In a heartwarming tale of perseverance and dedication, Dr Sagwadi Ngobeni, a cum laude graduate of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University’s (SMU) Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) programme, has defied the odds of growing up in Maxavele Village in Giyani, Limpopo, a rural community with limited resources, to become a doctor. Her journey is a testament to SMU’s commitment to producing competent and compassionate healthcare professionals.
“In Grade 7, we had a career dress-up day. I wanted to be a doctor, but I didn’t have a white coat or a stethoscope. Still, nothing appealed to me like medicine did,” she recalls.
Graduating cum laude is a mark of both academic excellence and resilience. “It wasn’t easy, but every moment of hard work paid off. This achievement reminds me that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to,” she said.
Her study strategy was rooted in consistency and collaboration. “I studied from the start of each block. Group discussions helped me stay accountable and made learning easier. Even when I was exhausted, my peers pushed me to keep going.”
She found Internal Medicine both the most challenging and most rewarding of all her rotations. “Seeing very ill patients improve reminded me why I chose this path,” she shared.
Ngobeni credits SMU for shaping her into a well-rounded healthcare professional. “SMU became my second home. The strong sense of community made the academic journey bearable. Most importantly, I gained the confidence to assess and manage patients effectively, even in resource-limited settings.”
Beyond academics, SMU nurtured her emotional intelligence and empathy. “From patients, I learned kindness. From peers, I learned it’s okay to ask for help.”
As the first doctor in her family, her success has made a profound impact on her community. “My family is incredibly proud. In my village, not many young people make it to university. I hope my journey inspires others.”
She plans to pursue postgraduate studies and is considering a specialisation in Paediatrics. “Ironically, after my paediatrics exam in fifth year, I cried because I thought I had failed. But I passed with distinction. Now, it’s a field I’m seriously considering.”
Ngobeni also has a passion for community outreach and aims to raise awareness about preventable health conditions through traditional and social media platforms. She is equally dedicated to mentoring aspiring medical students.
Her advice to current students is both practical and profound: “Put in the work. Study smart, not just hard. Don’t leave things to the last minute. Use your support system. And most importantly, trust God’s timing.”
Ngobeni celebrated her graduation with a dinner alongside her proud family. Of all those who supported her, her mother stands out. “She once told me, ‘You’re going to get old either way – rather get old doing something you love.’ That advice changed my life.”
Her story is not only one of personal triumph but also a testament to SMU’s commitment to nurturing excellence in healthcare.
By Tumelo Moila
