LIMPOPO – As the Ruta Sechaba Foundation marks its 10-year anniversary, the organisation is highlighting the journeys of young South Africans who have navigated life beyond matric and university admission.

Among the most inspiring stories is that of Boikhutso Sekgobela, a young woman who is now in her final year of medicine at the University of Cape Town (UCT).

From foundation cohort to final-year medicine student

Sekgobela, a former learner at Meridian Northern Academy, was part of the Foundation’s inaugural cohort in 2016. A decade later, she is set to become the first doctor to emerge from the Ruta Sechaba Foundation programme.

Raised by a single mother, Sekgobela faced significant financial challenges growing up. Following the death of her father, the family’s circumstances became even more difficult, placing her dream of becoming a doctor under immense pressure.

Despite the obstacles, she remained focused on her goals, drawing strength from her family, particularly her sister, who continually encouraged her to persevere.

“She always reminded me that I deserve to be where I am and that I had already overcome so much,” Sekgobela said.

A life-changing acceptance to UCT medicine

One of the defining moments in her journey came when she received confirmation that she had been accepted to study medicine at UCT before even opening her matric results.

“I was in the kitchen when I got the acceptance letter. I called my sister immediately and she told me to pack my bags because we were going to Cape Town,” she recalled.

Recognition as a top academic achiever opened doors to further opportunities, including support from the Ruta Sechaba Foundation.

According to Sekgobela, the assistance eased the financial burden on her family and allowed her to focus on excelling academically.

“It helped a great deal financially, especially for my mom. It changed the focus from whether I would finish high school to how well I would finish,” she said.

Adjusting to university life and independence

While her academic achievements have been remarkable, Sekgobela says the transition from school to university brought challenges that are often overlooked.

“The freedom surprised me the most. It is overwhelming, hard to navigate and scary because you can get lost in it,” she explained.

She identified self-discipline as one of the toughest lessons she had to learn.

“The hardest part was deciding how I would live my life. Would I go to class even when I didn’t feel like it? Building discipline was the biggest challenge.”

Breaking misconceptions about top achievers

Sekgobela also believes there are misconceptions about top-performing students.

“People assume we enjoy studying, and that is not always true. For some of us, education is the way out of difficult circumstances,” she said.

Her path to medicine was not always guaranteed. At one stage, bursary opportunities were available for actuarial science rather than medicine.

Through the Foundation’s network, however, she was able to access support that helped her remain committed to her dream of becoming a doctor.

A message of perseverance and purpose

Now preparing for graduation, she encourages other young people to remain focused on their goals despite setbacks and self-doubt.

“The goal must remain the goal. It gets tough and imposter syndrome is real. But you must remind yourself why you are there and that you got the opportunity because you are capable,” she said.

Leadership reflections on long-term impact

Executive for Strategic Relations at Curro and the Ruta Sechaba Foundation, Natasha Mkhize, said Sekgobela’s story embodies the organisation’s mission.

“Boikhutso’s journey captures exactly why the work of the Foundation matters. Access alone is never enough. Young people need support, mentorship, continuity and people who keep believing in them long after the acceptance letter arrives,” said Mkhize.

“Seeing her on the verge of qualifying as a doctor shows what becomes possible when opportunity is matched with sustained investment in potential.”