Dr Mathibe's journey from Klerksdorp to paediatric haematology and oncology leadership

Dr Mathibe was born in Klerksdorp in the North West, where he completed his schooling before moving to Pretoria to study medicine at the University of Pretoria. He qualified with an MBChB in 2006 and completed internship, community service and additional training in Occupational Medicine before returning decisively to his true calling in child health.

He went on to train in Paediatrics and Child Health through Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, completing a Master's degree in Paediatrics and Child Health, the Diploma in Child Health and the Fellowship of the College of Paediatricians in 2018. He later worked in private practice in Harrismith before undertaking subspecialist training in Paediatric Oncology at Red Cross Children's Hospital and an MPhil through the University of Cape Town.

His academic and clinical work has centred on children facing complex disease burdens, including research on Wilms tumour outcomes at Red Cross Children's Hospital. That same commitment now underpins the Dr DM Mathibe Foundation, which is being shaped to widen access to treatment, practical support and long-term hope for children and families living with rare and life-altering conditions.

Outside medicine he is an avid tennis supporter and player, enjoys travelling, values community projects and shares life with his fiancee and his much-loved dog, Snowy.