At Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), academic excellence is not merely a goal — it is woven into the institution’s identity through rigorous clinical training and human-centred education. This commitment is embodied in Reamogetse Ntopo, a 22-year-old Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery graduate from Taung in the North West Province, who completed her degree cum laude.
Ntopo’s journey into nursing began with a deeply personal moment. During a family emergency, a local midwife stepped in to assist with a home birth. “The moment I heard that newborn’s first cry, I was deeply moved,” she recalls. “That’s when I knew midwifery was my calling.”
Although she initially considered teaching, that experience ultimately steered her toward healthcare — a decision she has wholeheartedly embraced.
A defining moment in her studies came during her fourth-year clinical rotation when she assisted in a complex birth involving a baby with congenital abnormalities. “Despite the emotional intensity, I remained calm and reassuring. That moment confirmed I was exactly where I was meant to be,” she says.
Graduating cum laude was the result of hard work, deep faith, and strong family support. “I wanted to prove to my siblings that coming from a small town doesn’t limit your dreams,” Ntopo says. “This degree is for them, too.”
Her study strategies included focused evening sessions, collaborative revision with peers, and prioritising rest. But the road wasn’t easy. The death of her grandmother during her first year deeply affected her motivation. “Through prayer and my parents’ encouragement, I found strength again,” she reflects.
Her second year proved equally challenging, with 12-hour clinical shifts and mounting academic pressure. “It was overwhelming,” she admits. “But mentorship and peer support helped me adapt and push through.”
Ntopo credits SMU for nurturing her growth beyond the academic sphere. “It wasn’t just about passing exams. I developed emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually,” she explains. She acknowledges midwifery lecturer Kagiso Tukisi and researcher Dr Tshiamo Ramalepa as pivotal mentors who helped her embrace the depth and purpose of the profession.
Now completing her community service year at Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital in Gauteng, Ntopo is setting her sights on the future. Her ambition? To pursue a PhD in Maternal Health and become a specialised midwife with the title “Dr”. She also aims to influence health policy and champion maternal care across the country.
“The most fulfilling part of the profession is empowering women during childbirth and being present during critical life moments,” she says. “It’s a privilege to witness such strength.”
Faith remains central to how she navigates the emotional demands of nursing. “This career can be exhausting, but I draw strength from my Christian faith. My anchor has always been the verse: ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’,” she shares.
To aspiring nurses, Ntopo offers heartfelt advice:
- Let your purpose guide you.
- Grow through grit.
- Stay humble and curious.
- Practice self-care.
- Lean on others.
- Lead with compassion.
- Celebrate every step.
“I wish more people appreciated the complexity of nursing and midwifery,” she adds. “We are not just caretakers — we are advocates, educators, and critical thinkers who play a vital role in shaping healthcare outcomes.”
Her graduation was a proud moment not just for herself, but for her entire community. “My parents were overjoyed. The whole community celebrated. If I could thank anyone, it would be them — for believing in me when I didn’t.”
With clarity of purpose and a heart committed to healing, Ntopo is more than a graduate. She is a trailblazer — one who represents SMU’s mission to produce healthcare professionals who serve with excellence, integrity, and compassion. Through her journey, SMU’s role as a national hub for clinical training and academic distinction shines ever brighter.
By Tumelo Moila
