UKZN Academic Among Mail & Guardian’s ‘Trailblazing’ 200 Young South Africans

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Dr Lungile Buthelezi of UKZN’s School of Optometry has been recognised in the Health and Wellness category of the prestigious Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans list for 2025.

Now in its 20th year, the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans initiative celebrates trailblazers under the age of 35 who are making transformative contributions across 19 sectors, including agriculture, arts, financial services, health and technology. This year’s edition attracted more than 5 000 nominations and a panel of expert judges selected the final 200.

Buthelezi’s selection recognises her multifaceted contributions as a lecturer, clinician, researcher and founder of Sight for Life, a non-profit initiative providing vision screening to primary school children. Through this work, she has sought to eliminate preventable vision barriers to learning in underserved communities.

While activities were paused during her doctoral studies, Buthelezi plans to relaunch Sight for Life with the aim of expanding its reach across KwaZulu-Natal.

In her academic role, Buthelezi lectures in visual science and ocular disease management and conducts research on ocular disease and retinal alterations in people living with HIV. Her work has been presented at leading global forums, including the World Council of Optometry, European Academy of Optometry and Optics, and the South African AIDS Conference.

The Health & Wellness category celebrates individuals making measurable improvements in health outcomes and access to care, often through evidence-based interventions, innovative research, and improved service delivery. Those honoured are recognised as leaders who influence policy, guide impactful initiatives and champion public health priorities.

Reflecting on her recognition, Buthelezi said: “Being named among the 200 Young South Africans in Health & Wellness is a profound affirmation that academic pursuit should always converge with service. Whether in lecture halls, clinics or communities, my work is rooted in the belief that science must tangibly enhance lives. This award highlights the vital role of optometry in advancing public health in South Africa.”

Head of Optometry Dr Naimah Ebrahim Khan, congratulated Buthelezi: “On behalf of the Discipline of Optometry, I warmly congratulate you on being named among the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans in the Health category - a well-deserved honour that reflects your dedication, innovation and passion for advancing healthcare and optometry in South Africa. Your journey from undergraduate to accomplished academic has been inspiring, and your success brings great pride to our discipline while motivating colleagues, students, and the wider academic community.”

Words: MaryAnn Francis

Photograph: Supplied