POLOKWANE – The University of Limpopo (UL) has produced 202 medical doctors since 2022, with the latest cohort having completed their studies at the end of last year.

The Class of 2025 added 56 newly qualified doctors, bringing the total number of graduates to 202 over four years: 47 in 2022, 49 in 2023, 50 in 2024 and 56 in 2025. All have completed the six-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) programme and taken the oath of service, pledging to uphold compassion, accountability, ethics and respect for human dignity.

Before practising independently, the graduates are required to complete a compulsory 24-month internship at accredited public health facilities, followed by community service.

Among the Class of 2025 is top MBChB student Nothando Mhlanga from Bergville in KwaZulu-Natal. Mhlanga received several accolades, including best student in family medicine and overall best student in the Faculty of Health Sciences. Growing up in a rural area with limited access to healthcare shaped her outlook on the profession.

“Being a healthcare professional is not just about knowledge and skills. It is about integrity, accountability and respect for human dignity. I want to help restore trust, hope and dignity in public healthcare,” she said.

Fellow graduate Dakalo Mantshimuli described being a doctor as a lifelong commitment to integrity, continuous learning and prioritising patients’ well-being. David Boshego from Atok in Ga-Sekhukhune echoed similar sentiments, saying UL’s training prepared graduates for real-world challenges.

“Communities expect healthcare delivered with respect and empathy. With the training we received at UL, we are ready to help reduce the disease burden in our country.”

In addition to medical doctors, UL has also produced graduates in other health sciences disciplines, including pharmacy, nursing sciences, optometry, medical sciences and dietetics.