Gauteng MEC for Health and Social Development Ms Qedani Mahlangu said the best way to honour the late Prof Tshimbiluni Mavhungu (Tshimbi) Mathivha would be to continue supporting community development programmes initiated by her.

Mahlangu was addressing mourners during her funeral service held at her home at Shayandima outside Thohoyandou on Sunday.

Prof Mathivha, the first black female cardiologist in South Africa, died on Tuesday last week. Since 2002 she had been the head of the Department of Cardiology in the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Pretoria.

Her death came as a shock to many and many were plunged into deep mourning. Messages of condolences poured in from numerous higher offices in the country. Messages from the Premier of Kwazulu Natal, Dr Zweli Mkhize, the Minister of Health and Welfare, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and from the president of the Heart Association of South Africa were amongst some of the prominent personalities who were read during the funeral.

All spoke of the void left and the loss the community and country suffered through her death. Prof Bongani Mayosi, a colleague of Mathivha, said he and the late professor were worried about the shortage of black professors, and started a programme to encourage black academics to study further in order to produce more profes-sors through funding. He said it was sad she had to depart from this world before reaping some of the seeds she had sown.

Prof Mathivha’s sister, Khathu, said the untimely death of her sister had left them saddened. “It is very painful to lose a sister at this young age as we were still expecting more from her. How-ever, as a family we have come to realize that there is time for everything and we have learnt to accept things that we cannot change.” she said. She added that she was consoled by the fact that she was one of the last persons to see her sister alive. “My sister was a very peaceful person and interacting with her transferred all her peacefulness into you. We will miss her dearly,” she said.

Vho Thovhele Midiyavhathu Tshivhase said there was a close bond between the Mathivha family and his royal house.

Tshimbuluni Mavhungu Mathivha was born in Sibasa on October 3, 1961, to Matshaya Edward Ramazwimisa Mathivha and Gladys Muofhe Nyamungwa Mathivha. Tshimbi was the fifth child in the family and the second daughter.

She grew up mainly in Turfloop and after matric she enrolled for medicine at the University of Natal. She received her MB CHB degree in 1985. She pursued post-graduate studies and qualified as a physician in 1992. Thereafter, she studied in South Africa and the United Kingdom to become a cardiologist. She was appointed professor and head of the cardiology department at the Steve Biko Academic Hospital and the University of Pretoria in April 2002, a position she held until her death.

Tshimbi served on several statutory bodies such as the Medicines Central Council (vice-chairperson), the South Africa Heart Association (education subcommittee). She was a recipient of numerous awards and scholarships, amongst others the Best Black Student (1985) and British Council Scholarship (1993-1994).

Tshimbi is survived by 2 brothers, 3 sisters, nephews and nieces.