Meet Phophi Ramathuba: From Mokopane intern to Limpopo's first female Premier

Dr Phophi Ramathuba became the new Premier of Limpopo in June 2024 after the year's general election, making history as the first woman in the position. Before her historical promotion, Phophi was Limpopo's Health MEC and elected as a member of the South African parliament in 2015.

Key takeaways

• Phophi Ramathuba became the new Premier of Limpopo on June 14, 2024, and was elected by the Limpopo Legislature.
• Before becoming premier, Phophi was Limpopo's Health MEC between 2015 and 2024, serving in the role for nine years.
• She was sworn into the provincial legislature in May 2015, marking the beginning of her career in politics.
• Before her political career, Phophi interned at Mokopane Hospital and George Masebe Hospital and held various leadership roles within the medical industry.

Phophi Ramathuba's profile summary

Phophi Ramathuba's political career evolved from a career in medicine

Before making history, Phophi interned at Mokopane and George Masebe Hospitals between 2000 and 2001. She became the Voortrekker Hospital's medical officer from 2001 until 2002. Between 2004 and 2011, Phophi was promoted to senior clinical manager and later, head of the institution.

Accolades and community work during Phophi's medical career

Phophi achieved multiple personal milestones and accolades during this time, including the Premiers Service Excellence Award in 2015. As a Mogalakwena Municipality resident, Phophi was active in multiple ward committees.

She was a part of the Aids Council and other health-related committees. Additionally, Phophi was also the chairperson of the South African Medical Association (SAMA).

Phophi's Trade union involvement was a stepping stone towards her career in politics

Phophi is one of the founding members of the South African Medical Association Trade Union (SAMATU), and was a director on the board of SAMA between 2004 and 2015. From 2008 to 2013, she also served as a national chairperson for Public Service Doctors.

Phophi went on to become the SAMA president, and between 2013 and 2015, she was the Commonwealth Medical Association's treasurer general. Due to her affiliation with SAMA, she also served on the Central Executive Committee of COSATU.

Becoming the Premier of Limpopo

As Phophi's career evolved from medicine to politics, she became a Member of Parliament (MP) on May 27, 2015. On June 14, 2024, Phophi officially took office as the Premier of Limpopo, being preceded by Stanley Mathabatha. Dieketseng Mashego became the new MEC of Health in Limpopo after Phophi took on her new role.

Phophi Ramathubas' qualifications reflect a competent future medical student and later politician

The politician has an impressive educational background, having attended the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (formerly MEDUNSA), University of Pretoria (UP or Tuks), and Manchester Business School.

She obtained an MBChB (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) at the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University and a Master's degree in Medical Pharmacology at the University of Pretoria. Finally, she earned an Advanced Health Management certification from the Manchester Business School.

Frequently asked questions

Does Phophi Ramathuba have any children?

According to multiple online sources, including iHarare News and Spotlight, Phophi has two children, both daughters. There is minimal information regarding whether Phophi has any other kids apart from the two mentioned, or further details on her daughters.

However, we got a glimpse into one of the children's lives when Phophi Ramathuba's daughter graduated, with the proud mother making a statement regarding the graduation on X (Twitter) in May 2023, saying:

'Proud family moments. My late father is smiling from his grave seeing us continue with his legacy of prioritising education for our children. Congratulations Denga Ramathuba, as you join the UP alumni BSc Actuarial & Financial Mathematics. Beauty with brains, a girl child has risen.'

Is Phophi Ramathuba married?

There is no publicly available information to support or deny whether Phophi Ramathuba is married. In the sameX (Twitter) status quoted above, she alludes to raising her children as a unit with someone, but makes no mention of a husband or any identifying details.

What tribe does Phophi Ramathuba belong to?

Phophi is from the Venda tribe. The tribe's origins are linked to the Mapungubwe Kingdom, which was located in Limpopo, where Phophi hails from.

What are Phophi Ramathuba's contact details?

You may contact her offices via the following contact information:

• Contact number: 082 990 7107
• Email address: talk2me@premier.limpopo.gov.za
• Fax number: 015 295 3840

Final word

Phophi Ramathuba's education and experience made her an ideal choice as Limpopo's Health MEC, with her passion for improving lives adding to the reasons to elect her. Phophi's election as Premier of Limpopo solidified her status as a respected and valued South African politician.

READ MORE: Who is Parks Tau? Key facts to know about SA's Trade Minister

Briefly.co.za wrote an article about another influential South African politician, Parks Tau. Parks began his political career in December 2000 after joining the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Council.

Since then, he has climbed the political ranks and was made the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition in 2024. Before that, Parks was previously the Gauteng Provincial Treasurer and a Member of Parliament (MP).

Source: Briefly News