She is no ordinary 21-year-old. From a young age she has always dreamt of being a medical doctor, and while her peers are still in the process of completing their degrees, she is working on the frontline at Helen Joseph Hospital in Johannesburg.
Thakgalo Thibela completed her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBCh) at the University of Witwatersrand and started her medical internship this year. According to the Health Practice Council of South Africa, Thakgalo is the youngest active female doctor in South Africa. A humble yet energetic doctor, she says hard work is what got her through university.
“I had to work hard and be dedicated to my studies. I don’t think I’m special. Or different, I just believe anyone who works hard enough is capable of achieving the same or more,” she tells Drum.
