Maishibe Langa, a final-year Occupational Therapy student at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), has set a remarkable benchmark of academic excellence and professional dedication, exemplifying the calibre of students nurtured at SMU. At the prestigious SMU 2024 Oath-Taking Prize Giving Ceremony, Langa swept six major awards, including Outstanding Performance in the Physical, Psychiatric, and Community Fields of Practice, Best Occupational Therapy Student in Final Year, Best Occupational Therapy Student from 2021 to 2024, and Outstanding Professional Qualities. These accolades underscore her exceptional academic journey and the university’s commitment to developing future leaders in health sciences.
Langa’s journey to success is rooted in humble beginnings. “I am 22 years old and come from a small village in Mapela called Ga-Rauwele, in Limpopo,” she shares. “I attended both my primary and secondary schools there.” Despite initially having no particular inspiration to pursue Occupational Therapy, she discovered her passion during her second year at SMU. “I applied for the course after a quick Google search and got in. It was only in my second year that I realised I had chosen the right field of study,” she admits with a smile.
Her academic journey was marked by defining moments of self-discovery and resilience. “I learned that what works for others might not work for me, and I needed to find my methods of studying and coping with academic pressure,” Langa explains. This realisation played a crucial role in her achieving top honours.
Langa credits her parents as her biggest source of support. “They have always believed in me and pushed me to strive for excellence. Being prayerful has also helped me tremendously because I believe God gave me the strength to complete my studies.” However, the journey was not without its challenges. Transitioning from theory to clinical practice posed significant hurdles. “What you see in books is very different from real-life practice. I had to navigate my way and ensure I understood clinical work,” she recalls. Asking supervisors for clarity and surrounding herself with supportive peers helped her overcome these challenges.
When asked about her strategies for academic excellence, Langa reveals an unorthodox approach. “To be honest, I cross-nighted a lot and studied under pressure. I had no specific strategy other than prioritising what needed to be done at the right time.” Balancing academics with other aspects of life requires discipline and prioritisation. “If I had school-related tasks to complete, the entire weekend was dedicated to that.”
Receiving the prestigious awards was an emotional moment for Langa. “I was shocked, but mostly, I felt grateful and proud. It reassured me of my capabilities and proved that I should never doubt myself,” she says. Professionally, the awards have boosted her confidence and opened new opportunities, reinforcing her growth from the first year to her final year.
Looking ahead, Langa has set both short-term and long-term career goals. “In the short term, I want to gain as much clinical experience as possible. My long-term goal is to become an independent therapist capable of making critical clinical decisions in the best interest of my patients.” She remains committed to using her knowledge to positively impact the field, continuously learning and educating others about the importance of Occupational Therapy.
Langa acknowledges the unwavering support of her parents, siblings, lecturers, clinical supervisors, and best friend. “Their belief in me has been instrumental in my success,” she expresses with gratitude.
Langa’s heartfelt advice to aspiring students reflects her wisdom and humility: “Be yourself, know your strengths and weaknesses, and find what works for you. Avoid unnecessary pressure and focus on your journey.” Her pride in SMU shines through as she encourages the university community: “SMU is well-represented everywhere, and studying here is a great opportunity. Keep representing it well.”
As she steps into her professional career, Langa’s unwavering connection to SMU underscores the institution’s lasting impact. “If an opportunity arises, I would love to be part of the SMU family in the future,” she shares. Her journey is a testament to SMU’s commitment to producing exceptional graduates who are not only leaders in their fields but also passionate ambassadors of the university’s legacy of excellence.
*By Tumelo Moila
