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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

First-year students encouraged to attend UFS welcoming function
2007-01-12

Main Campus, Bloemfontein
The University of the Free State (UFS) will host a welcoming function for all new first-year students and their parents on Saturday 13 January 2007 in the Callie Human Centre on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein.
 
The function starts at 11:00 and will be addressed by the Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS, Prof Frederick Fourie. UFS staff will also be available to provide vital information to first-year students on academic matters.
 
Saturday’s welcoming function can assist students and parents by providing vital information on the registration process, which starts on Tuesday 16 January 2007, and the many high quality academic learning programmes on offer in six faculties at the UFS.
 
The UFS has split the registration process into various categories of students and students should adhere to the dates, and times which apply to them as a one-stop service will be available so as to avoid unnecessary delays in the registration process.
 
The registration of first-time entering first-year students who applied before 30 November 2006 to study at the Bloemfontein Campus will take place from Tuesday 16 January 2007 at the Callie Human Centre.
 
Senior undergraduate students (that is, students entering their second or later year of study) may register from 22 January 2007 according to a programme that was sent to all students who were registered at the UFS in 2006.
 
Postgraduate students, first-time entering first-year students and other students, who applied for admission to the Main Campus after 30 November 2006 and were accepted, must register at the Callie Human from 5 February 2007. 
 
Late applications will be accepted until Monday 15 January 2007 at the Information Centre on the Main Campus’ Thakaneng Bridge. 
 
Lectures will commence on 5 February 2007 and the registration process will end on 9 February 2007.
 
Vista Campus:
The Vista Campus in Bloemfontein – which was incorporated into the UFS in January 2004 – no longer accepts applications from first-year students. Such prospective students had to apply to the UFS Main Campus. Students who had been registered on the Vista Campus last year must register at the Vista Campus on the same dates as applicable on the Main Campus.
 
Qwaqwa Campus:
At the Qwaqwa Campus of the UFS all first-time entering first-year students must report on Sunday 14 January 2007 for orientation, after which the registration of these students will take place according to a specific programme as from Wednesday 17 January 2007. The official welcoming functioning for new first-years at the Qwaqwa Campus of the UFS will take place on Saturday 10 February 2007 at 08:00 in the Rolihlahla Mandela Hall on the Qwaqwa Campus.
 
First-year students who have applied to study at the Qwaqwa Campus and their parents should attend this function which fulfils the same role as the one held on the Bloemfontein Main Campus.
 
Detailed information on the dates and times of registration for the various faculties and academic learning programmes is available on the UFS website at www.ufs.ac.za
 
Prospective students may also call the Main Campus in Bloemfontein on 051 4013000 or the Qwaqwa Campus on 058 718-5000 for more information.
 
Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
11 January 2007
 

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