“Prof Pepeta was a renowned paediatric cardiologist and his death is a great loss to the Nelson Mandela University, the medical and health fraternity and SA in general,” Nzimande said in a statement.
Pepeta was also chairperson of the Council for Medical Schemes — the regulator of the medical schemes industry.
He was described by the council as a passionate and committed leader who embodied a spirit of service.
“[He was one] who poured his life into the service of others through his chosen profession,” said the council.
TimesLIVE