Dr Matthews-Ramphele and Tshidiso’s children: Koketso (24) at the back and the 6-year-old triplets in front: From the left are Letlotlo, Orefile and Letlhogonolo.

Dr Goareng Precious Matthews-Ramphele is not your ordinary General Practitioner who treats patients for a variety of illnesses on a daily basis. Instead, she has made it her mission to offer specialised health services focused on chronic illnesses in a concerted effort to offer expert relief for those suffering from diabetes mellitus, hypertension, HIV and a number of mental health disorders.

Dr Matthews-Ramphele with her assistants, Nellie Hoaeane (left) and Modiehi Motsie on the right.

Dr GP Matthews-Ramphele and her husband, Tshidiso Ramphele.

Dr Matthews-Ramphele acquired a B Sc. in Psychology and Statistics in 1998 at Medunsa which sparked her interest in medicine when she pursued a M.B. Ch.B directly afterwards from 1999 till 2004. Dr Matthews-Ramphele’s internship was concluded at the Kallie de Haas Hospital in Potchefstroom in 2005.

Her relentless passion for medicine and her patients saw Dr Matthews-Ramphele accept a post as GP at the Delareyville Health Centre, serving the entire district from 2006 till 2008. From 2009 till 2010, she worked at an HIV clinic run by an NGO in Delareyville. She moved to Matlosana afterwards and then gladly accepted a post at the Department of Health where she worked at the Tshepong Hospital in Matlosana and Kanana Clinic in Orkney from 2011 till 2015. During this time, Dr Matthews-Ramphele established her own practice in Siddle Street and then relocated to the Choppies Shopping Centre in Bishop Desmond Tutu Street.

Aside from treating general health problems, Dr MatthewsRamphele says her prime interest remains in treating chronic illnesses and has treated several cases very successfully. “I absolutely love seeing my patients develop from worse to better and this makes me feel good to be able to diagnose a severe illness early before it gets too complicated. Then I know I’ve had a real breakthrough,” says Dr MatthewsRamphele gratefully.

When asked what changes she would like to see in the medical fraternity, both locally and nationally, Dr MatthewsRamphele didn’t hesitate to shun available medical health services that have declined excessively as a result of a lack

of manpower, medical resources and utensils. “I would like to see our medical clinics progress into fully operational facilities where patients can receive effective treatment from professionals.”

Her health advice to the KOSH area’s communities is to consult a medical practitioner immediately when they notice even the slightest health problems to avoid future irreversible complications. “Be on the constant lookout for the smallest changes in your health and seek medical assistance before it’s too late,” Dr Matthews-Ramphele advises. She even refers to mental health disorders such as depression and bipolar illnesses which should be kept under control. “It’s never too late to do something about your current health problems.”

She adds that residents should also try and avoid those things causing painful illnesses, such as a wrong diet, alcohol, drugs and smoking. “Unfortunately, our social lives are exposing us to these risks and social evils.” She would like to extend her community involvement by specialising in Family Medicine very soon.

This doctor is also the proud mother of 4 of whom 3 are triplets! Her husband, Tshidiso Ramphele is very proud of his wife and supports her all the way.

Dr Matthews-Ramphele’s practice is situated at Shop 9 at the Choppies Shopping Centre, Bishop Desmond Tutu Street, Klerksdorp. Call the practice on 018 462 4669 or 086 508 3657 or email [email protected](.)

MOJA Magazine – Living (July 2017)