Dr. Pertunia Mathibe, Founder of DrPert_Centre4BodySculpting, Dies After BBL Procedure in Pretoria
PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA — With profound sorrow and deep heartbreak, the passing of Dr. Pertunia Mathibe—affectionately known to many as “Dr Pert”—has left a void in the hearts of her family, clients, colleagues, and the wider South African beauty and wellness community. The esteemed founder of DrPert_Centre4BodySculpting, Dr. Mathibe reportedly passed away following complications related to a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedure. Her untimely death has sent shockwaves through Mzansi, where she had become a prominent and influential figure in the cosmetic and wellness industry.
Dr. Mathibe was more than just a medical professional—she was a visionary, a trailblazer, and a trusted name in body sculpting services. Under her leadership, DrPert_Centre4BodySculpting became one of the most sought-after aesthetic and wellness clinics in South Africa. From her base in Pretoria, Dr. Mathibe catered to a diverse clientele, including public figures, influencers, businesswomen, and everyday individuals seeking body enhancement services delivered with precision, safety, and care.
What set Dr. Pert apart was not just her technical expertise, but the passion and empathy with which she approached her work. Clients and staff alike remember her not only as a skilled practitioner, but as a source of confidence, warmth, and empowerment. She advocated for body positivity and the right of every person to feel comfortable and beautiful in their own skin.
Born and raised in South Africa, Dr. Mathibe pursued her education with tenacity and excellence. She established herself professionally through rigorous training, certification, and real-world experience. Over time, she built a reputable practice that reflected her values—ethics, excellence, and empowerment. Through her work, she helped redefine beauty standards in the country, challenging the stigma often associated with cosmetic enhancements and promoting safe, medically informed procedures.
The tragic circumstances surrounding her death have sparked an outpouring of grief, tributes, and reflection across social media. Many former clients and admirers have taken to Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook to honor her memory, sharing testimonials of how Dr. Pert changed their lives—whether through a transformative procedure or a meaningful conversation.
“She made me feel seen, respected, and beautiful,” wrote one client. “She was more than a doctor—she was a sister, a mentor, a light in this industry.”
Colleagues in the medical aesthetics field have also expressed sadness, praising her innovation, her advocacy for safer aesthetic practices, and her drive to mentor others entering the industry. Her work inspired many up-and-coming practitioners, particularly young women of color, to pursue careers in cosmetic medicine and body enhancement services.
Dr. Pertunia Mathibe’s passing also reignites national dialogue about safety in cosmetic procedures, regulations in the body sculpting industry, and the importance of health education. Her clinic, known for its cutting-edge technology and commitment to safety, had long promoted pre- and post-op education, responsible care, and client-centered practices. Her loss is thus not only personal but symbolic of the risks and responsibilities associated with elective procedures in South Africa and beyond.
She is survived by her close family members, including her parents, siblings, and extended loved ones, who have requested privacy during this difficult time. They have expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support and are expected to announce memorial arrangements in the coming days.
As South Africa mourns a vibrant life cut short, we remember Dr. Pertunia Mathibe as a pioneer, a healer, and a woman who made an indelible impact on the lives of thousands. Her legacy will live on through the countless transformations she inspired—inside and out.
May Dr. Pert rest in eternal peace, and may her dedication to beauty, self-love, and wellness continue to inspire generations to come.