IN LOVING MEMORY

Prof Elna McIntosh

5 July 1958 – 7 June 2026

Prof Elna McIntosh was a matriarch of sexual health in South Africa and far beyond. She passed away in June 2026, following a courageous fight against pancreatic cancer. This page remains as a tribute to her life and her contribution to the field.

Over more than 35 years as a sexual health advisor, educator, clinician and researcher, she shaped the field in ways that will outlast any single tribute. She mentored generations of practitioners, authored more than 200 academic and popular articles, and lectured at Wits, UNISA, and Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University. She contributed to groundbreaking South African television, including InterSEXions and Sex Etc., and was the Sexpert for Health24.com for over a decade. She was President and a founding member of SASSERT, and sat on the board of PinkDrive, where she led the portfolio on Medical Ethics.

She was also, by every account, a remarkable human being — generous with her time, fierce in her convictions, and genuinely selfless in how she gave herself to this work.

She survived breast cancer twice. She climbed Kilimanjaro twice. She ran seven Comrades Marathons. She paddled countless Dusi Canoe Marathons. And she never truly retired, because, as she put it herself, one never truly retires from the field of sexual health.

Sexual health practitioner Kalli Spencer, one of the many she mentored, shared: "She is worth remembering. What an incredible force, incredible human being and humanitarian. A great mind, very selfless and generous of her time. Hope her legacy is honoured in the manner she deserves." We echo that completely.

Her legacy is carried by every practitioner she taught, and by everyone who found the language for their own sexual health because she refused to stay quiet about it.

The following bio is in her own words.

"After officially retiring in 2018, I quickly realised that one never truly retires from the field of Sexual Health. With over 35 years of experience as a Sexual Health Advisor, Educator, Researcher, and Therapist, my passion for human sexuality continues to fuel my work. I remain deeply committed to staying informed and contributing through education, research, and advocacy in this ever-evolving field.

Throughout my career, I’ve aimed to tell the truth about sexuality, support people in feeling sexually normal and powerful, and promote healthy sexual expression for everyone. My work has spanned clinical practice, academic writing, media engagement, and public education. I've authored more than 200 academic and popular articles, contributed to medical journals and sexual health magazines, and was the Sexpert for Health24.com for over a decade. I’ve also been part of groundbreaking South African television, including InterSEXions and Sex Etc."

"I've lectured extensively at universities and institutions such as Wits, UNISA, and Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University. I hold memberships with global organisations including the American College of Sexologists and the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health. I am currently the President and a founding member of SASSERT, and I sit on the board of PinkDrive, where I lead the portfolio on Medical Ethics.

Outside of my professional life, I live in Sandton with my family and an ever-growing library. I’ve completed seven Comrades Marathons, climbed Kilimanjaro twice, and competed in numerous canoe and triathlon events. I’ve also been honoured for my work in development canoeing and am most proud of having survived breast cancer twice. My journey continues—with curiosity, resilience, and deep care for human sexuality and wellbeing."