‘Unforgettable’ 50-year Reunion for UKZN Medical Class of 1975

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Members of UKZN’s Medical class of 1975 said they enjoyed “a phenomenal walk down memory lane” during their recent 50-year reunion celebrations.

Many of those who attended the reunion are still in practice while about 30% had travelled from overseas to be part of the experience. Some of the individuals had not seen each other since qualifying as medical doctors!

The guests were taken on a tour of various facilities established at the Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine over the past 50 years and heard about the ground-breaking research, scientific and infrastructural developments at the Medical School, especially in response to health crises such as TB, HIV and the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Members of the group were classmates of legendary anti-apartheid activist, Bantu Stephen Biko, the father of the Black Consciousness Movement in South Africa.

The tour, part of a series of activities, was a major highlight of the reunion. 

Renowned histopathologist Dr George Pillay organised a 50-year reunion banner which read: ‘Together we learned, Together we served, Together we celebrate’.

Thanking the School’s leadership, including current and former deans as well as professional services staff, Pillay said: “What a splendid day UKZN put on for us! From entry at the gate, to car parking, to up the steps into the lift and to the Investec Lounge, where we were ushered, guided and treated like royalty… even a red carpet! Congrats and thanks to the team.”

The class said their visit to the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) had left an indelible memory. CAPRISA is an official research institute at UKZN, known for its significant successes that have advanced the country and global community’s response to pandemics and epidemics.

They also visited the Anatomy Discipline and its dissection hall, student administration offices, the campus museum, the cafeteria, the library, and looked through postgraduate study resources and digital learning spaces.

Words: Lunga Memela

Photographs: Sethu Dlamini