North-West University (NWU) academic Prof. Leepile Sehularo has won the Special Impact Award at the 2026 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Keturah Mental Health Awards. He shares the award with Molefi Daniel Monokoane, chief executive officer of Bophelong Psychiatric Hospital.
The award ceremony took place on 24 October 2026 at 305 Guesthouse in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The award honours people who have made a lasting impact on mental health care, awareness and support across the SADC region.
This marks Prof. Sehularo’s second win in two years. He received the Special Impact Mental Health Award at the first South African Keturah Mental Health Awards in Johannesburg on 25 October 2025.
Reacting to his latest achievement, Prof. Sehularo expressed his gratitude. “I am incredibly honoured and grateful to have been selected as the recipient of the Special Impact Mental Health Award. The award reminds me of the importance of our work and motivates me to keep striving for excellence. Thank you,” he said.
Prof. Sehularo is the director of the Lifestyle Diseases research entity at the Mahikeng Campus of the NWU. His work focuses on mental health, research and improving access to healthcare services.
He works with Bophelong Psychiatric Hospital, Kgatelopele Wellness Centre and the North West College of Nursing. These partnerships support mental health education, public awareness and early care for people who need help.
The award ceremony, organised by Arise and Shine Heirs, gives recognition to healthcare workers, researchers, volunteers and community leaders who improve mental health services.
They also honour people who help families, reduce stigma and give support to those living with mental health conditions.
Prof. Sehularo has also served on the North West Mental Health Review Board. His work includes protecting patients' rights and helping to improve mental health services. In August 2026, he received another honour at the Ubuntu Nursing Colloquium. He was named second runner-up for his presentation on gaps in the mental health system of South Africa.
The latest award adds to his record of research and service. It also highlights the role of universities and hospitals in making mental healthcare more accessible.
