africa. His transformative influence – spanning curriculum innovation, professional development, organisational leadership and community engagement – embodies the qualities the medal seeks to honour.

With this accolade, SAAHE not only honours Prof Van Zyl’s remarkable achievements, but also celebrates a career devoted to building a stronger, more inclusive, and forward-looking HPE landscape in Southern Africa.

News Archive

Top matriculants for Kovsies
2014-01-24

 

 
From left are: Saneliswe Khambule, Lungile Mkhungo, Jannie de Wet, Anje Venter, Siqiniseko Buthelezi and Abrille Beukes.
Photo: Hannes Pieterse

Hailing from top schools in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Naushad Mayat, Lungile Mkhungo and Siqiniseko Buthelezi share 20 distinctions between them. Leaving the province of the Zulu Kingdom for Bloemfontein, all three are at Kovsies to study as doctors.

Naushad obtained eight distinctions, an achievement that placed him in the top ten matriculants in KwaZulu-Natal. The former learner from Glenwood High School in Durban came fourth in the Umlazi District and tenth overall in the province. Enrolling for a degree in Medicine, he will join the list of outstanding health professionals Kovsies produce every year.

Lungile, who matriculated from Kingsway High School, attained seven distinctions and her average percentage was 90%. She received distinctions in English – 90%, IsiZulu – 94%, Mathematics – 83%, History – 92%, Physics – 89%, Life Sciences – 89% and Life Orientation – 93%. Lungile is not only clever, but also performed well in sports at her school, participating in netball, soccer and athletics. This future doctor is a proud resident of Wag-'n-Bietjie residence. 

Siqiniseko made history at his school, Maritzburg College, becoming the first black Head Prefect at the 150-year-old school, the oldest boys' high school in KZN and one of the oldest schools in South Africa. A gifted learner excelling in sport, culture and academics, Siqiniseko obtained five distinctions (English, Afrikaans, Life Orientation, Accounting and Life Sciences). His sporting prowess has seen him captaining Maritzburg College's first rugby team, as well as the KZN Academy team.

The three are joined by fellow KwaZulu-Natal resident, Saneliswe Khambule, Namibian Abrille Beukes and Free Staters Anje Venter and Jannie de Wet.

Saneliswe, a former learner of Menzi High School in Umlazi, received five distinctions in her final-year exams. The Emily Hobhouse resident registered for a Forensic Science degree and plans on doing her doctoral studies in this exciting career field.

Abrille Beukes is another future doctor and is all the way from Windhoek in Namibia. Abrille obtained a ‘one’ in all her subjects, the highest possible mark in the Namibian school system. The Windhoek-born student received high levels in Mathematics, Accounting, Physical Science, Biology, Afrikaans and English. As second best student in her home country, she will register for a Medicine degree.

Anja, the Free State’s top achiever, received an average percentage of 93% in the matric final exams. The former Eunice student obtained nine distinctions, an achievement that placed her in the national top 100 matriculants.  Anja enrolled for a BSc Actuarial Science degree and will be joined in class by former school friend, Jannie de Wet, who obtained a whopping ten distinctions. Jannie and Anja attended Universitas Primary School together, with Jannie finishing his school career at Jim Fouché High School, and just like Anja, he will also enrol for a BSc Actuarial Science degree.

Jannie obtained distinctions in Afrikaans, English, Mathematics, Mathematics (third paper), Life Orientation, Accounting, Physical Science, Life Science, Economics and Information Technology. Jannie is also the Volksblad and the University of the Free State’s 2013 Matriculant of the Year.

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