The Discipline of Biokinetics, Exercise and Leisure Sciences (BELS) welcomes Dr Levin Chetty, a health science professional, researcher, and educator whose remarkable journey embodies resilience, determination, and a passion for community-centred scholarship.
Born and raised in Phoenix, KwaZulu-Natal, Chetty’s academic path is an inspiring story of perseverance. From his early days as a general assistant at the University, he steadily progressed through each stage of his academic journey – culminating in a PhD in Sport Science from UKZN.
His doctoral research addressed a pressing global health challenge: physical activity and exercise prescription for older adults living with HIV (OPLWH) in South Africa. This pioneering work led to the creation of a context-sensitive exercise framework designed to meet the physical, social, and medical needs of ageing HIV-positive individuals, particularly in resource-limited environments.
Chetty’s contributions have earned him recognition through the Bongani Mayosi National Health Scholars Programme, a prestigious award from the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) that supports the development of clinical research leaders in South Africa. His influence extends internationally as South Africa’s representative in the Canada-International HIV & Rehabilitation Research Collaborative (CIHRRC). He is also an active contributor to the Healthy Active Kids South Africa (HAKSA) initiative, which monitors physical activity and health outcomes in children and adolescents.
Beyond research, Chetty has published widely on healthy ageing, rehabilitation for people living with HIV, and social justice in healthcare. His landmark Delphi consensus study offers a structured, multidisciplinary framework for exercise prescription in OPLWH, advocating for holistic, supervised approaches to care.
At UKZN, Chetty is admired as a humble and passionate educator. He teaches courses in functional anatomy, sports injury rehabilitation, biomechanics, and gerontology – balancing academic rigour with practical application. He is committed to wellness initiatives that benefit staff, students, and surrounding communities – reflecting his vision for accessible and impactful health science education.
Welcoming him to the BELS team, Professor Rowena Naidoo, Academic Leader, expressed pride in his achievements: “Dr Chetty’s journey, from support staff to accomplished academic, is a powerful testament to perseverance and a life guided by the values of hard work, humility, and integrity. His expertise and dedication will not only inspire our students but also strengthen our research and outreach efforts. We are honoured to have him on our team.”
With Chetty joining its ranks, BELS looks forward to an exciting chapter of innovative teaching, community engagement, and transformative research.