Scientist Honoured as a Living Legend

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CAPRISA’s Associate Scientific Director, Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim, has been honoured as a citizen of the eThekwini Municipality for her significant contributions in HIV prevention research among communities in KwaZulu-Natal and the rest of South Africa.

The announcement was made at a prestigious ceremony at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban.

eThekwini Living Legends Awards are presented to ‘eThekwini citizens who have diligently dedicated their time and skills to uplift communities and contributed immensely to developing the society at large,’ said  eThekwini Municipality’s Communications Head, Ms Tozi Mthethwa.

‘The awards aim to salute the inspirational and continuous contribution these individuals have brought to local communities and South Africa as a whole.’

Mayor, Mr James Nxumalo said the awards presented the Municipality with an opportunity to honour its legends and reflect on their distinct achievements and contribution to the community of eThekwini and the country at large.

‘We are proud of their achievements and progressive contribution which serve as an inspiration to the younger generation to emulate these men and women who have selflessly served our communities. They are products of our local neighbourhoods and communities, emerging from different walks of life,’ said Nxumalo.

Abdool Karim said she was ‘deeply humbled to be one of the recipients. Young women have the highest rate of HIV infection in Africa and as researchers we have a chance to alter the course of this epidemic and save millions of lives. It is a commitment that I hope will provide women with an array of safe and efficacious HIV prevention technologies.’ 

Smita Maharaj