Ramathuba urges medical students to serve Limpopo as she calls for justice for Thabi Tsebi
LIMPOPO: Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba has urged medical students to remain in South Africa and contribute to strengthening the provincial health system, highlighting the critical shortage of healthcare professionals in the department.
Ramathuba was speaking at the funeral service of Thabi Tsebi, a 22-year-old fourth-year medical doctor at the University of Limpopo, whose lifeless body was discovered near the university’s gate on 04 October 2026.
The Premier said the provincial government need young medical professionals who understand the challenges facing the healthcare system and are prepared to help address them.
She also emphasised the importance of appointing leaders with medical backgrounds to senior positions in the provincial health department.
“She was elected as secretary of the Limpopo University African Medical Student Association in 2024 and became chairperson in 2025. It means this is a leader that we so passionately needed in the department,” Ramathuba said.
She added that some of the students would eventually take up management positions within the department and stressed the need for leadership that understands the medical profession.
Ramathuba acknowledged the significant staff shortages in the provincial health department, saying that once the department’s financial challenges were addressed, there would be a need to strengthen its workforce.
Addressing mourners, Ramathuba also revealed that communications had been sent to Limpopo Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, requesting that the investigation into Tsebi’s death be prioritised.
Tsebi’s leadership within the medical student association had positioned her as a student representative with the potential to contribute to the future of healthcare leadership in the province.
Her death is a loss not only to her family and fellow students but also to a healthcare system that needs young professionals to help address persistent staffing shortages.
Police are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death. The cause of death and whether any arrests have been made should be confirmed with the police before publication.
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