Two internationally renowned Indian-origin public health scientists, Salim Abdool Karim and Keertan Dheda, were awarded South Africa’s highest civilian honours for their outstanding contributions to public health and medical science.
The prestigious awards were presented by Cyril Ramaphosa during a ceremony held in Pretoria on 20 May 2026.
Both scientists received the Order of Mapungubwe which is among South Africa’s highest national honours awarded to citizens who have achieved excellence and made exceptional contributions benefiting both South Africa and the global community.

Salim Abdool Karim Awarded Order of Mapungubwe in Gold

Professor Salim Abdool Karim was conferred the Order of Mapungubwe in Gold for his landmark contributions to, HIV/AIDS research, Tuberculosis epidemiology, Public health policy and Pandemic response
The award citation praised his groundbreaking scientific research and his leadership role in shaping South Africa’s national health policies.
The Presidency especially acknowledged his: “tireless leadership and swift response during the Covid-19 pandemic” which helped guide South Africa’s early pandemic strategy through science-based decision-making.
Professor Abdool Karim currently serves as Director of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) and Professor at the University of KwaZulu-Natal
His work has played a major role in connecting scientific research with community healthcare services.

Keertan Dheda Receives Order of Mapungubwe in Silver

Professor Keertan Dheda received the Order of Mapungubwe in Silver for his pioneering research in, Pulmonology, Tuberculosis treatment, Drug-resistant respiratory infections
The South African Presidency described him as, “an acclaimed international expert” whose research and clinical work have influenced healthcare policies and medical practices across several countries.
Professor Dheda is associated with University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital and UCT Lung Institute
He currently Holds the DSTI-NRF Research Chair in Interrupting Antimicrobial Resistance Amplification, Heads the Division of Pulmonology and Respiratory Services at Groote Schuur Hospital and Directs the Centre for Lung Infection and Immunity

The Order of Mapungubwe is one of South Africa’s most prestigious national honours.
It is awarded to citizens who have achieved exceptional success and made contributions that positively impact both the nation and the international community.
The recognition of Professors Salim Abdool Karim and Keertan Dheda highlights the important role played by Indian-origin scientists in advancing global healthcare, infectious disease research and public health policy.