A trailblazer in her own right

In commemoration of the thousands of women who marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria on August 9, 1956, Women’s Month is celebrated in August.
The historic march, in protest against the extension of Pass Laws to women, highlighted the role of women in the struggle against apartheid.
To date, women continue to play vital roles in society through the impactful work they do in their respective industries, businesses, households and NPOs.

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One such woman is 34-year-old acting CEO at Pholosong Hospital Dr Nthabiseng Makgana.
She was appointed to her new role on June 1.
Makgana, who is pursuing her a masters degree in business administration in pursuit of becoming a hospital managing specialist, said the transition into her role has been smooth as she was mentored by the former CEO.
She hails from Tsakani and attended Lebone Primary School and Brakpan High School.
“I have a huge passion for people’s well-being, not only physically but emotionally and socially.
“I am soft-hearted, especially towards women and children.
“The only way I could think of assisting was through medicine.

“Growing up in the dusty streets of Tsakani, I could always see Pholosong. I had a normal childhood really, but with my parents both being educators I was pushed academically,” she explained.
She plans to introduce new strategies to provide effective services to the masses, having already implemented the automated queuing system to address waiting times.
“Being a strategist is a special skill and enhancing that with an MBA will translate in good patient experience of care and delivery of quality healthcare in a broader aspect.
“We’re also constructing a walkway so our patients don’t have to be rained on while entering the institution, and continuing with the I Serve With A Smile campaign to address staff attitude,” she added.
She stated dealing with Covid-19, ensuring the hospital has enough beds and screening of patients has been a challenge.
The hospital will also be introducing a breast clinic on August 5, with existing patients.
“We are introducing the breast clinic to improve women’s health. We want them to have accessibility to world-class healthcare services.
“Part of that is to create awareness, educate, do screenings, treatment and the overall management of breast cancer.
“Services offered will include mammography, ultrasound, imaging-guided biopsies for indicated patients and follow-ups.

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“This will be done in collaboration with our radiologist and the Charlotte Maxeke cluster.”
Her advice to other women is to persevere, read, associate with people of same mind and aspirations, ask questions, be present and occupy space.
She said the goal for the institution is to strengthen public health education through their initiatives, which will resume once Covid settles down.

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