GROWING OUR OWN TIMBER: THE TRAINING OF DOCTORS IN THE EASTERN CAPE

The distinguished career of world-renowned academic and respected surgeon Professor Lizo Ebden Mazwai was celebrated during a public lecture held to honour and recognise his lifetime commitment and dedication to the upliftment of the health and wellbeing of South Africans.

Hosted by the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, the event paid tribute to Mazwai’s remarkable contributions during his tenure as associate professor, head of surgery, and dean of the faculty.

Amongst the throngs of well-wishers who looked back at Mazwai’s illustrious career, was the faculty’s executive dean Prof Wezile Chitha who said the faculty was intentional in recognising the efforts of luminaries such as Mazwai and fellow trailblazers, who contributed to its existence in the last four decades.

“As we celebrate 40years in existence, we remain indebted and inspired by your wisdom and tenacity in the establishment and evolution of this faculty. We are inspired by you and your generation, which fought gallantly for the dignity of African people, especially for the rural and marginalized sections of our community,” remarked Chitha.

Messages of support poured in from former a colleague, who praised Mazwai for his role in advancing surgery and medical education within the faculty, while a former student fondly remembered him as a mentor who nurtured them into confident young doctors, shaping their careers with his guidance and wisdom.

Mazwayi’s sterling medical career was demonstrated by his lengthy biography which reflected decades of leadership, service, and dedication to the advancement of health sciences in South Africa.

From 1991 to 2009, he was Emeritus Professor of Surgery and Chief Specialist at WSU’s FMHS and Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, while also assuming the position of Faculty Dean between 1994 to 2007. His national roles include being Associate Fellow and Council Member of the College of Surgeons of South Africa in 1996, Senior Vice President of the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA) from 2002 to 2004, and later President from 2004 to 2007.  

Mazwai has also received seven Honorary Academic Fellowships throughout his career. He currently practices as a specialist general surgeon in Lusikisiki.

In his keynote address, Prof Bhugwan Singh from University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Discipline of General Surgery, praised Mazwai’s spirit of fortitude in overcoming systematic barriers against the training of black medical doctors during apartheid.  

“On a personal level, Mazwai, you built my capacity. In 1995, you gave me the opportunity to serve as an external examiner. At that time, even though Nelson Mandela had been released from prison, many institutions still imposed barriers, and we had to develop our own capacity. However, through your tactful and diplomatic leadership, you helped us overcome those obstacles. By building that capacity, you restored dignity to many of us,” Singh recalled.

He added that Mazwai had consistently advocated for medical professionals to serve their communities, encouraging young doctors to specialise and contribute as academics rather than pursuing the practice solely for financial gain.

A CMSA representative also highlighted Mazwai’s impact and achieved milestones during his tenure as CMSA president.

Amongst the many speakers was Mazwai’s son, Dr Odwa Mazwai from Universal Healthcare, who has proudly followed his father’s footsteps into the medical field. In testament to the theme of growing local timber, Mazwai said that his father was offered many opportunities to work abroad, yet he chose to return home.

“Importantly, he did not return to Cape Town or Johannesburg, but to Lusikisiki. His decision reflects a profound commitment to strengthening rural communities. And the reason I would love for him to be celebrated, is for his transformative role in rural medical education.”

Meanwhile in his reply, Mazwai said he can’t take the credit alone, as he expressed gratitude to his family that raised him with a strong background of valuing education and learning. He explained that even while studying overseas and becoming a surgeon, he always knew he had to return to serve his country and community.

“When you become a doctor or educated, you enter a social compact. Though not written, you just know it.” he said. “That sense of responsibility carried me through. In a first world country, with all its attractions, the gaps and needs in my own country became even more obvious. So, I knew I had to come back.”

Mazwai also extended appreciation to the department of health, universities and medical council bodies for their help in establishing the medical school. In closing, he encouraged the need for a WSU alumni association to build networks and maintain the school’s reputation.

By Thandeka Mgqibi