Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) recently celebrated a remarkable academic milestone as Zamantungwa Memory Vukeya graduated summa cum laude with her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree. Hailing from the small town of Ivory Park (in Tembisa), Vukeya’s journey to the top of her class is one of grit, resilience, and unshakable purpose. She is currently busy with her internship at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital.
Growing up, Vukeya’s circumstances were far from ideal. With limited role models and economic hardship defining her early years, she credits her grandparents, particularly her grandfather, who retired just as she began matric, as the anchors of her upbringing. “Hopelessness has a very special place where I come from,” she reflects. “The relationship I had with hunger ignited my vision—or greed, rather—for a better outcome.”
Surprisingly, there was no single defining moment that led her to a career in medicine. Her decision to pursue the MBChB programme at SMU was influenced by familiarity and the university’s early integration of clinical work. “My uncle graduated here, and so did most of my mentors,” she explains. This sense of connection set the foundation for what would become an exceptional academic journey.
Graduating summa cum laude is no small feat in a programme as demanding as medicine. For Vukeya, it served both as personal validation and a professional springboard. “It validated my hard work and became a stepping stone to establishing myself as a competent and innovative specialist in the making.”
Her academic excellence was the result of a highly personalised approach to studying. As a visual learner, she relied heavily on images, creativity, and colour to engage with complex concepts. Her daily “deep study” sessions—typically split into manageable intervals throughout the day—were anchored by self-discipline and constant self-reflection. “I take lots of breaks in between to consolidate and make sure the concepts stick. I also check in with myself to avoid going on autopilot.”
Balancing the rigorous demands of coursework, clinical rotations, and personal life was made possible through a clear philosophy: “The course is my hustle, and my family is my pleasure. I never mixed the two.” This separation allowed her to remain focused and grounded.
Vukeya credits a long list of mentors and lecturers for shaping her clinical and academic skills. Her passion for anatomy, ophthalmology, and internal medicine was amplified by mentors such as Prof. Pindile Mntla, Dr Tlangelani Rikhotso, Dr David Mashego, Dr Hosea Lebogang Mangena, Dr Thero Masedi, and many more. “All my lecturers impacted me positively in different ways—this list could be a novel.”
Her most memorable patient encounter came in her fifth year, when she was part of a team treating a young woman with severe autoimmune disease. Against the odds, the patient recovered, and Vukeya would later meet her again—alive and thriving. “Her gratitude reminded me of the true impact of empathy in medicine.”
A constant pillar of strength throughout her studies was her mother. “That woman is my messiah,” she says, visibly emotional. Alongside her mother, friends like Dr Nkgau Modise and mentors such as Dr Shumani Makhadi played vital roles in fuelling her ambition and offering unshakeable support.
Despite her achievements, Vukeya remains grounded. Her long-term goal is to specialise in orthopaedics, contribute to clinical research, and improve healthcare accessibility, particularly in underserved communities. “There’s only one way up, and that’s to the top,” she states with conviction.
To aspiring medical students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, she offers practical wisdom: “Seek mentorship. Prioritise self-care. Stay resilient.”
As she steps into her medical internship, Vukeya hopes to be remembered as a trailblazer—a student who not only conquered academic challenges but also inspired change and innovation within the healthcare system.
Her legacy at SMU is already secure: one of excellence, empathy, and empowerment.
By Tumelo Moila
