Bongani Mayosi, doctor of the heart
Nozuko Mkizwana
Sibusiso Khumalo
English
First paragraphs

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This storybook is about South African doctor called Bongani Mawethu Mayosi.
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He was a Scientist who made an important discovery about heart disease.
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Bongani was born in 1967, in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
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He went to school in the village of Ngqamakhwe.
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Bongani’s mother was a nurse, and his father was a doctor.
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At home at the end of each day, Bongani’s parents talked about their work.
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He became interested in health problems, and in helping people.
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From hearing about his parents’ work, Bongani became interested in the Health Sciences.
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At school, Bongani liked Mathematics and Life Sciences.
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He worked hard in those subjects because he wanted to be a doctor.
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After high school, he studied at universities in KwaZulu-Natal and Cape Town. He was an excellent student.
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Bongani won a scholarship to study further, at Oxford University in England.
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He also studied in America. Then he returned to South Africa to work as a doctor.
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He was a good and gentle doctor, who loved his patients.
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It wasn’t long before Bongani travelled overseas again.
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He wanted to learn more about cardiology.
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Cardiology is the study of the heart, and diseases that affect the heart.
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Bongani was a cardiologist – a doctor of the heart.
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Dr Mayosi worked with other researchers overseas, and they discovered something very significant.
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These researchers discovered why some people suffer from heart disease.
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This discovery was important for doctors around the world.
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Bongani returned to South Africa with specialist medical knowledge.
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He worked with the country’s Minister of Health and gave advice about the country’s health problems.
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His dream was to see African countries solving their health problems by using Science.
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Bongani believed in himself as an African Scientist. His research discovery was important across the globe.
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South Africa celebrated his work and achievements.
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He was honoured with the country’s highest award for Science, called the Order of Mapungubwe.
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Bongani was a Professor of Cardiology at the University of Cape Town (UCT).
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Through his teaching, he shared his knowledge with his students.
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He understood the difficulties of many students. He encouraged young doctors and others studying Health Sciences.
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Professor Mayosi was promoted to the Head of Health Sciences at UCT.
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He was always busy with work. He was a teacher, researcher, and a leader.
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Bongani Mayosi is remembered as a role model by many people.
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From a village school, he became a leader in Health Science at a top South African university.
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He became an international expert in Health Sciences.
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Bongani achieved so much in his life, but he was humble.
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When we learn about Science, we can think of Dr Mayosi.
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We can celebrate his achievements, and the achievements of many other African Scientists.
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And we can celebrate the value of African knowledge.
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——Questions


  1. Who is telling this story? Who is the story about?
  2. When did Bongani become interested in health and Science, and why?
  3. What is ‘cardiology’? What is a ‘cardiologist’?
  4. What are “Health Sciences”? Find out more about work in the Health Sciences.
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——Books in this series


  • Andile Mji
  • Asnath Mahapa
  • Bongani Mayosi
  • Charlotte Maxeke
  • Mmantsane Moche Diale
  • Mulalo Doyoyo
  • Tebello Nyokong
  • Tshilidzi Marwala
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This story was created and written in isiXhosa, as part of the Zenex Ulwazi Lwethu reading materials project in 2020.
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Attribution CC BY
Your attribution should include the following:
Title: Bongani Mayosi, doctor of the heart
Author/s: Nozuko Mkizwana
Translator/s: Nozuko Mkizwana
Illustrator/s: Sibusiso Khumalo
Assurer/s: African Storybook
Language: English

© Zenex Foundation - Saide 2024

CC BY includes the following elements:
 BY   – Credit must be given to the creator