Diverticulosis coli is an acquired disease of the colon where small outpouchings of the colonic mucosa occur due to mucosal herniation of the colonic wall at sites of vascular perforation. The disease is very common in developed countries, and its prevalence is higher in patients over the age of 65. Risk factors for its development include inadequate dietary intake of fibre, abnormal colonic motility and elevated colonic pressures. Studies dating back to the early 1990’s in Africans showed that diverticular disease was an ‘unknown’. However studies done from the early 2000’s till date, have shown an increase in prevalence of diverticular disease among native Africans. The main factor which accounts for the increase in prevalence, across the African continent is urbanization and the resultant change in African diet. We review the data from Africa.

Nomcebo Myeni qualified as a Gastroenterologist at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 2018. She has worked in both private and State hospitals. She served as a Head of Department of Gastroenterologist in 2023, in a teaching hospital, which is also affiliated with the local University. She has published research papers, presented in local conferences and involved in teaching Undergraduates.