Bongani Mayosi: renowned cardiologist and visionary medical researcher

More than 2000 people attended the funeral service for Bongani Mayosi. They mourned the loss of a man described as a loving husband, adoring father, and dedicated son. He was, of course, also a renowned cardiologist loved by his patients, a visionary medical researcher linked with colleagues around the world, and a nurturing teacher and mentor.

“He was a brilliant academic,” eulogised South Africa’s minister of health, Aaron Motsoaledi, at the service in Cape Town on 4 August. “He believed in the potential of black students, and he mentored them with passion and love.”1

Hugh Watkins, an Oxford University cardiologist who supervised Mayosi’s doctoral degree, spoke at the funeral of his former student who had become a friend and colleague. Watkins described him as a “whirlwind of benevolent energy” with the “intellect, rigour, the drive but also the people skills to accomplish everything he set out to do.”

Tributes from Mayosi’s family—written as letters addressed to him—were read aloud at the funeral, including letters of farewell from his three daughters: Nosipho, S’vuyile, and Camagu. They wrote of the joy of having a father who made them feel loved and treasured and inspired them to do their best, a father who was funny and humble.

In her letter, his wife, Nonhlanhla Khumalo, described meeting the 16 year old boy who would become her husband, while they rode on a bus during orientation week at university. “I found Bongani’s charm, humour, and intelligence irresistible,” she wrote.

His mother, Nontle Mayosi, wrote to her departed son: “I thank God that He chose me to bring you into this world . . . such a genius for the world to share.”

Eight days before the funeral Mayosi, who was dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Cape Town (UCT), …