Warrior for Hope Falls to the Enemy She Fought

Key Takeaways

• Thato Moncho, a cancer patient, passed away on January 2, 2026, after a long battle with the disease and the Gauteng Department of Health.
• She was a key figure in the Cancer Alliance and SECTION27 court case against the department, which exposed the systemic denial of lifesaving cancer treatment to thousands of patients.
• Thato’s story highlights the struggles of cancer patients in South Africa, who face long waiting lists, understaffing, and budget constraints in the healthcare system.
• She was a courageous advocate for cancer patients’ rights, challenging the government and healthcare officials to take action to address the crisis.
• Thato’s legacy continues to inspire others to fight for justice and access to healthcare, and her story serves as a reminder of the importance of holding those in power accountable for their actions.

Introduction to Thato Moncho’s Story
Thato Moncho, who died of cancer on January 2, 2026, was a remarkable individual who dedicated her life to fighting for the rights of cancer patients in South Africa. Her story is one of courage, resilience, and determination in the face of overwhelming obstacles. Diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer in 2020, Thato underwent chemotherapy and was placed on the waiting list for radiation therapy at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH). However, due to the hospital’s backlogs and understaffing, she was forced to wait for months, during which time her cancer returned aggressively.

Thato’s Advocacy Journey
Thato’s experience with the healthcare system was a catalyst for her advocacy journey. She personally approached the MEC for health and the CEO of CMJAH, only to be met with excuses and a lack of accountability. She was told to "have faith," a response that only fueled her determination to take action. Thato became a key figure in the Cancer Alliance and SECTION27 court case against the Gauteng Department of Health, which exposed the systemic denial of lifesaving cancer treatment to thousands of patients. She was a patient litigant in the case, which is now proceeding to the Supreme Court of Appeal.

Thato’s Public Advocacy
Thato was a vocal advocate for cancer patients’ rights, using her platform to raise awareness about the crisis in the healthcare system. She publicly challenged President Cyril Ramaphosa to intervene and wrote a powerful open letter to Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi, criticizing his apology for delays in cancer treatment as too little, too late. Her words were a powerful indictment of the healthcare system and a call to action for those in power. Thato’s last public appearance was at a public symposium convened by the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, where she shared her lived experience of how the health system failed her and many others.

Thato’s Personal Struggle
Thato’s personal struggle with cancer was marked by numerous challenges, including multiple recurrences and a mastectomy. Despite being diagnosed at stage 2 and being an excellent candidate for radiation therapy, she was denied treatment due to the hospital’s backlogs. Her cancer eventually metastasized, rendering her ineligible for treatment. Thato’s greatest heartbreak was that she would not live to see her daughter finish matric, her dying wish. She was the sole breadwinner in her family and left behind a 16-year-old daughter, her shining light.

Thato’s Legacy
Thato Moncho’s life and legacy serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of access to healthcare as a constitutional right. She transformed her personal pain into collective resistance, refusing to be silenced while thousands were denied the care they deserved. Her courage forced truth into the public domain, held power to account, and reaffirmed that access to healthcare is not a privilege but a fundamental human right. Though she is no longer with us, her legacy lives on, inspiring others to continue the fight for justice and access to healthcare. Her story will be remembered as a testament to the power of courage and determination in the face of overwhelming obstacles.

Conclusion and Tribute
Thato Moncho’s passing is a tragic reminder of the human cost of the healthcare crisis in South Africa. Her story is a call to action, a reminder that we must continue to fight for justice and access to healthcare for all. We honor Thato’s memory by continuing the fight she began, using her courage and truth to guide us towards a better future. May her legacy inspire us to create a world where no mother has to beg for treatment, no child has to watch a parent deteriorate while resources lay unused, and no patient is told to "have faith" in place of receiving care. Rest in power, Braveheart.