Prof BP Phakathi is a Chief Specialist Surgeon, Associate Professor and Academic Head of General Surgery at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Durban, South Africa. She holds an MBChB from UKZN, a Master of Medicine in Surgery from the University of Pretoria, Fellowship of the College of Surgeons of South Africa and a PhD in Surgery from the University of Witwatersrand.

Her research focuses on breast cancer, HIV and HPV, and she has held multiple leadership roles including Academic HOD of General Surgery at UKZN, elected council member of the College of Surgeons of South Africa and membership on the University Senate. She has previously served on South Africa’s National Advisory Council on Innovation and chaired its Transformation Committee.

A committed mentor, Prof Phakathi has guided undergraduate and postgraduate students and participated in initiatives such as STEM MentHER at UKZN, inspiring the next generation of scientists and surgeons.