Staff Reporter
The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s head of dermatology, Professor Ncoza Dlova, has been named one of the inaugural recipients of the Beiersdorf Icons of Care Award.
The prize recognising leaders in dermatology for achievements, innovation and dedication that have advanced skincare.
UKZN said on Monday that Dlova was selected after a review of more than 100 dermatologists from around the world and was recognised for her sustained contribution to dermatology across scientific research, mentoring and patient care.
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She will be formally honoured at the Beiersdorf Icon Exchange event at the Denver Art Museum on Thursday, 26 March.
A full professor and the immediate past dean of UKZN’s School of Clinical Medicine, Dlova was the first African dean in the school’s 73 year history. Her academic and research interests include ethnic skin and hair, global health and medical education.
Dlova has authored more than 135 scientific publications and holds a B rating from South Africa’s National Research Foundation. She serves on several international dermatology boards and societies.
Her honours include membership of the American Dermatology Association, the Maria Duran Award from the International Society of Dermatology, and a board position at the International League of Dermatology Societies, where she represents Africa as the first fully elected African representative in the organisation’s 89 year history.
More recently, she has received the Gold Award from the South African Medical Research Council in 2024, the Fellowship in Arts and Sciences Award from the South African Medical Association in 2024, and the UKZN Living Legends Award in 2023, among other honours.
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“I’m truly grateful and humbled by this recognition. I hope that through this accolade, I can inspire and encourage the next generation to dream bigger, work harder, and believe in the impact they can make,” said Dlova.
UKZN Deputy Vice Chancellor and head of the College of Health Sciences Professor Busisiwe Ncama said, “Congratulations on this wonderful recognition. Looking at the criteria, you truly deserve it. Advancing scientific knowledge and building the next generation of dermatologists has been your signature. May you keep growing from strength to strength.”
