By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) confirmed the passing of Professor Mochichi Samuel Mokgokong on Wednesday, 24 January 2024.
Mokgokong passed away after a gallant battle with cancer.
He was the President of the HPCSA from 2011 until 2015 when his term of office ended.
In a statement HPCSA said,” As a country we are blessed to live in a nation that has been shaped by the will, the leadership and vision of Professor Mokgokong. He was well known for heading the team responsible for separations of craniopagus conjoined twins and has trained and mentored more than 20 neurosurgeons.”
“The sudden loss of our leader, colleague and friend, is devastating. His inspiring leadership enabled all of us to fulfill our role in improving public health, especially for the most affected people.”
“We extend our deepest and most sincere condolences to Professor Mokgokong’s family, read the statement.”
Mokgokong was a member of the team that successfully separated Siamese twins Mpho and Mphonyana Mathibela in the late 1980s. He also led a team that separated Zambian Siamese twins last year.
Tributes
ActionSA said, “South Africa has lost an icon of the medical fraternity who is the first Neurosurgeon of African descent in South Africa. Professor Mokgokong’s accolades count among others, being co-lead of a 50-member team for a successful 18-hour operation to separate conjoined twins Mpho and Mphonyana who were joined at the head.”
“Prof. Mokgokong embodied selflessness, forsaking the trappings of private medical practice to instead serve in the interest of society by imparting his knowledge and skills with academia both locally and abroad to enhance the development of neuroscience for the benefit of all. South Africa and the Mokgokong family have lost a giant and pillar of society.”
ActionSA extended its deepest condolences and sympathies to the Mokgokong family during this difficult time.
Mokgokong was the first Black neurosurgeon in South Africa and hails from a family of medical giants including the renowned Professor Ephraim Thibedi Mokgokong, one of the first Black gynaecologists in South Africa, who was one of his greatest influences and pillars of strength.
In 2022, UKZN honoured Professor Mokgokong 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 programmes.