In a field where women remain underrepresented, Dr Dineo Tsabedze is charting her own course and building new pathways for others. Recently appointed as Academic and Clinical Head of the Department of Nuclear Medicine at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) and Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH), Tsabedze embodies a new era of leadership: one that merges cutting-edge science with inclusive, community-centred healthcare.
A nuclear medicine specialist and accomplished academic, Tsabedze’s ascent reflects more than personal success. Her work signals a shift in South African healthcare leadership, where women are not just participating but defining the future of advanced medicine. From global collaborations to local outreach, she is expanding access to specialised diagnostics and championing a healthcare system where excellence and equity are not mutually exclusive.
Her journey is marked by a series of recent milestones that reinforce her growing influence in medicine. In 2024, she was admitted as a Fellow of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), a prestigious international recognition that affirms her contributions to cardiovascular medicine. “It’s a humbling honour,” says Tsabedze. “It reflects years of dedication to cardiovascular research.”
She also serves as President of the Female Academic Leaders Fellowship Alumnae Association, an organisation committed to developing a strong pipeline of female academic leaders across South Africa. “Academic leadership must reflect the diversity of our society,” she says. “We need more women at the decision-making table in higher education.”
In addition to her leadership roles, Tsabedze was recently awarded a competitive fellowship to collaborate with the University of Oxford. This opportunity allows her to contribute to international research while also enhancing the profile of South African scholarship. “The Oxford collaboration is more than academic. It is about exchanging knowledge, building networks and raising the standard of care at home,” she notes.
Her academic record speaks volumes. With 29 peer-reviewed publications and 280 citations, Tsabedze has made notable contributions to nuclear medicine and cardiovascular research. Her work is frequently presented at international conferences, positioning her as a respected voice in global scientific circles.
Tsabedze’s impact extends well beyond academia. She is currently leading two community-based initiatives aimed at expanding access to nuclear medicine diagnostics and treatment in underserved areas. “Too often, advanced technologies are reserved for the privileged,” she remarks. “These projects aim to reverse that by bringing quality care to the marginalised.”
At SMU and DGMAH, where her leadership bridges academic excellence and clinical service, Tsabedze is positioning nuclear medicine as a driver of innovation and accessibility. Under her guidance, the department is embracing precision medicine and exploring the use of artificial intelligence in diagnostic imaging. “The future of nuclear medicine lies in personalisation and innovation,” she explains. Yet her vision extends beyond technology. Whether mentoring young women, leading international research, or transforming care models, her focus remains constant: opening doors for others. “I have mentors who opened doors for me. Now it’s my turn to do the same for others.”
For Tsabedze, leadership is not defined by position; it’s measured by impact, and in her leadership, both SMU and South African healthcare are finding new possibilities.
By Tumelo Moila
