At just 21, Dr. Thakgalo Thibela made headlines by becoming the youngest female doctor in South Africa, a remarkable achievement that showcased her exceptional intellectual abilities. Now, three years later, the 24-year-old remains unemployed, a situation that has left her frustrated and questioning the state of healthcare employment in the country.
A native of Violet Bank, South Africa, Thibela’s academic journey was nothing short of extraordinary. She skipped grades during her primary and secondary school years due to her intellectual brilliance and enrolled at the University of Witwatersrand at the age of 16.
With the support of a stipend from the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), she graduated in December 2020 with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) at the age of 21. Her achievements did not go unnoticed—she was recognized as the Youngest Female Medical Doctor in South Africa, a member of the prestigious Golden Key International Honour Society, and named one of Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans in 2022.
Despite her impressive qualifications, Dr. Thibela now finds herself among more than 800 unemployed doctors in South Africa, a reality that has become mentally taxing for the young trailblazer. Reflecting on her situation, she shared her frustration, stating, “I am willing and ready to serve anywhere in the country, but that opportunity is not being afforded to me. I became a doctor because I wanted to help people, and not being able to do just that has been mentally exhausting.”
Her words highlight the broader issue of unemployment in South Africa, particularly among the youth. The unemployment rate for young people between the ages of 15 and 34 currently stands at a staggering 45.5%, far exceeding the national average of 32.9%, according to data from the first quarter of 2024. Dr. Thibela’s struggle is emblematic of the challenges faced by many young South Africans who possess significant potential but lack the opportunities to apply their skills.
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Thibela completed her community service at Mapulaneng Hospital and her internship at Helen Joseph Hospital, demonstrating her readiness to serve her country’s healthcare system. With aspirations of becoming a neurosurgeon, she remains hopeful but has now expanded her job search internationally, expressing a willingness to work in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Her story serves as both a reminder of her extraordinary accomplishments and a call to action for the South African healthcare system to address the unemployment crisis among skilled professionals like her. While the numbers may be discouraging, it is essential to recognize the immense potential Dr. Thibela represents—not only as a pioneer in her field but also as a young professional eager to contribute meaningfully to society.
For a country in need of skilled healthcare workers, especially following the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the fact that doctors like Thibela are struggling to find employment raises questions about how the system allocates resources and opportunities. Dr. Thibela’s journey from being South Africa’s youngest doctor to facing unemployment is a stark reflection of the need for reform and greater investment in creating jobs for the next generation of professionals.
