Laureate Mgiba, a shining example of the exceptional calibre of health sciences professionals developed at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), has once again demonstrated the transformative power of hard work and perseverance. At the prestigious SMU 2024 Oath-Taking Prize Giving Ceremony, Mgiba’s dedication and excellence in diagnostic radiography were celebrated with multiple accolades, including Best Clinical Achiever 2024 and Best Overall Bachelor of Diagnostic Radiography Final Year 2024, showcasing SMU’s commitment to nurturing industry leaders.
Hailing from the humble town of Islington in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, 22-year-old Mgiba’s journey to academic excellence is nothing short of inspirational. Reflecting on her upbringing, she shares: “I grew up in a family that valued education and hard work. My educational journey started at Khokhovela Primary School and continued at Mhlangani High School before I enrolled at SMU for my Bachelor of Diagnostic Radiography, which I completed last year (2024).”
Mgiba’s decision to pursue Diagnostic Radiography was driven by a deep-seated desire to make a meaningful impact in healthcare. “My inspiration stemmed from personal experiences and a fascination with the intersection of technology, anatomy, and patient care that radiology embodies. SMU provided the ideal environment to explore my passion, develop my skills, and contribute meaningfully to the field,” she says.
A pivotal moment in her academic journey occurred during her second-year clinical placement, where she worked alongside experienced radiographers and witnessed firsthand the critical role of medical imaging in patient care. She recalls: “I remember a specific case where a patient’s diagnosis was significantly delayed due to a suboptimal image. That experience taught me the value of attention to detail and continuous learning.”
Despite her outstanding achievements, Mgiba’s journey was not without challenges. One of the most difficult moments in her academic career was the loss of her beloved grandmother during her final year. “She was one of the people who believed in me and always encouraged me. Coping with her loss was tough, but I sought support and developed coping strategies to stay focused,” she says.
Her resilience and unwavering commitment to her goals saw her through, and she credits her success to the strong support system around her. “My mother has been my biggest source of strength, along with my lecturers and friends – Zinzi, Miyelani, Masha, and Casuel, who stood by me through thick and thin.”
For Mgiba, achieving academic excellence required a combination of strategic planning and faith. “I put God first in everything I do. Setting clear and measurable goals each semester, maintaining a consistent study routine, and seeking help when needed were crucial habits that helped me stay on track,” she explains.
Balancing academic responsibilities with personal life was another challenge she tackled with grace. “I start each day with prayer, seeking God’s wisdom and direction. Trusting in His plans gives me peace and focus.”
Winning these prestigious awards has filled Mgiba with gratitude and motivation. “Initially, I was in shock and disbelief. It took a while for the news to sink in, but I felt immense pride and accomplishment knowing that all my hard work paid off,” she says.
Professionally, she believes these accolades will open doors for further opportunities and growth. “Receiving these awards validates my efforts and inspires me to keep striving for excellence. My short-term goal is to complete my community service at WF Knobel Hospital in Polokwane as a Diagnostic Radiographer and gain more clinical experience, while my long-term goal is to pursue specialised training in radiology.”
Mgiba dedicates her success to God, her family, and mentors like Cecil Chauke, who believed in her even during moments of self-doubt. “To anyone who has ever doubted themselves, I hope my journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and resilience.”
Her advice to current and future students is clear: “Set clear goals, develop a growth mindset, work hard, and surround yourself with positive influences. Excellence is a journey, not a destination.”
Looking ahead, she hopes to stay connected with the SMU community through mentorship and social media, inspiring and supporting students and alumni alike. “Embrace the opportunities at SMU, take risks, and learn from failures. It’s through these experiences that we grow and become the best versions of ourselves. SMU is an institution that fosters academic excellence, personal growth and community engagement.”
As she embarks on the next chapter of her career, Mgiba remains committed to making a lasting impact in diagnostic radiography, carrying with her the lessons learned and the unwavering spirit that has brought her this far.
By Tumelo Moila
