An alumna of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has reached more than 3,000 learners, parents and teachers through a week-long community outreach initiative spanning seven schools across Gauteng, North West and Mpumalanga, demonstrating the impact of alumni-led youth empowerment.
Dr Andile Molokomme, popularly known as Dr Andie, graduated with an MBChB degree from SMU in 2019 and founded Phenomenal Young Persons, a non-profit organisation (NPO) dedicated to youth empowerment, personal development, leadership and entrepreneurship. Founded when she was 17, the organisation has established a global footprint, with a particular focus on disadvantaged schools and township communities.
From 9 to 16 October 2026, Dr Molokomme and her team visited schools to motivate learners, strengthen matriculants ahead of their final examinations and recognise academic achievement. The initiative began at Ntsako Secondary School in Block FF, Soshanguve, where the team witnessed the matric class of 2026 signing their examination pledges. “Today has been nothing short of amazing, witnessing lives being changed and transformed,” said Dr Molokomme.
On the same day, the organisation’s team visited Resolofetse Secondary School and Potchefstroom High School in Potchefstroom, North West, to encourage learners preparing for their final examinations.
The outreach continued on 12 October at Ndzundza Mabhoko Secondary School in Mpumalanga, where the school community was mourning the deaths of two learners, one from natural causes and the other by suicide. The visit allowed matriculants to receive encouragement, emotional and spiritual support during a difficult period. “Thank you for coming to our school for such a time as this. You have been the healing that our hearts yearned for,” said Ntsako Princess, a matriculant at the school.
The team subsequently visited Dirang Kanatla Comprehensive School in Khuma and B.A. Seobe Secondary School in North West. Dr Molokomme adopted Dirang Kanatla Comprehensive School in 2021 while completing her second year of medical internship. The 2026 visit marked the sixth consecutive year of supporting learners and celebrating top academic performers. “It has been the norm for us. We try our best not to enter a school empty-handed. We always endeavour to bring, at the very least, goodie bags for the top-achieving learners as well as Certificates of Excellence,” she said.
Dr Molokomme explained that recognising academic achievement encourages learners to work towards better results and builds aspirations for future success. Dirang Kanatla principal, Michael Mochela, said the partnership had positively influenced the school’s annual matric results. The school improved from 62% in 2020 to 93% in 2024 in the matric final pass rate, proving that the school’s partnership with the NPO is very effective and fruitful.
The initiative concluded at Oakwood Preparatory School in Pretoria, where learners received leadership training and career guidance alongside other participating stakeholders.
Reflecting on the week’s impact, Dr Molokomme said the programme had reached more than 3,000 people, including learners, parents and teachers. She invites the SMU community to support the organisation through volunteering, sponsorships and referrals. “One can sponsor a child’s goodie bag from as little as R30 ($2),” she said. Donations can be made through the organisation’s official website, phenomenalyoungpersons.org.
Dr Molokomme’s work reflects the broader contribution of SMU alumni to education and community development beyond the university. Through initiatives that promote academic achievement, leadership and youth empowerment, alumni help strengthen opportunities for young people and support the development of future generations who can contribute to South Africa’s health, education and social well-being.
By Tumelo Moila
