Local driver becomes award-winning nurse

Jacob Lesetsa Makgoba’s career took a meaningful turn when he transitioned from transporting patients to treating them as a nursing assistant.

Now an enrolled nursing assistant at the Bertha Gxowa Hospital, Makgoba credits his time as a hospital driver with sparking his passion for nursing.

“Working as a driver and being close to patients made me realise nursing was the right path for me,” he said.

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After qualifying at the Baragwanath Nursing College (2011-2014), Makgoba joined the Bertha Gxowa Hospital, where he helped set up the surgical ward’s wound care unit.

“The shift from driver to nurse came with challenges. I had to adapt my skills from navigating traffic to caring for people.

“My experience as a driver helped me understand hospital systems and patient flow, which I now use daily in my nursing role. I am proud that I have successfully adapted through focusing on self-care and collaborating with colleagues,” he explained.

Makgoba finds his greatest reward in seeing patients recover and reunite with their families. His dedication extends beyond his duties; he once helped transport a patient to Pretoria during his time off, filling in for a driver shortage.

He credits the hospital with supporting his personal and professional growth, marking milestones such as getting married and buying a home. On International Nurses’ Day, he was named best escort nurse, a recognition that fuels his motivation.

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Encouraging others to follow their goals, Makgoba said, “You can achieve anything you put your heart to. I knew what I wanted and went for it, and I’m still aiming higher.”

Makgoba inspires youth to take bold steps, saying, “You can achieve everything and anything you put your heart to. I knew what I wanted and went for it, and I’m still going to achieve more,” said Makgoba.