Home » Renowned SA Cardiologist Bongani Mayosi Sadly Dies After Long Depression

Renowned SA Cardiologist Bongani Mayosi Sadly Dies After Long Depression

President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his “heartfelt condolences” on the tragic passing of acclaimed South African cardiologist Professor Bongani Mawethu Mayosi, who was Dean of Health Sciences at the University of Cape Town (UCT). Professor Mayosi died from suicide on Friday, 27 July 2018. He was renowned for heading the research group that discovered the […]

By Jenni Baxter
29-07-18 09:28
in Eish!

President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his “heartfelt condolences” on the tragic passing of acclaimed South African cardiologist Professor Bongani Mawethu Mayosi, who was Dean of Health Sciences at the University of Cape Town (UCT).

Professor Mayosi died from suicide on Friday, 27 July 2018. He was renowned for heading the research group that discovered the heart attack gene (CDH2) which he described, in 2017, as “probably the biggest breakthrough in South African cardiology since Dr Chris Barnard’s first heart transplant”. It made news around the world and was featured on Carte Blanche last year in June.

A family statement today said: “It is with great sadness that we‚ the Mayosi family‚ announce the passing of our husband‚ son‚ father‚ brother and uncle‚ Bongani Mayosi.

“Bongani died on the morning of 27 July 2018.”

The family revealed that “in the last two years he has battled with depression and on that day took the desperate decision to end his life.”

President Ramaphosa said: “His death is indeed an enormous loss not only to his family but to the country as a whole. On behalf of government and South Africans as a whole, we convey our most heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and relatives, and the health science fraternity. May his soul rest in peace.”

Professor Mayosi had been an advisor to Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi.

UCT’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng, announced the news with “profound sadness” in a letter to students and colleagues, posted on the university’s website.

He said: “The university is in touch with Professor Mayosi’s family, who is appreciative of all messages of support and condolences, but requests that their privacy be respected during this difficult time. The family will liaise with the university for further communication at the appropriate time.”

Professor Mayosi’s list of achievements was endless. He was an A-rated National Research Foundation researcher, and had also been honoured with the Order of Mapungubwe in Silver for his achievements in the international arena which have served South Africa’s interests.

He had become Dean at UCT two years ago in September 2016, after being Head of the Department of Medicine at Groote Schuur Hospital and UCT since 2006.

Professor Mayosi’s work focused mainly on heart disease. He had attracted more than R100-million in research grants in the past eight years, and published more than 250 papers. He had also taken part in groundbreaking work researching the management of TB pericarditis, prevention of rheumatic heart disease, as well as the genetics of heart disease.

The professor – and father of two daughters – had reportedly been inspired to help others by his father who was also a doctor.

Tonight his brother-in-law Sipho Simelane said: “You were the best at what you did and worked hard to get the many achievements and accolades you collected. I celebrate your life Sbali sami today and I saw how happy you were in April when your daughter Vuyi got married.”

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If you are feeling sad, frustrated or lonely, please contact SADAG (South African Depression & Anxiety Group). You can find a Support Group in your area by calling 0800 21 22 23.