Celebrating 30 Years of Democracy Towards Women’s Development
As the country celebrates Women's Month, the Department of Science and Innovation
is proud to introduce phenomenal women scientists and researchers who are finalists in its annual South African Women in Science Awards.
Meet Prof. Zodwa Dlamini, a finalist in the Natural & Engineering Sciences – Distinguished Woman Researchers category.
Prof. Zodwa Dlamini is a leading figure in molecular oncology who is dedicated to advancing precision oncology. As the founding director of the University of Pretoria Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), Prof. Dlamini spearheads research to combat cancer across Africa. In her roles as Director of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Precision Oncology Research Unit and the DSI/NRF South African Research Chair in Precision Oncology and Cancer Prevention, Prof. Dlamini tailors cancer treatments to individual genetic profiles, thus driving significant progress in precision medicine.
Prof. Dlamini's influence extends beyond institutional boundaries through her organisation of major conferences and committees. She has served as the programme committee chair for the PACRI Launch in 2022, the Inaugural PACRI International Cancer Meeting in 2023, and as the programme committee co-chair for the 2nd PACRI International Meeting in 2024. The meetings focused on innovative approaches to cancer control, prevention, and addressing inequities in cancer care across Africa.
Prof. Dlamini also plays key advisory roles and contributes to editorial work. As a distinguished member of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Regional Advisory Committee on Sub-Saharan Africa, she influences cancer research initiatives. Her leadership in the AACR Pathology Resources in Africa Advisory Group addresses critical gaps in cancer pathology services, ensuring broader access to accurate diagnoses and effective treatments.
Prof. Dlamini's editorial contributions are pivotal in disseminating research in oncology. Prof. Dlamini serves on the Editorial Advisory Committee for the South African Health Review, which shapes cancer services and policies in South Africa. Additionally, she is an associate editor for esteemed journals such as Frontiers in Oncology and Frontiers in Genetics, and an editor for influential cancer books published by Springer Nature, Elsevier, and Taylor & Francis.
Prof. Dlamini's remarkable contributions have earned her prestigious honours as an overseas Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine and a Professional member of the New York Academy of Sciences.
Beyond her research and editorial work, Prof. Dlamini is committed to translating her findings into tangible improvements in patient care. She collaborates with international institutions to expand access to advanced cancer treatments in underserved populations. Through her initiatives, she trains the next generation of scientists and clinicians across South Africa and the broader region, fostering new expertise in cancer research and treatment.
