Thakgalo Thibela, who became the youngest female doctor in South Africa at 21 says she is still unemployed three years later

At the age of 21, Dr. Thakgalo Thibela, now 24, made history by becoming the youngest female doctor in South Africa.

Given her intellectual ability, the trailblazer, a native of Violet Bank, South Africa, skipped some grades in primary and secondary school when she was 15 years old.

Women Power Africa reports that she studied at the University of Witwatersrand at the age of 16 with a stipend from the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and graduated successfully in December 2020 at the age of 21 with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB).

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She did her community service at Mapulaneng Hospital and her internship at Helen Joseph Hospital. She plans to pursue a career in neurosurgery.

The now 25-year-old’s accomplishments include being named the Youngest Female Medical Doctor in South Africa, a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society, and one of the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans 2022.

Despite her impressive accomplishments, Thibela has revealed that she is currently unemployed and ready to serve anywhere in South Africa. She is also willing to adapt to changes in the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

She lamented, “I happen to find myself as part of the 800+ unemployed doctors in South Africa currently. I am willing and ready to serve anywhere in the country but that opportunity is not being afforded to me. I became a doctor because I wanted to help people and not being able to do just that has been mentally taxing. Please help,” according to IOL. 

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According to one survey, South Africa, like many other countries throughout the world, is grappling with the issue of youth unemployment. Data from the first quarter of 2024 shows that the unemployment rate for young people (those between the ages of 15 and 34) is 45,5%, while the national average is 32,9%.

Though the numbers are discouraging, it is crucial to emphasize that the young pioneer has a lot of qualitative potential that needs to be realized as soon as possible for the sake of the country.

Thibela is open to being contacted about opportunities and has shared her contact info as follows: EMAIL: thakgalothibela@gmail.com