The untimely death of Dr Sibongiseni Goodwill Mgobozi is extremely painful. Covid-19 has taken yet another life of a father, friend, entrepreneur and healthcare professional who worked tirelessly to serve people. True to his name, Goodwill Mgobozi was not just an amazing doctor but also a good servant of the people.
Before succumbing to Covid-19 he had shared with his family “I cannot die from Covid-19 when I have saved so many patients and friends”. His passing is not only a painful loss to his family, but also to the communities of Katlehong, Matatiele, and the South African medical fraternity.
Dr Mgobozi was born in Tsolo in 23 April 1975 and later moved to Matatiele. It is during this period, that he met and was mentored by the late Dr Peter Lulama Hene, a much-loved doctor in Matatiele. Ms Ndudane, a nurse who worked with both doctors says “Sibongiseni was a very good doctor who was very kind.
He had an outstanding bedside manner with all his patients”. His love for education and thirst for knowledge saw him acquire numerous qualifications including an MBChB from the Medical School of South Africa (Medunsa), and specialist qualifications in Occupational Health, Aviation medicine, and Anaesthesia.
Sibongiseni was also a great servant of the people as result of his extensive community work. Reverend Mchitheki Nqaba from Pretoria City Mission called him the “Nicodemus of our time” due to his selflessness and not seeking accolades for the work he undertook. Sibongiseni married his beautiful wife Bulela Balfour in 2006. He leaves behind his wife, his son Mihlali, 14 and two daughters Liyabona, 12 and Lelethu, 9 who are devasted by the loss of this great man.
Dr Mgobozi will be laid to rest in Mango Village, Matatiele on Friday, 16 July. Goodness and mercy has followed him all the days of his life, and now he will dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23:6). Hamba kakuhle Dr Sibongiseni Goodwill Mgobozi. We lift you up in prayer as you join our father (Dr Hene), and many others that we have lost due to Covid-19.
