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Professor Lungile Pepeta officially announced as Executive Dean of Health Sciences

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Acting Vice-Chancellor of NMMU, Dr Sibongile Muthwa said today:

On behalf of the University Council, it gives me great pleasure to announce the appointment of paediatric cardiologist Professor Lungile Pepeta as the new Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences from 1 January 2017.

Prof Pepeta’s appointment comes as the University’s vision for establishing a Medical School that offers an alternative educational model towards meeting the country’s growing need for health professionals, is gaining momentum.

The Port Elizabeth-based cardiologist has extensive understanding of both the health and higher education sector, is recognised for his proven strategic and operational leadership skills and is well respected among his peers. He is a member of a number of professional medical bodies, including that of being President of the Paediatric Cardiac Society of South Africa and Vice President of the South African Heart Association.

He is both passionate and committed to South Africa’s health sector, particularly in the Eastern Cape, where he was raised, studied and has spent some of his illustrious career to date.

Apart from the medical degree obtained at University of Transkei (now Walter Sisulu University) in 1997, Prof Pepeta also has a Master’s of Medicine in Paediatrics from Wits (2012), a Fellowship of the College of Paediatricians of South Africa from the College of Medicines (2003) and a Fellowship of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (2014).

Prof Pepeta has a proven track record as an agent of change wherever he has worked – from his stint as a medical intern in 1999 in the rural Dordrecht hospital through to his present position as associate professor and clinical head of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Paediatric Cardiologist at the Port Elizabeth Hospital for Walter Sisulu University.

Apart from his medical work at various hospitals throughout the country, including Addington in Durban and the Chris-Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Johannesburg, Prof Pepeta brings along a wealth of both managerial and teaching experience.

His commitment to public health was evident during his tenure at Dora Nginza Hospital in both the capacity of Acting CEO as well as Acting Clinical Governance Manager.

His love of teaching began while he was still the registrar in paediatrics in the University of Kwa Zulu Natal (UKZN) Teaching Hospitals. While at Wits from 2005 to 2008, he taught paediatrics and cardiology to senior students.  He is presently an internal examiner of final year students at Walter Sisulu University in Mthatha, among other teaching postings.

He has further presented papers at congresses and produced a number of publications in support of his research relating to his interest in paediatric cardiology. He also reviews a number of medical journals.

Prof Pepeta has extensive experience in working with key stakeholders in the heath sector including national and provincial government.  With these fine credentials, along with his unwavering commitment towards finding sustainable solutions for the health sector, I am proud and excited to welcome Prof Pepeta to the NMMU family.

We are confident that his experience, drive and established networks will further expand the efforts of the outgoing Executive Dean, Prof Vic Exner, in not only growing the Faculty of Health Sciences and NMMU, but in supporting both the metro’s and province’s health sector.

I trust that NMMU will welcome and support Prof Pepeta and congratulate him once again for his selection to this exciting portfolio.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.