Solwayo Ngwenya

Professor
Solwayo Ngwenya
FRCOG
Born
Lupane District, Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe
EducationUniversity of Zimbabwe
Known forMaternal health research and hospital administration
Scientific career
FieldsObstetrics and gynaecology, maternal health
WorkplacesMpilo Central Hospital, National University of Science and Technology, Zimbabwe

Solwayo Ngwenya is a Zimbabwean obstetrician and gynaecologist, medical academic and hospital administrator. He is a professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at the National University of Science and Technology, Zimbabwe (NUST)[1] and chief executive officer of Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo.[2] He previously served as the hospital's acting chief executive officer and clinical director.[3]

Ngwenya's research focuses on maternal mortality, pre-eclampsia, stillbirth, postpartum haemorrhage and obstetric care in low-resource settings. His work has been published in peer-reviewed medical journals, including BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, International Journal of Women's Health, Pregnancy Hypertension and Tropical Doctor.

Early life and education

Ngwenya was born in Lupane District, Matabeleland North. He attended primary school in Lupane before completing his secondary education in Bulawayo and at Thornhill High School in Gweru.[4] He graduated in medicine from the University of Zimbabwe and later undertook postgraduate specialist training in obstetrics and gynaecology in Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom, becoming a Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.[4] In 2021, he obtained a PhD in medical statistics from NUST.[4]

Career

Ngwenya joined Mpilo Central Hospital as a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist. He later served as head of obstetrics and gynaecology, clinical director and acting chief executive officer.[3] He was appointed substantive chief executive officer of the hospital in July 2026.[2][5]

Alongside his clinical practice, Ngwenya joined the faculty of the National University of Science and Technology, Zimbabwe, where he became professor of obstetrics and gynaecology.[1] He is also the founder of the Royal Women's Clinic in Bulawayo.[6]

During the COVID-19 pandemic in Zimbabwe, Ngwenya became a prominent medical commentator in the country. He advocated vaccination, mask wearing and other public-health measures and helped establish COVID-19 PCR testing capacity at Mpilo Central Hospital in collaboration with NUST.[7] In May 2020, he warned that infections among staff and patients at Mpilo could produce a serious outbreak at the hospital.[8]

Research

Ngwenya's research centres on improving maternal and neonatal outcomes in low-resource settings. His publications have examined severe pre-eclampsia, postpartum haemorrhage, maternal mortality, stillbirth, emergency obstetric care and rare obstetric conditions. He has also developed statistical models for predicting adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in women with severe pre-eclampsia.[9]

Personal life

Ngwenya has publicly advocated the preservation of traditional African cultural practices.[10] He has spoken in support of polygyny, describing it as part of his cultural heritage. His family life has received media attention in Zimbabwe through interviews discussing his polygamous household.[11]

Selected publications

  • Ngwenya, Solwayo; Jones, Brian; Mwembe, Desmond; Nare, Hausitoe; Heazell, Alexander E. P. (2021). "Development and validation of risk prediction models for adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in severe preeclampsia in a low-resource setting, Mpilo Central Hospital, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe". Pregnancy Hypertension. 23: 18–26. doi:10.1016/j.preghy.2020.10.011. PMID 33161225.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Staff Reporter (15 July 2020). "Solwayo Ngwenya made professor of obstetrics and gynaecology". ZimLive. Retrieved 28 July 2026.
  2. 1 2 Harris, Lulu Brenda (21 July 2026). "Prof Solwayo Ngwenya confirmed as Mpilo CEO after years in acting role". CITE Zimbabwe. Retrieved 28 July 2026.
  3. 1 2 Harris, Lulu Brenda (29 November 2022). "Prof Solwayo Ngwenya overlooked for Mpilo Hospital's top job". CITE Zimbabwe. Retrieved 28 July 2026.
  4. 1 2 3 Moyo-Ndlovu, Thandeka (23 November 2021). "Solwayo Ngwenya: From riding donkeys to Professor". The Chronicle. Zimbabwe Newspapers (1980) Ltd. Retrieved 28 July 2026.
  5. ↑ Harris, Lulu Brenda (23 July 2026). "New Mpilo CEO vows to restore hospital to former glory". CITE Zimbabwe. Retrieved 28 July 2026.
  6. ↑ Harris, Lulu Brenda (12 March 2018). "Interview with Dr Solwayo Ngwenya". CITE Zimbabwe. Retrieved 28 July 2026.
  7. ↑ Ncube, Mhlomuli (25 January 2021). "Professor Solwayo Ngwenya: The story of an unheralded Covid-19 warrior". The Chronicle. Zimbabwe Newspapers (1980) Ltd. Retrieved 28 July 2026.
  8. ↑ Mathuthu, Mduduzi (29 May 2020). "Mpilo chief warns of 'catastrophe' as nurse, 3 patients positive for Covid-19". ZimLive. Retrieved 28 July 2026.
  9. ↑ Ngwenya, Solwayo; Jones, Brian; Mwembe, Desmond; Nare, Hausitoe; Heazell, Alexander E. P. (2021). "Development and validation of risk prediction models for adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in severe preeclampsia in a low-resource setting, Mpilo Central Hospital, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe". Pregnancy Hypertension. 23: 18–26. doi:10.1016/j.preghy.2020.10.011. PMID 33161225.
  10. ↑ Harris, Lulu Brenda (16 August 2022). "Let's be proud of our culture: Prof Ngwenya". CITE Zimbabwe. Retrieved 28 July 2026.
  11. ↑ Harris, Lulu Brenda (25 June 2021). "Surviving the stigma of polygamy in a modern world". CITE Zimbabwe. Retrieved 28 July 2026.
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