The MEC for Health and Social Development Qedani Mahlangu has paid tribute to Professor Tshimbulini Mavhungu Mathivha.
Prof. Mathivha served Steve Biko Academic hospital as head of cardiology for more than six years. She assumed these responsibilities to replace Dr. Wouter Basson. For four years Prof. Mathivha was the only fulltime cardiologist on call 24 hours daily.
Prof. Mathivha dedicated her life to helping protect and save the lives of others. Her dedication to her profession was clearly demonstrated in the days when the hospital could not afford new equipment and Prof. Mathivha had to rely on 12 year old equipment to save the lives of her patients.
When the hospital moved to new premises and the opportunity to buy equipment arose, Prof. Mathivha availed her services to management assisting in ensuring that appropriate equipment was procured.
Prof. Mathivha leaves an inspiring legacy of service and commitment in the public health sector that others should emulate. She was an active member of the hospital's medical advisory committee, a board member of the faculty of health science at the University of Pretoria and deputy chairperson of the Medicine Control Council.
Prof. Mathivha was such a likeable professional. She had a strong personality and a great character and she was loved by absolutely everyone who met her. She will be greatly missed.
Prof. Mathivha was buried in her home village of Shayandima in Limpopo on Sunday 6 December.
Issued by: Department of Health and Social Development, Gauteng Provincial Government
10 December 2009
Source: Department of Health and Social Development, Gauteng Provincial Government (http://www.health.gpg.gov.za/Index.htm)
