Nandi Madida
Nandi Madida recently expressed her heartfelt emotions as she celebrated her father, Dr. Thami Mngoma, upon his retirement from a long career in medicine, marking what she termed the most significant event of 2025.
The artist took to social media to reflect on her father’s life, admitting that the reality of his retirement has not yet fully registered for her.
In her message, she recounted the numerous obstacles he faced to achieve his dream of becoming a doctor amid the apartheid regime, including growing up in severe poverty and nearly losing his eyesight as a child, all without wavering in his commitment.
“He became a doctor during apartheid, when the odds were deliberately stacked against him. He grew up in extreme poverty. As a child, he almost went blind. And yet, he never doubted himself. Not once,” she wrote.
Nandi attributed her father’s steadfastness, hard work, and unwavering belief in his vocation as key reasons for the secure and promising life that she and her siblings enjoyed.
“Because of his mind, his grit, his discipline, and his unconditional love, my siblings and I got to live a beautiful life. A life of possibility. A life of safety. A life where dreaming felt normal,” she shared.
In her emotional tribute, she acknowledged Dr. Mngoma for not only his professional achievements but also for his quiet sacrifices as a parent.
“The late nights. The sacrifices we didn’t even see at the time. The quiet consistency of showing up not just as a brilliant doctor, but as the best father you could be. You gave us everything, without ever asking for applause,” Nandi declared, calling him, “Dad, you are my hero.”
She also highlighted a particularly touching moment when her father said his children had treated him well, a sentiment she cherishes deeply.
“Being good to you was never a burden. It was a privilege,” she stated.
Nandi further expressed that her father’s influence has played a crucial role in shaping her identity, attributing her capacity for love, ambition, and faith to his guidance.
“I am full of love because of you. I love to love because of you. I am ambitious because of you. I believe in God because of you and because your life is a living testimony of faith, perseverance, and purpose,” she wrote.
She concluded her tribute with sentiments of gratitude and pride, signing off with, “Thank you for choosing courage, again and again. Siyabonga 🙏🏽. I love you endlessly. You did that! Dr Thami Mngoma AKA Daddy! A proud daddy’s girl ❤️🥹.”
My personal highlight for 2025🥹❤️
Yesterday, my father retired as a Medical doctor. And I don’t think the weight of that moment will ever fully land.
He became a doctor during apartheid, when the odds were deliberately stacked against him. He grew up in extreme poverty. As a… pic.twitter.com/xNbksInCcz
— Nandi Madida (@Nandi_Madida) December 31, 2025
