In a keynote address to the final-year students from the Faculty of Health Sciences, MEC Ramathuba recognised the vital role these professionals are poised to play and commended their commitment by taking a solemn oath to dedicate themselves to the health profession.
Extending heartfelt congratulations, MEC Ramathuba emphasised the importance of the newly inducted healthcare professionals respecting their roles and the communities they serve. She lauded the School of Medicine for its resilience in overcoming challenges and maintaining accreditation, highlighting a fruitful partnership aimed at fostering community development in Limpopo.
“We believe this University is the future, especially when you look at the type of doctors and healthcare professionals we are producing; they understand the material conditions of our people,” stated MEC Ramathuba, underscoring the institution’s crucial role in addressing societal health needs.

MEC of Health in Limpopo, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, giving a keynote address durign the University of Limpopo’s 2023 oath-taking ceremony for health sciences
MEC Ramathuba also cautioned the professionals about ethical lapses in the healthcare sector, pointing out instances where responsibilities are delegated to unqualified individuals. She highlighted cases where security guards are assigned the responsibility of screening patients at hospitals, resulting in categorization and denial of services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The annual oath-taking ceremony symbolises the students’ completion of training and readiness to contribute to eradicating societal challenges. The students were trained in various disciplines, including Bachelor of Optometry (43), Bachelor of Science in Dietetics (32), Bachelor of Pharmacy (81), Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (50), Bachelor of Medical Sciences (63), and Bachelor of Nursing Science (58).
Dr Shisana Baloyi, Director of the School of Medicine, urged existing MBChB students to become community advocates and champion the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI). Designated as a Schedule 3 public entity, the NHI is expected to fulfil a crucial social and economic mandate.
Dr Baloyi highlighted the accomplishments of the University Medical School, noting their accreditation for new programmes from the Health Professional Council of South Africa. Additionally, the School secured four additional training sites and aims to seek approval to double the enrollment capacity from 60 to 120 students for the upcoming academic year.
Prof Tebogo Mothiba, Executive Dean of the Faculty, congratulated the students, expressing confidence in their ability to represent the University as a renowned institution producing quality graduates.
The oath-taking ceremony was generously sponsored by Professional Provident Society, Standard Bank, ABSA Private Banking, the SA Optometric Association, Spectacle Hut, the Donald Selamolela Foundation, and Denosa.