Indian-Origin Scientists Receive Order of Mapungubwe

Professor Salim Abdool Karim and Professor Keertan Dheda, two Indian-origin public health scientists, received South Africa’s highest civilian honour, the Order of Mapungubwe, on 20 May 2026 in Pretoria. President Cyril Ramaphosa conferred the award during a formal ceremony.

Order of Mapungubwe

The Order of Mapungubwe is a South African national honour awarded to citizens for excellence and exceptional achievement. The award has different classes, including Gold and Silver, and it recognises contributions with direct benefit to South Africa and the wider global community.

Salim Abdool Karim

Professor Salim Abdool Karim received the Order of Mapungubwe in Gold for work in medical science and public health. His research has focused on HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis epidemiology, and his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic formed part of the citation. He serves as Director of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, known as CAPRISA, and is a professor at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Keertan Dheda

Professor Keertan Dheda received the Order of Mapungubwe in Silver for research in pulmonology. His work has covered tuberculosis and drug-resistant respiratory infections, with applications in clinical and public health management.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Order of Mapungubwe is South Africa’s highest civilian honour.
• South Africa’s national honours are conferred by the President of South Africa.
• CAPRISA stands for the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa.
• Mapungubwe was an ancient kingdom in southern Africa and is associated with a UNESCO World Heritage Site in South Africa.