It is with a profound sense of loss that we announce the passing of Professor BG Lindeque on 21 May 2024. The College of O&G and the whole community of Obstetricians and gynaecologists are in mourning for the legend, a visionary, a strategist, the elder of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, the teacher, the mentor, the advisor and the cheerleader. Prof Lindeque impacted the lives of many in the discipline and outside the discipline of O&G.
His dedication to Obstetrics and gynaecology spans a period of over 40 years. He qualified with an FCOG in 1983 from the College of Medicine of SA and received his MMed (OetG) cum laude, in 1984 from Stellenbosch University. He received his MD in 1989 from the University of Stellenbosch. The title of doctoral thesis was : The malignant potential of ordinary condyloma and other related premalignant lesions of the uterine cervix. He then received the FRCOG (ad eundum) in 2006 and the FAM (Fellow of Academy of Medicine) from Singapore 2015. He became a senior specialist, senior lecturer and head of Gynae Oncology at Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital, before becoming a chief specialist and head of department at the University of Pretoria in 1990. He headed the department of O&G at University of Pretoria until his retirement in 2018. He became Chair of Medical School in 2002 and Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pretoria in 2011.
He built a strong department and was instrumental in the transformation within the department. He was unapologetic about ensuring that there was a clear career path for everyone in his department. He used to have what we called “yearly pap smears”, where he called all registrars and consultants for a one-on-one meeting to enquire about their welfare, their plans and how the department can offer support to achieve those plans. He created a harmonious, collegial environment and an atmosphere where everyone could thrive.
His involvement with the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa spanned 41 years. He became a Fellow of the College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in 1983; a Member of Council of the College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology from 1993 until 2008; a Member of Senate of the CMSA from 1995 to 2008; a Member of the Executive of the CMSA from 1998 to 2012; Honorary Registrar of CMSA from 1998 to 2001; a Member of Examinations and Credentials Committee from 1995 to 2005; Convenor of Part II examination from 1990 to 2016; Convenor of Part I examination from 1996; COG Part II Examination Committee Co-ordinator 1996 to 2002; President of College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists 2008 to 2012; President of CMSA 2012 to 2015 and Immediate Past President of CMSA in 2016.
Prof Lindeque was involved in many societies and professional bodies both nationally and internationally. Nationally, he belonged to South African Medical Association (SAMA) from 1976; South African Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (SASOG) from 1983; South African Society of Gynaecological Oncology (SASGO) from 1986; South African Society of Medical Oncology (Associate membership) from 1989; National Osteoporosis Foundation: from 1993. He became the president of SASOG and SASGO. He was also the Chairperson for the HPV Advisory Board of South Africa. Internationally he belonged to the International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (FIGO) from 2000 and was a member of the FIGO executive Board; International Gynaecologic Cancer Society from 1989; the British Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology from 1985 and the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons from 1996.
He was a member of Medical and Dental Professions Board (MDPB) of the HPCSA, where he chaired or was a member of various committees such as: the Education and Registration Committee; the Professional Conduct Review Committee of Council; Postgraduate Education and Training Committee among others.
He was on the editorial boards of 4 journals and had over 85 publications with over 50 book chapters.
Prof Lindeque inspired many and was a positive influence to healthcare professionals. He mentored, developed and groomed the next generation of leaders in all spheres of health. He also had very strong community involvement and made a huge impact in the South African Health landscape. He gave technical support and had an advisory role in the National Department of Health.
To the Lindeque family, may you be comforted during this time of your loss. May you be comforted by the knowledge that his legacy lives on in all those whose lives he has touched. He was revered and loved by many. His love and dedication transcended disciplines, institutions, colour lines, gender, socio-economic standing and he strongly believed in diversity and inclusivity.
May the soul of this outstanding Academic and Teacher Rest in Eternal Peace
Prof Zozo Nene
President: College of Obstetricians & Gynaecology
23 May 2024
