Ndiviwe Mphothulo

Full circle moment! Dec 2000, I was a 5th year medical student volunteering in the maternity ward at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, where I was BORN! The same hospital that sparked my passion to study medicine. What a blessing it was to give back where my life began 🙌

We are proud to announce the launch of our NEW X-RAY SERVICE at Legae Private Clinic - Taung. For too long, our patients have had to travel about 20kms just to access a basic X-ray service that should be available locally. I have witnessed that struggle for years, and I have long dreamed of bringing this service home to our community. That dream is now a reality. We are deeply grateful to JS X-rays for bringing their expertise, professionalism and equipment to us, and for partnering with us to make quality diagnostic care accessible right here in Taung. No more long journeys. No more unnecessary delays. Quality care, close to home. #RuralHealthMatters

The end product 🤝

Legae Private Clinic Update: X-ray machine delivered and installation in progress! We know how difficult it has been for our patients to travel long distances just for an X-ray. Soon, that will be history. We are excited to be closer to offering full X-ray services at Legae Private Clinic through JS X-rays. Watch this space.

Let me explain a beautiful custom from my family when we do umbulelo (thanksgiving). On the day of the function, before anything else, we have iBhunga. iBhunga is a briefing session attended by family members ONLY. No community, just family. In iBhunga, you as the person doing the thanksgiving must explain the REASONS for doing it. You must account. You must give a full report of what you are thanking for. In my case, I had to stand before my family and explain my PhD - its objectives, its findings 😂😂. Imagine presenting your PhD twice! Then I had to explain about the private clinic, its purpose and the journey. Only after you have satisfied the family in iBhunga, do you then go to the house and invite the community. It is then the family elders who explain to the community what the thanksgiving is about. You don't explain to the community, your elders do. Family first. Community after. That's how we do umbulelo.

It's always good to be home, Tsomo at the Eastern Cape. My great great great grandfather, Mlondleni ka Hlathi settled here around 1830-1840 having left Lenge, at Ladysmith KwaZulu. His first born son, from his second wife,maGoqolo, was Mpotulo. I carry the name of Mpotulo as my surname… This is where I get my spiritual rejuvenation. This is where I find strength. Being here brings back nostalgia - the journey of my forebears and their activism. Their bravery. Their unwavering commitment to their communities. Their courage to take on any man and any system. Indeed, I am a descendant of great men and women. AmaBhele, ooJola, ooKhoza, ooManci…

A few months ago, I was humbled to be shortlisted for the African Health Excellence Awards in the category of Health Care Leader of the Year. I am truly grateful for the recognition - being shortlisted among Africa's best health leaders is in itself a great honour. I did not announce it at the time. The reason is simple: in the same category was Professor Boitumelo Phakathi (MBCHB, MMED, Fellowship of Surgeons of SA, PhD), a daughter of Taung, North West,who has done exceptional work. Whom I was a mentoring at times. We could not have two Taung-associated doctors dividing the vote. So I took a decision to support her fully and not to mobilise support for myself. Sometimes leadership is about stepping back so that your sister can shine brighter, and so that home can win. Thank you to the African Health Excellence Awards for the shortlist, and congratulations to Prof Phakathi and all fellow nominees for the amazing work you do for Mzansi and Africa.