Rich legacy of Prof Mayosi
PROFESSOR Bongani Mayosi, a towering giant of medicine and one of the foremost physicians of the 21st century, was the winner of several prestigious awards. He made significant contributions to health care and medical research globally. Yet, what set him apart was his humanity, humility, selflessness and the passion to help the most vulnerable of society, and this is certainly one of his most far-reaching legacies.
Professor Mayosi, had been a key figure in the Colleges of Medicine of SA (CMSA), and played a central role in ensuring that we have fair, high quality, peer-reviewed assessments. In addition, his multiple key roles (UCT, Health Professions Council of SA, National Research Foundation, Academy of Science of SA etc) saw him pioneering several grants and programmes that advanced scholarship and equity. His commitment to excellence for all gave birth to the national professional exam (single exit exam). When he delivered an oration titled “Make your mark on health care” at the CMSA admission ceremony on October 27, 2016, Professor Mayosi said: “I have had the pleasure to serve the College in various capacities between 2002 and 2014, first as an honorary registrar and president of the College of Physicians – and for the privilege to convene the Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2005. We can all be proud of the College as an institution that is world renowned and that plays a central role in maintaining the high standard of specialist medicine in South Africa. I encourage all graduands and diplomates not only to pay your annual membership fees for the rest of your life, but also to take up roles as examiners and committee members in your College. The future of the institution depends on you.” He went to say: “It is not enough to take the consultant post and continue where your predecessor left off. Each one of us was created to make a special contribution to the world. The next hill to climb is how this can be realised in your own life so that you can transform the lives of others.”
CMSA is proud to be part of his legacy and we as a fraternity have been robbed of the best embodiment of black excellence. We grieve with the Mayosi family, friends and colleagues. The Mayosi legacy is profound and enduring; his name will stand and invoke inspiration of medicine, excellence and scholarship. Prof Mayosi was one of the few who had the greatness to bend the history of our generation. Lala ngoxolo qhawe!
PROF MIKE SATHEKGE CMSA president PROF JOHAN FAGAN CMSA vice-president PROF FLAVIA SENKUBUGE CMSA vice-president