Tears and gratitude flowed as colleagues and staff of Dr Pertunia “Pert” Mathibe gathered to honour her memory at a moving memorial service, paying tribute to a leader they described as not only brilliant but deeply human.
Affectionately known as Dr Pert, she was remembered as an exceptional mentor and visionary whose impact extended far beyond her professional role. Her staff recalled her signature phrase—“Without you, there is no Dr Pert”—a powerful reminder of the value she placed on teamwork, humility, and mutual respect.
Speakers described her as a guiding force, someone who uplifted those around her and led with a rare combination of strength and compassion. Her legacy, they said, lives on not just in the institutions she helped shape, but in the lives she touched every day.
Dr Pert’s passing leaves a void, but her words and spirit continue to inspire those who had the privilege of working alongside her.
