Innovation, leadership, and purpose converge in the work of Khanyisa Faith Mokgolobotho—a postgraduate student at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) whose vision is reshaping the future of healthcare technology in South Africa. As co-founder of TechMed Connect, a pioneering healthtech startup, she is not just innovating, she’s breaking barriers as a student leader, proving that courage, creativity, and determination can transform both industries and lives.
Mokgolobotho’s journey into technology and entrepreneurship began with a spark of determination and a passion for addressing real-world healthcare challenges. In 2023, she and her co-founder Rosemary Erawemen joined the competitive I’M IN Women’s Ideation Programme, supported by Telkom, JP Morgan, and the Embassy of Ireland. Their healthtech concept, TechMed Connect, was selected among the top 15 nationally, marking a significant milestone that propelled their startup from an idea to a nationally recognised innovation. “This opportunity was a turning point for us,” she reflects. “It gave TechMed Connect the platform and resources to develop a solution that can truly make a difference in healthcare delivery.”
Since then, TechMed Connect has garnered numerous accolades and funding, including victories at the Enactus MTN Innovation Challenge, the Hult Prize South Africa National Showcase, and various hackathons. The app is currently in the testing and compliance phase, moving closer to real-world implementation. Her role as a visionary and problem-solver has earned her recognition beyond the university, proving that young innovators from SMU can compete on the national stage. “Every achievement is a testament to what is possible when passion meets opportunity,” she says.
Her passion for technology was further ignited by her success at the 2022 CSIR DIRISA Datathon, where she was named Best Female Student Participant. This achievement came with a bursary that fully funded her undergraduate and honours studies, allowing her to focus on mastering artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud infrastructure. “My goal is to become a leading AI engineer, developing solutions that can transform healthcare,” Mokgolobotho explains. “SMU has been instrumental in equipping me with the skills and experience I need.”
Her impact is not limited to technology and innovation. She is also a dedicated student leader, having served as the Interim Student Governance Structure Residence Officer in 2023/24. Through this role, she advocated for improved student experiences and demonstrated leadership rooted in empathy and service. “Leadership is not just about titles but about making a tangible impact,” she notes.
As Chairperson of the Geekulcha Student Society at SMU, Mokgolobotho is building a vibrant tech community that aims to position the university as a HealthTech Innovation Hub. Her vision is to foster collaboration between technology and health sciences disciplines, preparing students to drive the future of healthcare innovation. “By bringing students together, we’re building a movement that embraces innovation and drives real change,” she says.
Mokgolobotho’s journey is defined by resilience, faith, and an unwavering commitment to uplift others. “Everything I do is rooted in a desire to build a better future and empower those around me,” she shares. Balancing her honours studies in Computer Science with her work as a Graduate Software Engineer, she exemplifies academic resilience and lifelong learning.
Mokgolobotho is a beacon of possibility, an innovator, a leader, and a young woman whose determination is transforming healthcare and inspiring future generations.
By Dimakatso Modise
