Mabuza mourns death of renowned scientist Prof. Gita Ramjee
Deputy President, David Mabuza says the loss of world-renowned HIV prevention scientist, Professor Gita Ramjee is a huge blow to the global fight against HIV/AIDS.
Ramjee who is from Durban passed away at a hospital in Umhlanga yesterday from complications emanating from the novel coronavirus.
She had travelled to the UK before falling ill.
Ramjee was the Chief Scientific Officer of HIV Prevention at the Aurum Institute and the Director of the South African Medical Research Council's HIV Prevention Research Unit.
READ: Renowned KZN scientist Prof. Gita Ramjee dies of COVID-19 complications
Speaking in his capacity as Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council, Mabuza says the world has lost a champion in the fight against the HIV epidemic, ironically at the hands of a global pandemic.
He's conveyed his condolences to her family and friends.
Newswatch spoke to Ramjee's friend and colleague, Vaneshree Govender who says they are shocked and saddened by her death.
She's been a huge inspiration to the staff that's she worked with.
She's developed and trained many young South African researchers, who have moved on from the NAC to other organisations and other fields.
She has been a great mentor, a great wife and mother and as a scientist. We are going to miss her.
