Kubedi Mokhobo
Cardiologist and physician
By South African Index Editorial Desk · Published
Kubedi Mokhobo is a South African physician and cardiologist. Wits University describes him as southern Africa’s first Black cardiologist and records a career spanning hospital medicine, regional medical institutions and public health. He received the Order of the Baobab in Silver in 2026. [1][2][3]
Biography
Mokhobo studied medicine at the University of the Witwatersrand and graduated in 1957. Wits records that he became the first Black registrar at Baragwanath Hospital in 1962 and, in 1966, the first Black doctor to pass the College of Physicians of South Africa fellowship examinations. [1][2]
After further specialist training, Mokhobo became a cardiologist and developed clinical work in South Africa and neighbouring states. Wits describes him as southern Africa’s first Black cardiologist and records his role in helping establish medical institutions, professional bodies and journals in Lesotho and Eswatini. [1]
His career also included public-health administration. Wits records that he served as Minister of Health in the former Bophuthatswana, where he promoted community-based healthcare and decentralised services. In July 2026 Wits awarded him an honorary doctorate in medicine. [1]
The Presidency awarded Mokhobo the Order of the Baobab in Silver in 2026 for his contributions to medicine, academia and community upliftment. [3][2]
Key contributions
Broke professional barriers in South African medicine and developed specialist cardiology practice during a period of institutional segregation. [1][2]
Helped build medical institutions and public-health systems in southern Africa beyond his own clinical practice. [1]
Career timeline
Graduated in medicine from Wits University. [1]
Became the first Black registrar at Baragwanath Hospital, according to Wits. [1][2]
Wits records his recognition as southern Africa’s first Black cardiologist. [1]
Received the Order of the Baobab in Silver and an honorary Doctor of Medicine from Wits. [3][1]
Sources
- University of the Witwatersrand, A heart that refused to give up, 2026-07-16. Original source. Accessed 2026-09-24. ↩
- University of the Witwatersrand, Wits alumni shine at 2026 National Orders ceremony, 2026-05-21. Original source. Accessed 2026-09-24. ↩
- The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa, The Presidency announces recipients of National Orders, 2026-05-14. Original source. Accessed 2026-09-24. ↩