Mamphela Ramphele, MBChB, PhD
2025–2026 IGHS Visiting Professor, South African anti-apartheid activist, political leader, physician, and academic
Mamphela Ramphele is a South African physician, academic, and social activist with decades of leadership in health, education, and development. She has served as vice chancellor at the University of Cape Town and as a co-founder of the Black Consciousness Movement, and is the 2007 recipient of the UCSF Medal. Ramphele’s work spans primary healthcare, community development, and governance reform. She earned her MBChB and PhD in social anthropology and has authored multiple books on health, education, and social justice. Ramphele is recognized internationally for advancing equity and human rights in health systems and society.