UKZN neurosurgery head appointed president of national college
Describing his appointment as an honour, Enicker said the role was about serving the neurosurgical community, trainees and patients.
Dr Basil Enicker, head of the Discipline of Neurosurgery at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, has been appointed president of the College of Neurosurgeons of South Africa.
Enicker will serve a three-year term from 2026 to 2029, leading the body responsible for maintaining standards in neurosurgical training, examinations, professional development and patient care in South Africa.
Describing his appointment as an honour, Enicker said the role was about serving the neurosurgical community, trainees and patients.
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“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 said.
He said he hoped to work with colleagues across the country to strengthen specialist training, promote academic excellence, encourage research and innovation, and ensure South Africa continued to produce neurosurgeons of international calibre.
The appointment was announced by Colleges of Medicine of South Africa chief executive Professor Eric Buch, who said the organisation looked forward to working with Enicker and the new council during the next three years.
Enicker, who has served as a Colleges of Medicine examiner since 2013 and convener since 2019, said he aimed to build on the work of previous leaders while ensuring the college remained responsive to South Africa’s changing healthcare needs.
Born and raised in Umlazi, south of Durban, Enicker attended St Francis College in Mariannhill before completing both his medical degree and specialist neurosurgery training at UKZN’s Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine.
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His clinical and research interests include pituitary and skull base surgery, paediatric neurosurgery, neurotrauma and critical care. He completed his doctorate in 2025, focusing on paediatric hydrocephalus in KwaZulu-Natal and proposing an integrated model to improve patient outcomes.
Enicker said one of the college’s priorities would be strengthening specialist training while maintaining high educational standards.
“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.
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UKZN executive director of corporate relations Dr Normah Zondo congratulated Enicker, describing the appointment as recognition of his leadership, clinical excellence and commitment to advancing neurosurgery in South Africa.
