Dr. Pholile Mpofu

Updated: 23 Aug 2019

Summary

First Black women to qualify as a dermatologist in South Africa

Dr. Mpofu noticed that the field of dermatology tended to be neglected by black doctors, and felt she could have an effect in this field. She was sure that black people would feel more comfortable sharing their problems with a black doctor. After completing her studies as a doctor at Medunsa in 1987 she began work in cardiology at Garankuwa Hospital. She became interested in dermatology while working at the Chris-Hani Baragwanath Hospital, and went on to become the first black woman to qualify as a dermatologist through the College of Medicine in South Africa.

Cite this entry

South African History Online. (2011, February 17). Dr. Pholile Mpofu. South African History Online. https://sahistory.org.za/ve/ref/B-0008686

South African History Online (2011) 'Dr. Pholile Mpofu', South African History Online, 17 February. Available at: https://sahistory.org.za/ve/ref/B-0008686 (Accessed: 26 July 2026).

South African History Online, Dr. Pholile Mpofu [website], https://sahistory.org.za/ve/ref/B-0008686, (accessed 26 July 2026).

"Dr. Pholile Mpofu." South African History Online, 17 Feb. 2011, https://sahistory.org.za/ve/ref/B-0008686. Accessed 26 July 2026.

South African History Online. "Dr. Pholile Mpofu." South African History Online. February 17, 2011. https://sahistory.org.za/ve/ref/B-0008686.