Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande has joined other South Africans and the academic fraternity in mourning the passing of Professor Samuel Mokgokong.
Mokgokong, who passed away last week, is South Africa’s first black neurosurgeon, and described by many as one of the country’s most decorated academics and scholars.
According to Nzimande, 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.
Mokgokong was celebrated for being part of the surgical team that separated conjoined twins, Mpho and Mphonyane Mathibela at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in 1986.
“In his illustrious career some of the positions he held 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.
Owing to his commitment to research excellence and outstanding academic leadership, Professor Mokgokong was honoured with a number of national and international awards,” said Nzimande.
In 2022, the University of KwaZulu Natal-honored him with a Living Legend award for his invaluable contribution to the medical field through clinical skills but also through leadership, scholarly work, and community outreach programs.
Nzimande hailed Mokgokong’s commitment to transform the medical field that saw him assume the role of the activist academic and never missed an opportunity to encourage young black people to enter the medical field.
“The passing of 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,” explained Nzimande.
Professor Mokgokong who hails from a family of medical giants including renowned Professor Ephraim Thibedi Mokgokong who is the first black gynecologist in the country, died last Wednesday at Life Groenkloof Hospital in Pretoria at the age of 72.