LEADERSHIP ROOTED IN SERVICE, HUMILITY AND COMPASSION: PROF MDAKA’S LEGACY

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to health and the field of obstetrics and gynaecology, Professor Mana Lungisa Mdaka was celebrated through a distinguished public lecture that highlighted his lifelong service and dedication to advancing maternal care.

The lecture, attended by fellow industry colleagues, registrars, and members of the wider community, served as an academic recognition and platform that paid tribute to his immense dedication to the provincial healthcare delivery platform. It celebrated his accomplishments during his career and the legacy he leaves behind.

In his remarks, faculty executive dean Prof Wezile Chitha reflected on the faculty’s four decades of existence, noting its deliberate intent to honour the leaders who have helped shaped its identity and mission.

“As part of building and preserving the memory of this faculty, we present this honorary lecture today to recognise, celebrate, and pay homage to the exceptional contribution of Prof. Mdaka in medical education and in the delivery and strengthening of obstetrics and gynaecology services. This lecture is our way of formally expressing our appreciation to him and his family for his contribution, leadership and guidance over the 22 years in which he has been a part of the department,” Chitha said.

During the 22 years Mdaka is said to have pioneered several initiatives to improve and strengthen obstetric and gynaecological services in the region. These included supporting peripheral hospitals in terms of upskilling the medical staff in areas such as essential steps in managing obstetric emergencies (ESMOE) and other outreach support. These interventions have had a longstanding impact in obstetric outcomes.

Chitha added: “In addition, Mdaka was appointed Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Walter Sisulu in 2015 and was instrumental in the modernisation of tertiary services in Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital. He was central in strengthening the department’s academic offering in terms of developing sub-specialities such as feto-maternal medicine, reproductive medicine, gynaecology oncology and urogynaecology. During his tenure the department produced no less than 20 specialists and hundreds of medical graduates.”

Speakers at the event praised Mdaka’s unwavering commitment to service to humanity. They described his career as not only being defined by expertise, but also by humility and compassion, qualities that have inspired generations of clinicians and students.

The keynote address was delivered by Prof Tshililo Mashamba from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University. In his remarks, Mashamba noted that Mdaka’s leadership combined extraordinary vision with a gift for nurturing and repairing systems, people, and institutions.

“He has accommodated people, everything, not only people, but anything that is around him. He has empowered people to be better than what he was academically, and what he achieved. He also creates a supportive environment for collective growth, not only for him. He has demonstrated the true essence of lift others as you rise, truly befitting to this lecture,” said Mashamba.

He further highlighted Mdaka’s humanity and academic excellence, describing him as a mentor and pillar in the medical profession. He said attributes such as patience, fairness, and respect, towards colleagues and patients, have defined Mdaka’s career and left an indelible mark on the profession.

In response to the lecture, Mdaka expressed deep gratitude for the recognition and tributes paid to his career. He described the honour as humbling, noting that his journey had been sustained by the support of colleagues, students, and his family.

“This recognition is not mine alone, it belongs to the many hands and hearts that have worked alongside me. Our shared commitment to improving maternal health and strengthening medical education has been the driving force behind everything we achieved. I am proud to see the department flourish and to know that the next generation of specialists will continue this mission with dedication and compassion,” said Mdaka.

He currently serves as the Associate Dean for the Eastern Deanery of the faculty.

By Thandeka Mgqibi