HMPG’s long-time torch bearers sally forth

Abstract

Two academic stalwarts who have led the transformation of SAMA’s general medical journals (SAMJ and CME) and its 10 specialist medical journals, last month left the helm of their sturdy purpose-crafted business ship, the Health and Medical Publishing Group (HMPG).
Professor Dan Ncayiyana, an obstetrician/gynaecologist, thus becomes the second-longest serving SAMJ Editor (20 years and the first black editor), after its founder Dr W Darley-Hartley (1884 - 1889 and 1903 - 1926). His deputy, Professor JP van Niekerk, a radiologist and the prime facilitator in setting up the HMPG – an independent, arm’s-length business entity run on behalf of SAMA – was Managing Editor for 11 years.