Phophi Ramathuba
Phophi Constance Ramathuba (born 15 August 1973) is a South African politician and medical doctor. She has been the Limpopo MEC (Member of the Executive Council) for Health and a Member of the Limpopo Provincial Legislature since May 2015. Ramathuba is a member of the African National Congress. Early life and career. Ramathuba was born on 15 August 1973 at Elim Hospital, Waterval and grew up in Mashamba, then part of South Africa's Transvaal Province. She is one of five children. She matriculated at Mbilwi Secondary School and studied at the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (formerly  known as MEDUNSA), where she obtained a bachelor of medicine and a bachelor of surgery degree. From the University of Pretoria, she received a master's degree in medical pharmacology. Ramathuba had also fulfilled courses in health and business leadership. Ramathuba started her career as an intern at the Mokopane Hospital. Prior to being appointed to the Limpopo provincial government, she was the chief executive of the Voortrekker Hospital and the chairperson of the SA Medical Association. Political career. Ramathuba is a long-standing member of the African National Congress. She serves as a member of the party's provincial  executive committee. On 27 May 2015, Ramathuba was sworn in as a member of the Limpopo Provincial Legislature, representing the ANC. On the same day, premier Stanley Mathabatha appointed her Member of the Executive Council for Health, succeeding Maaria Ishmael Kgetjepe. The changes came into effect immediately. Ramathuba was re-elected to the provincial legislature in the 2019 Limpopo provincial election held on 8 May. On 22 May 2019, Mathabatha announced that she would remain as Health MEC. In January 2022, Ramathuba came under criticism for telling schoolgirls at the Gwenane Secondary School in Sekgakgapeng to "open your books and  close your legs". Personal life. Ramathuba has two daughters. On 1 July 2020, Mathabatha announced that Ramathuba had tested positive for COVID-19.