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VOLUME 8 NUMBER 1 • MARCH 2011
Diabetes Personality
In Memoriam
Dr Mojapela Mhlakaza
D
r Mojapela Mhlakaza (52 years old) lost his life at the hands
of unknown assailants who shot and killed him when he
arrived home on 29 November 2010. A colleague described
Dr Mhalakza as a softly spoken introvert and a gentleman. After
qualifying as a medical practitioner in the USSR, Dr Mhlakaza
eventually settled in Bloemfontein where he set up practice as
a general practitioner with an interest in diabetes. His passion
for helping patients with diabetes soon became known and he
attracted patients from far and wide.
Dr Mhlakaza was a regular attendee at diabetes updates,
symposia and SEMDSA congresses where his keen interest in and
depth of knowledge on diabetes were apparent. Dr Mhlakaza was
popular and well liked by his colleagues at the Netcare-Universitas
Private Hospital where he admitted some of his patients.
His passion to improve diabetes care at primary healthcare
level was demonstrated by his regular involvement in outreach
programmes such as the World Diabetes Day initiative held
at Pelonomi Hospital on 13 November 2010 where this last
photograph of him was taken.
This friendly and humble man will be missed by his colleagues,
patients and friends. Our condolences go to his family.
WF Mollentze
(Acknowledgement: Volksblad)
the patient has relaxed and thanks me for my help.’
Hannie finds teenage diabetics a particular challenge – and she en-
counters quite a lot of them in her work. ‘Teenagers can be difficult at
the best of times, and teenage diabetics are often not compliant with
treatment and tend to lapse. As a result, there is a lot of stress on parents
and healthcare providers. It’s very rewarding, then, to see them coming
around and no longer straying from treatment. I recently saw one of my
problem children transformed into the perfect patient. It was wonderful.
She now comes in for regular check ups, follows our guidance and, in
consequence, her overall control is improving. I think it also helps that she
recently acquired a boyfriend who is so understanding and supportive of
her condition.’
In addition to educating patients, Hannie is always happy to share her
knowledge with other healthcare providers and has given talks both locally
in Port Elizabeth and nationally. ‘Because I believe in practical solutions,
I stay away from the airy-fairy stuff and focus on what works and how to
do things’, she says.
Asked what makes a good educator, Hannie feels that sensitivity to the
patients is key, along with a fine balance between humility and dynamism.
‘They need to feel your confidence and positive energy, but not to a degree
that they feel overpowered; and they need to be assured of your absolute
willingness to help at all times’, she concludes.
Peter Wagenaar
Hannie with her mentor, Dr G Podgorski.
