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PROF BUGA GIVEN HIS FLOWERS WHILE HE CAN STILL SMELL THEM
Contrary to a eulogy that serves to honour one’s memory only after they depart, Professor Geoffrey Buga got to witness and hear all his praises at a recent public lecture held in his honour.
Themed “A new landscape of Medicine: a 2025 rural OBGYN”, the lecture paid homage to Buga’s legacy, who was among the very first Heads of Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Chairperson of the planning committee for the lectures, Professor Busisiwe Cawe, said the Faculty Board had decided to hold a series of public lectures in honour of trailblazers to recognise their efforts in shaping the faculty.
“As we celebrate our 40th anniversary this year, this will give us an opportunity to reflect on past experiences, appreciate the road travelled, review the current situation and plan for the future. This will also, hopefully, inspire upcoming leaders and enable the faculty to grow further,” said Cawe.
Like a nostalgic trip down memory lane, heartfelt messages were the order of the day, as each speaker fondly expressed their gratitude to this industry veteran for inspiring and shaping their academic futures.
One such speaker was Head of Clinical Unit in Reproductive Medicine in the Department of Obs & Gynae, Dr Vulikhaya Mpumlwana, who was one of the first two registrars trained by Buga.
“He is a father to many and the greatest teacher I know. It was back in 2005 during my 4th year when I first met Prof Buga, who was my then teacher and HOD. One of the greatest skills he instilled in me was confidence, when he made us write patient notes during my 5th year. I will forever be grateful for the lessons learnt and knowledge he imparted, as I now stand as a living testament,” said Mpumlwana.
Professor Sam Monokoane from the Obs & Gynae department at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, was the day’s guest speaker. His address focused on Buga’s major contribution to the field, as he reflected on its origins while also giving him credit in shaping it to what it is today.
Meanwhile, the South African Medical Association (SAMA) also presented Buga with a long service award for his excellence and unwavering contribution, having joined as a SAMA member in 1993.
Chairperson of the Transkei SAMA branch, Dr Sithule Siyotula, thanked Buga for leaving the whole country and coming to the dusty town of Mthatha.
Siyotula expressed deep gratitude, saying they would forever value and remember the meaningful contribution Buga made to the broader South African community.
By Thandeka Mgqibi
