Dr. Thakgalo Thibela is nothing short of extraordinary.
At just 25 years old, she has already left an indelible mark on South Africa’s medical profession.
Not only is she an accomplished medical doctor, but she also holds the distinction of being the youngest female doctor in South Africa at the age of 21.
Her story is one of exceptional academic brilliance, determination, and a steadfast commitment to serving her community.
Born and raised in Violet Bank, a village in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga province, Thibela’s academic excellence was apparent from an early age.
She attended Farel Primary School, where she excelled so much that she skipped Grade 7.
Her academic prowess continued at Lehlasedi High School, where she was promoted from Grade 6 to Grade 8 and from Grade 8 to Grade 10, bypassing Grade 9 entirely.
Thibela completed her matric at just 15 years old, earning seven distinctions and being recognized as the top student in the Shatale Circuit in 2014.
At 16, she received a bursary from the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to study medicine at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits).
By December 2020, at the age of 21, she had graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBCh), making history as South Africa’s youngest female medical doctor.
After completing her degree, Thibela embarked on a demanding but fulfilling journey as a medical practitioner.
She began her internship at Helen Joseph Hospital and Rahima Moosa Mother & Child Hospital Complex, where she worked from January 2021 to December 2022.
In 2023, Thibela served her community as a Medical Officer at Mapulaneng Hospital during her community service year.
Currently, she continues to work at Mapulaneng Hospital as a Medical Doctor, contributing her skills and knowledge to improve healthcare in the region.
“I am grateful to be given an opportunity to serve my country. I became a doctor because I wanted to help people, and being able to do just that gives me great joy,” she said.
Thibela’s dedication to her profession is evident in her ambitions.
She is determined to become a neurosurgeon, a goal that reflects both her academic drive and her passion for helping others.
Her journey in the medical field is supported by an impressive array of qualifications, including a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBCh), a Diploma in Child Health, and certifications in Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and Paediatric Advanced Life Support.
Thibela’s exceptional achievements have not gone unnoticed.
She is a member of the prestigious Golden Key International Honor Society and was named one of the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans in 2022.
Thibela’s accomplishments serve as an inspiration to many, particularly young women in South Africa who aspire to break barriers and achieve greatness in fields traditionally dominated by men.
Her story is one of triumph over challenges, guided by her intelligence, resilience, and desire to make a difference.
From her early days in Violet Bank to her current role as a medical doctor, she has consistently demonstrated that excellence knows no age or limits.
Her journey is far from over, and with her sights set on neurosurgery, Thibela is poised to continue her remarkable contribution to South Africa’s healthcare system and inspire countless others along the way.
