LIMPOPO – One of Tzaneen’s most seasoned doctors, Dr John Kubayi, has received the lifetime achievement award at the Limpopo Medical Awards, held in Polokwane on Saturday, September 5.

The awards are an initiative of the Limpopo Independent Practitioners Association, which advocates for the welfare and professional development of medical practitioners.

The organisation regularly hosts conferences and workshops to help practitioners stay abreast of developments and new trends in the medical field.

Kubayi is the founder of Dr Kubayi Medical Practice, based on King Edward Drive in Tzaneen. He also practices at Tzaneen Mediclinic. With more than 30 years’ experience as a general practitioner, he has also dedicated himself to mentoring young and aspiring doctors.

A career that hasn’t gone unnoticed

Kubayi told the Herald the award was both an honour and a humbling recognition from his peers.

He said it reassured him that his contributions to the medical profession over the years had not gone unnoticed. He said his love for medicine comes from the opportunity to improve people’s lives.

“I love my job because I get an opportunity to make someone better. The fact that I see sick people today and the next day they are better or completely healed is rewarding.

“Going through the journey with a pregnant woman, later seeing her give birth, and years later seeing that baby all grown up, going to school and becoming an adult, is a beautiful feeling,” he said.

A childhood without easy access to care

Born and raised in Mzilele village in the Dzumeri area of Giyani, Kubayi grew up in a community where access to healthcare was difficult.

Residents lived about 15km from the nearest clinic, and the lack of transport made it challenging to access medical services.

Inspired to pursue medicine

His interest in medicine began during his childhood after he fell ill and was admitted to Shiluvana Hospital in Tzaneen.

He was fascinated by the doctors’ ability to identify what was wrong with him and provide treatment.

His ambition was strengthened after he met two black doctors who were married. Seeing them practicing medicine together inspired him to believe that becoming a doctor was also possible for him.

Determined to achieve his goal, he worked hard throughout high school and was eventually admitted to study medicine at Medunsa, now Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University.