Dr Basil Enicker Appointed President of the College of Neurosurgeons of South Africa
Enicker, who is also the Scientific Chair of the Society of Neurosurgeons of South Africa, described his election for a three-year term (from 2026 to 2029) as an immense honour and privilege.
Dr Basil Enicker, the Head of the Discipline of Neurosurgery in the School of Medicine and at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH), has been appointed President of the College of Neurosurgeons of South Africa.
The College plays a pivotal role in upholding the highest standards of neurosurgical training, examinations, professional development, and patient care across South Africa.
Enicker, who is also the Scientific Chair of the Society of Neurosurgeons of South Africa, described his election for a three-year term (from 2026 to 2029) as an immense honour and privilege.
“I accept this responsibility with humility, recognising that this appointment is not merely a personal achievement, but a responsibility to serve the neurosurgical community, our trainees, and ultimately the patients who depend on access to safe, high-quality neurosurgical care.”
He added, “I look forward to working collaboratively with colleagues across all universities and provinces to strengthen specialist training, promote academic excellence, encourage research and innovation, and ensure that South Africa continues to produce neurosurgeons of an international calibre.”
The official announcement was made by the Chief Executive Officer of the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA), Professor Eric Buch, who said, “We look forward to working with and supporting the incoming President and Council as they undertake their responsibilities during the next triennium.”
Enicker, who has served as a CMSA’s examiner since 2013 and as convener since 2019, said his vision was to build on the strong foundation established by his predecessors while ensuring the College remains responsive to South Africa’s evolving healthcare needs.
Born and raised in Umlazi, south of Durban, Enicker’s journey into Medicine was inspired by a fascination with the human brain and nervous system during his high school years at St Francis College in Mariannhill.
A UKZN alumnus who completed both his undergraduate Medical degree and postgraduate specialist training at the University’s Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, Enicker’s clinical and research interests include pituitary/skull base surgery, paediatrics and neuro-trauma, and critical care.
His doctoral study, conferred in 2025, focused on paediatric hydrocephalus in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), shedding light on the burden of the disease and proposing an integrated model to improve patient outcomes.
One of the core responsibilities of the College will be to ensure that South Africa has robust training programmes, high educational standards, and appropriately accredited training posts. “By expanding training opportunities while maintaining rigorous standards, we are investing in the future of neurosurgery and ensuring that every South African, regardless of where they live, has access to world-class neurosurgical care,” he said.
Congratulating Enicker on his achievement, Dr Normah Zondo, Executive Director of the Corporate Relations Division, said, “On behalf of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, I extend a heartfelt congratulations to Dr Basil Enicker on his appointment as President of the College of Neurosurgeons of South Africa.
“This prestigious appointment is a testament to his outstanding leadership, clinical excellence, and unwavering commitment to advancing neurosurgery in South Africa.
“We are immensely proud that one of our own has been entrusted with shaping the future of the profession at a national level. We wish him every success as he leads the College in upholding the highest standards of neurosurgical training, research, and patient care.”
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