The Chair of Orthopaedics was established in 1979 with the late Professor Johan du Toit being the first incumbent. Prof du Toit laid an excellent foundation during his tenure as Head of Medunsa Orthopaedic Department from 1980–1982, which will live on for many years to come as a legacy to his foresight.
Since inception, the department has been very active and progressive. It is the youngest in the teaching of post-graduate students, but it boasts having produced three ABC Travelling Fellows in the names of Prof Thuys Malan, Prof Mac Lukhele and Prof MT Mariba. Therefore, last night, the founders of the Medunsa Orthopaedic Department and their good work were saluted by graduates and the Deputy Minister of Health Dr Gwen Ramokgopa, who’s also an alumna of the institution.
“The excellent work done by the late Professor Johan du Toit in the early days of the Department and that of the other three professors who continued with his commendable work will always be remembered and celebrated. It’s through their ground-breaking efforts that, in this country, today we have specialists in this discipline,” said the Deputy Minister of Health during her address.
The following are names of the honoured previous leaders of the Orthopaedic Department:
Professor JG du Toit: Was the founder Chair of Orthopaedics Department. He was the first incumbent, and headed the department from 1980-1982. He laid an excellent foundation which will live for many years to come. Upon his retirement he donated his entire library to the department and to the Medunsa library. The donation included all his “custom” made surgical instrumentation which went to Ga-Rankuwa Orthopaedic theatre.
Professor MM (Thuys) Malan: Took over where Prof du Toit left, and steered the Department very effectively. He did a lot of work on club feet, emphasising the importance of the Calcaneo cuboid joint. This work earned him world recognition and an ABC Traveling Fellowship to the U.S.A and Canada in 1988.
Professor Ulrich Mennen: Suitably filled the vacancy as Head of Department. He successfully carried his task while, at the same time running his excellent department of Hand and Microsurgery which he established in 1985. The high standard and growth of the Department continued to manifest during this period.
Professor Robert R Golele: Was appointed Head of Orthopaedic Department in November 1991. Under his leadership, the department has been very active and progressive. At the end of March 2011 he qualified more than 34 Orthopaedic Surgeons.
The above achievements clearly demonstrate the dedication and commitment to excellence by the previous Chairs of the Orthopaedic Department and it is thus appropriate that their leadership should be honoured.
Moreover, the Department of Health has recognised the importance of early detection and management of Arthritis. This is an area ultimately requiring expert intervention – arthroplasty – from these experts, and to this end developed a guideline in this regard in 2004. Arthritis is one of the most common chronic disorders affecting society and a significant cause of pain, morbidity and long-term disability. It has a major economic impact on society with an increased dependence on government for social security support and health care. Hence a partnership of the Department of Health and the Orthopaedic Department at Medunsa is vital in a bid to bring about more developments in the Orthopaedic discipline.
Media contact:
Khutso Rabothata
Manager: Communication and Media Liaison
Office of the Deputy Minister of Health
Tel: 012 395 8481
Cell: 082 487 1828
E-mail: rabots@health.gov.za or ksrabothata@gmail.com
