Masoyi-born tutor Dr Thami Nyundu climbs the ranks
"I really worked hard to get to where I am. There are no shortcuts in life. All that we have to do is wake up and work hard.''
The young and charming Dr Thami Nyundu (34) from Mganduzweni, just outside White River is one of the province’s best examples of a success story.
Nyundu is a lecturer and medical researcher at the school of medicine at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, formerly Medunsa.
Passion and hard work lead to academic honours for young scientist
Nyundu shared with Lowvelder Express that he is where he is today because of hard work and resilience.
He said he had always wanted to succeed in life and therefore put in extra effort in everything he did.
Nyundu was raised by a single mother after his father, a mine worker, died in a horrific accident in 2001.
Due to financial constraints he could not go to university after passing his matric with flying colours in 2002. He said he only began his tertiary studies in a BSc degree two years later at the University of Limpopo.
The sky is the limit for eDwaleni born nurse
He would volunteer as a medical assistant at ACTS Clinic in Mganduzweni during holidays.
His hard work was noticed by the medical director of the Clinic, Dr Hardman and her husband,
Rev Harry Munnings, who supported him financially until he completed his honours degree.
Nyundu holds a bachelor’s of science degree, a BSc honours degree in physiology from the University of Limpopo, a master of science in medicine and a PhD in cardiovascular medicine from Wits.
He is currently pursuing an MBA. He is also a co-director of Rove Ambitions, a competitive vendor/supplier company in the mining industry based in Kriel.
“In my line of work, I need to always equip myself with more knowledge, which means I have to find time to fit in all the preparation, teaching, marking and doing practicals, alongside an active research programme which includes postgraduate supervision,” he said.
His career choices in the medical field were ignited after an academic trip to Medunsa while he was still in matric.
“Seeing the science, medical and dental students in their lab coats sparked interest and I knew that this was where I wanted to be,” he continued.
His highlights include obtaining his honours and master’s degree with distinctions and receiving the Vice- Chancellor’s Research and Teaching Award for best overall upcoming lecturer.
“It takes one to believe in the power of their dreams to succeed in life, working hard and praying hard,” he advised.
