As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month, it is an opportunity to also recognise the achievements of inspiring women such as Dr Nthabiseng Makgana, who is currently the acting CEO of Pholosong Hospital, in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng.

“I am an ambitious young lady, born and bred in Tsakane township. I was brought up in a humble home and I have two older sister and a twin brother. I attended Lebone Primary School and proceed to Nigel High School where I matriculated in 2004, before obtaining my MBChB from the University of Pretoria.  My parents were both educators and always inspired us to do better,” she said.

#WomensMonth
"The boardroom table looks so elegant when women occupy the hot seat" – Acting CEO, Dr Nthabiseng Makgana#ReBaPholosi pic.twitter.com/GHXHsoURLp

— Pholosong Regional Hospital (@PholosongH) August 2, 2021

Makgana says she believes that becoming a doctor was her calling. “I’m someone who genuinely loves to help others, see others being relieved of their discomfort, be it either physical, emotional or even social pain.

“Medicine was able to provide an answer to how I can be of help to the next person. Having the opportunity to serve as acting CEO at Pholosong Hospital is one of my greatest achievements and I am beaming with pride.”

Women need to speak out

Makgana also spoke about some of the most significant barriers and gender related roadblocks she has encountered.

“One of the things that you must overcome as a female leader is owning your own space, gracefully so, because I was misinterpreted as being weak and vulnerable. We as women also tend to be timid and not vocal enough and to advance in our careers. We must believe that we can do it, that it is possible to break gender stereotypes. Our predecessors have paved the way, we just need to walk it and let our voices be heard,” she said.

“A woman leader I look up to fondly is Dr Nkele Lesia, who is CEO at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. When I look at her, I see how many boundaries she has shattered to make sure that young leaders like us can and shall make it in the medical space. Strong women fight with grace in their heart, kindness in their voice, and love in their souls.” – Health-e News