Dr Ndhlovu’s appointment comes at a time when Africa’s exceptional biodiversity, high levels of floral endemism, and rich cultural and plant-use traditions continue to draw international scientific interest. African Traditional Medicine (ATM) draws on extensive ethnomedicinal knowledge, including the use of medicinal plants and other indigenous resources developed over millennia. It remains an important source of healthcare and can complement modern medicine, particularly in resource-constrained communities.
The GA advances the scientific development of medicinal plant and natural product research worldwide. Through its African Research Network (ARN), the society strengthens research capacity across the continent and creates platforms for collaboration and knowledge exchange.
The network facilitates ongoing scientific dialogue among members and convenes symposia during the annual conference, alongside e-symposia, workshops and other scholarly engagements. Dr Ndhlovu’s research focuses on ethnobotany, ethnopharmacology, Indigenous Knowledge, medicinal plant use and natural product research. His work prioritises the documentation, validation and sustainable use of indigenous medicinal plants, as well as the development of plant-based responses to environmental and health challenges.
As a regional representative, Dr Ndhlovu joins colleagues from Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and Australia/New Zealand who advise the society’s governing board on scientific developments and serve as ambassadors for its mission. In this role, he will organise seminars, facilitate discussions on medicinal plant and natural product research, contribute to key initiatives and industry engagement, support emerging researchers, and keep the governing board informed about regional activities.
His work aligns with national priorities in biodiversity conservation, sustainable development and the integration of Indigenous Knowledge into scientific research. It also advances the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 15 (Life on Land), as well as the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which promotes improved health systems, the development of traditional medicine, and the sustainable use of Africa’s biodiversity.
Dr Ndhlovu has also joined the Steering Group of the African Research Network, strengthening collaboration among researchers and partners working on African medicinal plants and natural products. He will serve in these roles from 2026 – 2027, contributing to research priorities, regional outreach and strategic discussions.
Recently, Dr Ndhlovu and his team received the Poster Award at the 73rd International Conference of the society, held in Naples, Italy in from 1-3 September 2025, for their presentation titled “Ethnobotanical insights into medicinal plants for managing childhood diseases and promoting wellbeing in South Africa”, which explores how indigenous plants can support child health while promoting biodiversity conservation and safeguarding traditional knowledge.
“Our work contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by promoting plant-based healthcare for children, and Goal 15 (Life on Land) by supporting biodiversity conservation and the sustainable use of indigenous plants,” he said.
Dr Ndhlovu emphasised the importance of grounding scientific innovation in a cultural context. “Our biodiversity and cultural heritage are treasures waiting to be explored. By combining traditional wisdom with innovative science, we can create solutions that are locally meaningful and globally relevant,” he said.
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