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TRANSCRIPT
THANDEKA MAZIBUKO
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THANDEKA MAZIBUKO, 35 ,
was brought up by a single mother, a domestic worker, in poverty-ridden KwaNyuswa village outside Durban. Fighting formidable odds, she forged her way through medical school with loans and bursaries to become the first Black student accepted to specialise in radiation oncology in KwaZulu-Natal. She is determined to raise awareness of breast, cervical and prostate cancer, and HIV and Aids, through her organisation, Sinomusanothando Community Development.
Thandeka Mazibuko on…The power of perseverance: “I’m strong-willed and patient. The schools I went to had no science facilities, so I taught myself. When my high school burnt down, I was sent to an aunt and uncle and was made to clean, cook and baby-sit. When they forced me into an arranged marriage to a man who abused me, I ran away to university. My family deserted me in shame, but I put myself through a bachelor’s degree in science at the University of the North (now Limpopo). I excelled, and was accepted to do medicine at the Nelson R. Mandela Medical School.”Choosing her career: “My village had no doctor, and I watched people die of manageable illnesses, like breast, cervical and prostate cancers. I saw how language and cultural barriers led to misunderstanding of sickness and poor compliance
with treatment. I became a doctor to save the lives of my people – that’s why I work at a public hospital, when many doctors have left for better conditions and pay.” overcoming hardship: “Being married off against my will and made to live with in-laws who treated me like a slave was extremely hard. I felt suicidal at the time, but it made me stronger: I survived financial difficulties while going through a divorce, studying and supporting my son, Sphume, now 15, who has a demanding brain condition.” Giving back: “I started charity work by supporting orphanages as an intern at Durban’s Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital. I began Sinomusanothando (“We have love and generosity”) to thank God for saving me from abuse, suicide and failure.” Taking a broader perspective: “With Sinomusanothando I organise festivities in rural communities to raise awareness of breast, cervical and prostate cancers and HIV, and have mobile clinics in attendance. I also liaise with other organisations and government departments to have representatives present to sort out grant and ID problems. I want to roll out this concept countrywide.”her core beliefs: “Write your own future, don’t let others do it for you.”
–As told to Glynis HorningTo contact Thandeka, call % 084 311 9230, e-mail [email protected] or visit sntd-ngo.co.za
This feisty doctor is passionate about healing not just her patients, but also the country, through the community
development organisation she runs.
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