From Burgersfort to the frontlines of medicine: The inspiring journey of a young specialist doctor
At just 30, Tshegofatso Mohlala, a young doctor from Burgersfort, Limpopo, has already carved an extraordinary path in medicine — one marked by resilience, excellence, and a deep commitment to community health. His story begins in a modest mining town and leads to the halls of Universitas Academic Hospital, where he now serves as a Medical Registrar in Internal Medicine.
Born and raised in Burgersfort, Dr Mohlala is the eldest of three children in a humble yet loving household. His grandmother — a figure of strength, wisdom, and compassion — played a central role in shaping his character. “She taught me honesty, hard work, and responsibility,” he recalls. By the age of 11, he was driving his grandmother’s tractor, ploughing land to earn income for the family. That early discipline, and her unwavering belief in him, would later fuel his pursuit of academic and professional excellence.
His school years reflected both his talent and determination. After attending WEM School, Burgersfort, he transferred to St. Thomas College, where he matriculated in 2012 as the top student in his class. A year later, he began his medical journey at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) — a decision inspired by his passion for improving the health and livelihoods of his community.
Tragically, his grandmother passed away during his first year of study, just a day before his final exams. Instead of breaking his spirit, her death became his driving force. “Her dream became my mission,” he says. In 2018, he graduated cum laude and ranked among the top five in his class — a tribute to the woman who instilled in him the values that shaped his success.
His medical career began with an internship at Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital in Rustenburg, where he faced an intense and diverse clinical environment that accelerated his professional growth. Two years later, he completed his community service at Themba Hospital in Mbombela, Mpumalanga’s largest healthcare facility. There, he witnessed the daily struggles of patients facing poverty and limited access to healthcare — experiences that deepened his resolve to serve with empathy and excellence.
In April 2022, he joined Universitas Academic Hospital in Bloemfontein as a Medical Registrar in Internal Medicine, embarking on a demanding four-year specialist training programme. His responsibilities extend beyond patient care: he supervises undergraduate students, contributes to clinical research, and promotes evidence-based medical practice.
Having completed both his Fellowship of the College of Physicians (FCP) and Master of Medicine (MMed) in Internal Medicine at the University of the Free State, he is now officially recognised as a Specialist Physician. This milestone marks the culmination of years of sacrifice, dedication, and perseverance.
Outside the hospital, he actively served through volunteer work with Special Olympics South Africa and Lemon-AID South Africa, organisations devoted to health advocacy and community upliftment. Although his demanding registrar duties have since limited his availability, his commitment to service remains unwavering.
His journey from a rural town to specialist status is a testament to the power of perseverance and purpose. What began as a child’s dream to help others has evolved into a career defined by excellence and impact. In every patient he treats, he honours the lessons of his grandmother — that strength, humility, and compassion are the heartbeats of true medicine.
By Tumelo Moila
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SMU star blends Psychology and Medicine
At just 21 years old, Tumisho Glory Matlala has already made her mark as an academic high-flyer. Graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational and Environmental Health (Psychology) from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), she now embarks on her first year of medical school — armed with discipline, resilience, and a vision to integrate mental and physical healthcare in South Africa.
Originally from Moletji Ga-Ramongoana 2 in Limpopo, Matlala chose SMU for its strong reputation in the health and sciences fields. Her academic journey quickly proved she was destined for distinction. By her second year, consistently strong results hinted at her potential, and this was confirmed in her third year when she was named top achiever in her programme for both 2023 and 2024, and overall top achiever in the School of Science and Technology for the 2023 academic year.
Majoring in Psychology and Physiology, Matlala initially gravitated towards psychology, but over time developed a deep interest in physiology. “It was challenging but fascinating,” she reflects. “I asked for help when needed and approached my studies with curiosity.” Chemistry posed hurdles in her first year, but extra lessons and determination helped her overcome them.
A typical day for Matlala as a BSc student began with early lectures and practicals, followed by reviewing coursework during breaks or working on assignments. Evenings were dedicated to consolidating her understanding of class topics. She credits active recall, regular note review, and — perhaps surprisingly — strategic breaks as essential to her consistency and productivity.
Matlala is quick to acknowledge the role others played in her success. Supportive lecturers in the Psychology and Physiology departments, mentors who guided her study techniques, and friends who encouraged and challenged her all contributed. Above all, she credits her family’s unwavering belief in her abilities and her faith in God. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” she says, quoting the verse that kept her grounded during moments of self-doubt.
Balancing studies with family time and social connections was made possible by strong time management. “Balance is not something you find, it’s something you create,” she notes, quoting author Jana Kingsford. While she chose to focus solely on academics rather than join student organisations during her undergraduate years, she remains open to leadership opportunities in the future.
Matlala’s SMU experience, she says, was both challenging and rewarding, offering exposure to diverse people and perspectives that enriched her learning beyond the classroom. The personal qualities strengthened during her time at university — self-discipline, resilience, adaptability, and teamwork — will continue to serve her in her medical career.
Looking ahead, Matlala’s goal is to finish her medical degree while leveraging her background in psychology to shape more holistic approaches to healthcare. She hopes to address both physical and mental health challenges in communities, particularly by creating strategies that integrate the two.
Her advice to aspiring SMU students is simple yet powerful: “Build healthy study habits, manage your time well, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Remember why you started — every challenge is an opportunity to grow.”
With her track record, determination, and vision, Matlala is poised to be a healthcare professional who bridges the gap between body and mind — and inspires the next generation of SMU achievers.
By Dimakatso Modise