Africa-Press – Eswatini. Eswatini-born epidemiologist Professor Themba Ginindza has been appointed to the Ministerial Advisory Committee on the Prevention and Control of Cancer in South Africa, a move hailed as recognition of his groundbreaking research and global leadership in public health.
The announcement was made by South Africa’s Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, who described Ginindza as a “strategic asset” in the fight against cancer.
Ginindza, who heads the Cancer and Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Research Unit (CIDERU) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, is celebrated for leading landmark studies in lung and cervical cancer, as well as mentoring young African researchers.
His appointment coincides with a career that has seen him contribute to HPV vaccine rollouts in Eswatini, COVID-19 research, and cancer prevention programmes across six African countries.
Speaking after the appointment, Ginindza said it was “a responsibility that goes beyond borders.” He explained, “This recognition is not just about me. It is about the communities we serve across Africa, the lives we want to save, and the hope we must keep alive. Cancer is not just a medical issue, it is a social and economic challenge. We need solutions that work for Africa, by Africa.”
His contribution, however, has not only been felt internationally. Last month, Ginindza visited Mafutseni Primary Healthcare Centre in Eswatini, where he pledged to help establish a cancer support facility.
The Mafutseni outreach programme, which offers free monthly healthcare services to hundreds of residents, left a strong impression on him.
He told the community that he would work to ensure the proposed cancer facility at Mafutseni operates daily and provides services free of charge.
“I was deeply moved by the courage of families who face these challenges with so little. No one should have to fight cancer alone, or be denied care because they cannot afford it. My dream is that Mafutseni becomes a beacon of accessible cancer care for rural communities,” he said.
Community leaders in Mafutseni welcomed his promise, saying it would transform healthcare in the area.
Ginindza’s recognition has drawn praise from academics and public health leaders. UKZN Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Busisiwe Ncama, said his appointment was a “fitting recognition of his outstanding contributions to public health and cancer epidemiology.”
With over E470 million in research funding secured over the last seven years and more than 90 peer-reviewed publications, Ginindza continues to push the boundaries of cancer research. His new role, experts say, places him at the heart of shaping national cancer policy in South Africa while raising Eswatini’s flag on the global health stage.
“Every breakthrough I make, I carry Eswatini with me,” Ginindza said. “I want young people back home to know that they too can shape the future of global health.”
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