Saabira Pandy is a medical doctor and Mandela Rhodes Scholar, holding an MBChB with distinction from the University of Cape Town. Her clinical experiences in urban and rural healthcare settings exposed her to the systemic challenges burdening marginalized communities, including preventable diseases and inadequate service delivery.

These experiences highlighted the interconnectedness of health with broader social determinants such as education, housing, transport, food security, and income, inspiring her transition to public health. As a Master of Public Health candidate at UCT, she aims to drive evidence-based, transformative change through inclusive policy, cross-sector collaboration, and innovative leadership.

Saabira’s leadership is grounded in justice, integrity, and service. She fosters spaces that empower others, emphasizing collaboration and shared growth. Her vision extends beyond personal advancement, focusing on building a healthier, more equitable Africa where every individual has the opportunity to thrive, and health systems are strengthened to serve communities effectively.