A childhood dream, encouragement from a local doctor and a father’s unwavering belief in her potential have helped Dr Reitumetse Diphoko-Mabuya overcome tragedy and become a medical doctor serving her community.
The 28-year-old from Kroonstad is now a medical officer in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department at Boitumelo Hospital, where she helps women safely bring new life into the world. However, her journey to medicine was shaped by one of the most painful moments of her life.
At just 14 years old, Diphoko-Mabuya’s world was turned upside down when she heard a gunshot inside her family home. She rushed to her parents’ bedroom and found her father, Abram Neo Diphoko, dead.
The traumatic loss left a deep emotional scar, but it also strengthened her resolve to pursue the career her father had always envisioned for her.
Diphoko Mabuya story
“My father wanted me to become a doctor and even called me ‘Doctor R’ for Reitumetse,” she said.
Long before that tragic day, the seeds of her future career had already been planted. During a visit to a clinic as a child, a doctor who treated her encouraged her to one day follow in his footsteps and dedicate her life to helping others.
“I wanted to be a teacher when I was young, but the encouragement from the doctor at the clinic really stuck with me,” she recalled. “He told me to become a doctor so that, just like him, I could help people in need.”
After her father’s death, Diphoko-Mabuya made a promise to honour his memory by pursuing medicine.
Following her matric year, an opportunity arose when former Moqhaka Local Municipality mayor Mpho Chakane encouraged her to apply for a bursary through the Free State Provincial Government.
The bursary enabled her to study medicine at the University of the Free State, setting her on the path towards achieving her dream.
“He had heard that I did well in my studies and encouraged me to apply. Fortunately, my application was successful. I am grateful for what the government has done for many other young people who have been allowed to study,” she said.
Today, Diphoko-Mabuya is giving back through public service. She describes her work in maternal healthcare as both meaningful and rewarding.
“I love the fact that I can help women bring life into the world. It is such a fulfilling and rewarding experience,” she said.
Her story is also one of partnership and shared success. Her husband is also a medical doctor who received support through the same provincial government bursary programme.
Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae praised Diphoko-Mabuya’s achievements, saying her success demonstrates the impact of investing in young people’s futures.
“We are indeed proud of young people like Reitumetse because government has made a commitment to assist young people to realise their dreams, She is now repaying government by being in service of the people, and I can’t think of a more noble act than that.” said Letsoha-Mathae
From a young girl coping with devastating loss to a doctor helping save lives in her hometown, Diphoko-Mabuya’s journey stands as a testament to perseverance, determination and the power of believing in a dream.
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