Go Gopola Dr - Remembering Dr Reshoketjoe Onicca Khobo-Mpe: A Symbol of Comfort, Strength, and Inspiration

Jeremy

I began my journey as a medical officer at Steve Biko Academic Hospital in July 2021. On the Sunday before my start date, I received a call from one of the interns regarding a theatre 6 - day call list, allocated by Dr. Maakamedi. Unfortunately, the temperatures were too high—25.6 degrees—making it less than ideal for ORIF procedures. As the day unfolded, I found myself wandering through the hospital halls, meeting various consultants.

It was in the tea room on Level 8 that I first met Dr. Onicca Khobo-Mpé. Little did I know, she would soon become a nurturing figure for our department’s medical officers and registrars. I remember presenting premeds to her in the afternoons, dodging her gaze, hoping she wouldn’t focus too intently on any aspects. I also recall a particularly challenging bariatric case that extended past 8 PM, during which she remained supportive, never uttering a negative word about the surgeons. Meanwhile, I was struggling to keep my frustration at bay as Sr. Ramashu found an extra swab at 19:45.

Every little conversation we have, her looking into your eyes asking you what you have read today. We are grateful for. Thinking back to the lunch breaks she graciously afforded us along with chances to quickly go see premeds amid our hectic schedules.

I vividly remember one occasion when I walked out of 4.9 ICU, close to tears after a post-intake ward round. I bumped into Dr. Khobo-Mpé in the corridor, and she asked, "Are you okay?" It was as if she instinctively knew something was amiss. There truly is no replacement for someone like her; she cared deeply for us, both mentally and physically.

Dr. Khobo-Mpé was a symbol of grace. As we occasionally gossiped about our colleagues, can you recall a time when she joined in? She always focused on the positives, reminding us of the importance of kindness in our profession. In this reflective piece, I'd like to express my gratitude for those little things we often take for granted. Thank you, Dr. Khobo-Mpé, for shaping, nurturing, and helping us become kinder, better versions of ourselves.

Heilda

So early in the new year, we find ourselves stunned by the loss of a great spirit, one of our mothers in the department, dr Khobo-Mpe. At her funeral, various tributes by family, friends and colleagues highlighted the essence of this great woman: she emanated love, was always smiling, and always looking out for the happiness of others, even when she was struggling herself. We can all strive to be a little more like dr Khobo-Mpe, and so carry on her legacy.

I leave you with a special poem dr Khobo-Mpe’s daughter shared with us: good words to live by.

Fatima Bhabha

Attending Dr. Khope Mpe’s memorial service and witnessing the overwhelming number of people who gathered to honour her was a powerful testament to the life she lived—a life spent leaving a mark on everyone she encountered. She had a rare gift for making people feel seen, heard, and deeply valued. Dr. Khope Mpe never hesitated to express pride in others, always cheering us on when we achieved something for the first time. Her unwavering support and belief in those around her reflected the courage and strength she embodied throughout her own life.

True to her name, Reshoketjoe, meaning “we are comforted,” she was a source of solace, love, and encouragement for all of us. Whether it was through her words, her presence, or those unforgettable hugs, she brought comfort and strength to those around her, no matter what they were facing. Even while quietly battling illness, she continued to uplift and inspire everyone, living a life of quiet triumph and resilience. Learning of her struggles and the grace with which she carried them makes her story even more profound—a testament to courage in the face of adversity.

Listening to her children speak about her unwavering love was heartwarming, yet it left us with a deep sense of loss. She cared for us all as though we were her own, and now we must carry forward her spirit by living as she did—with love, kindness, and courage.

Dr. Khope Mpe, we will miss you profoundly, but your legacy of love, inspiration, and comfort will live on in each of us.

“Re tla phela re ntse re susumetsa, joalo ka ha u re susumeditse.” (We will live to inspire, as you have inspired us.)

I hope to live my life in a way that honours Dr. Khope Mpe—by smiling more, being brave in the face of adversity, embracing challenges with courage, showing kindness without hesitation, and never being afraid to offer the biggest, warmest hugs.

Desiderata 

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

by Max Ehrmann ©1927