Kgosi Letlape

Who is Kgosi Letlape?

Dr Kgosi Letlape is an ophthalmologist and health care leader from South Africa. He is the current president of the African Medical Association, former chairperson of the South African Medical Association, past president of the World Medical Association and Executive Director of the Tshepang Trust. He also serves as a member of The Global Hygiene Council.

In past years he has served as Chairman of South African Medical Association as well as President of World Medical Association.

Letlape made history by becoming the first black person to qualify as an ophthalmologist in South Africa during the apartheid years, and was the first black person to be elected as WMA President. His interest in health care for South Africans sees him participating in various health committees and task teams.

Touched by the rape of baby Tshepang in 2002, He embarked on an ambitious project towards providing access to antiretroviral treatment to HIV positive patients. Together with Nelson Mandela, the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the South African Medical Association, he established Tshepang Trust, which facilitates the treatment of HIV positive patients.