ODE: Scores pay tribute to South Africa’s first black neurosurgeon who had a long and distinguished career in the medical field…

By WSA Reporter and SA News

Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister Dr Blade Nzimande has hailed the late Professor Mochichi Samuel Mokgokong, as one of our country’s most decorated academics and scholars.

Nzimande joined the nation and the academic fraternity in mourning the passing of Mokgokong, who passed away last week following a battle with cancer. Prof Mokgokong was buried at Pretoria East Cemetery yesterday.

Mokgokong was well known for heading the team responsible for separations of craniopagus conjoined twins Mpho and Mphonyana Mathibela. Among many of his achievements, he has trained and mentored more than 20 neurosurgeons.

Nzimande highlighted that Mokgokong has a long and distinguished academic career in the medical field, which has seen him form part of some of the most pioneering surgical teams.

Some of the positions Mokgokong held in his illustrious career include Professor Emeritus of the University of Pretoria, Head of Tembisa Hospital’s Adult Intensive Care and High Care Units; Professor, Chief Specialist, and Head of the Neurosurgery Department at the University of Pretoria’s Steve Biko Academic Hospital.

Paying tribute to the life of South Africa’s first black neurosurgeon, Nzimande said, owing to his commitment to research excellence and outstanding academic leadership, Mokgokong was honoured with a number of national and international awards.

“As part of his commitment to transformation in the medical field, he also proudly assumed the role of an activist academic and never missed an opportunity to encourage young black people to enter the medical field.

“The passing of Professor Mokgokong constitutes an incalculable loss to our post school education and training sector, and I believe we have an obligation to uphold his legacy of research excellence and visionary leadership,” Nzimande said.

Born on August 31 1952, Mokgokong grew up in a family that valued education and community service. Driven by a steadfast commitment to academic excellence, he set out on a path that would establish him as a revered figure in the medical realm.

Upon completing medical school, he devoted his professional journey to delivering empathetic and curative treatment to his patients, focusing notably on paediatric care. His proficiency and fervour for children’s healthcare earned him widespread admiration among his peers in the medical community.

While Mokgokong left substantial contributions across the medical field, it is his steadfast dedication to advancing paediatric healthcare that defines his professional legacy. A noteworthy instance of his influence is evident in the Tembisa Hospital Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where he played a pivotal role in elevating critical care services. His leadership and mentorship within the institution left an enduring impact on the succeeding generation of medical practitioners.

Mokgokong’s unwavering commitment to children’s health positioned him as an integral figure within the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital (NMCH) community. Serving as a board member, he played a crucial role in fostering the institution’s growth and success. His profound grasp of the medical field, combined with his genuine dedication to enhancing the well-being of children, rendered him an invaluable asset. The news of his untimely passing has cast a pall of sorrow over the hospital and the entire community, prompting reflection on the immeasurable loss they now face.The departure of Mokgokong has created a void in the medical community, particularly within the realm of child healthcare.

His tireless dedication, expert knowledge, and steadfast commitment to improving the lives of children have left an indelible mark.. – Additional information from Bessel von der Kolk.

CROONER THAPELO MOFOKENG DID IT HIS WAY

YONDER: A singer of all seasons, loved by many, takes a final bow…

By Gugu Sibiya

Talented veteran singer and actor Thapelo Mofokeng (74) will sadly never again immerse his fans in those truly special showbiz moments and experiences that he so enjoyed dishing out to worldwide swooning audiences eating out of his hands.

The Soweto impresario, who passed away a fortnight ago, will be remembered for his ability to connect with his audience, his desire to take them through a plethora of feelings, leaving them with a renewed zest for life – his gift to everyone who’s ever gone to his signature performances.

Always dressed the part, oozing old- school charm, though he was every artist, he still remained a down-to-earth township gent, the singer you’d come to love and respect.

 That’s why it’s so difficult for many who came to know to graciously come to terms with his passing, after a short illness.

A mesmerising entertainer, Mofokeng was versatile. He could effortlessly switch gears from jazz, swing, blues, smooth crooner, to a gravelly-voiced maestro like his favourite icon Louis Armstrong.

According to his niece Matlakala, he’d been under the weather since November last year.

“Although he was trying hard to be strong, you could tell that all wasn’t well. So, when he expressed concern about difficulty in breathing, we were hoping he’d finally get help for whatever was wrong with him. He was admitted to Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital where he sadly didn’t make it,” she said.

“I’ve just been so overwhelmed by the genuine outpouring of love from the artists, community, especially the neighbours.  They told us how much he’d done for them without expecting anything in return, chipping in wherever possible. He could never stand to see people suffering.

“One granny said she felt safe with Thapelo around, to an extent of entrusting him with her house during visits to KwaZulu-Natal, sure nobody would try any   mischief. We’ve heard so many lovely things about him, it just blows our mind away,” says his appreciative niece.

Bubbly singer, actress and author Mara Louw, and one-time lover, reminisced:  “I met Thapelo when I was only 20-years old. We went on to live together for 12-years. We were in the musical Meropa for years, performing overseas together.

“After the shows, when I went to cabaret, we’d travel together. In those trips to Swaziland, he’d be helping me to rehearse in the car. It’d be so magical I’d convince him to do duets with me, but he’d get cold feet because he was shy to sing in front of an audience. Eventually I succeeded in luring him into singing” she says triumphantly.

“Although we were never romantically entangled after my marriage, our love never died. We visited each other a lot, fought and made up. He still wanted to marry me but I thought we made better friends. He’d start hollering my name Tebogo before entering the house and that always tickled my funny bone.”

On a sombre note, she adds “The last time he came to visit, my heart was broken. He looked like a shadow of himself. I could tell something was terribly wrong with him. When  I learned of his passing, I was devastated. Now I’m saying that, if God in his wisdom thought that taking him was the best way of healing his pain, His will has been done.

“I’ll miss his larger-than-life personality, his generosity of love for me, how special he was and am still in awe of his talent. What an all-round entertainer! I’m glad that we loved each other until the end. I pray that his soul rests in eternal peace,” prayed the ebony beauty.

Mofokeng was born with a golden voice, taking after his mom who was a singer. “My mom told me how as a child he’d always join his mom for rehearsals” Matlakala remembers. After a stint with a couple of ensembles, Thapelo finally hit the big time when he joined the musical, Meropa.

“That opened the gateway to overseas performances and travel the world. He ended up choreographing the second and third generations of the musical, adding another feather to his cap. He later joined the world hit musical, Ipi ’tombi. When he left, he got into cabaret and corporate gigs.

Crowds discovered a raw gem with potential, polishing it until it sparkled, dazzling aficionados on global stages.

There’s no doubt that Mofokeng had truckloads of talent he was willing to share. His Orlando community will never forget his passion for unearthing talent and imparting knowledge to young people aspiring to be in the arts.

A consummate professional, all-round entertainer and people’s person. He will be royally missed. Mofokeng was laid to rest last Saturday.