Stanger’s own guardian angel is taking to the skies

All rescue personnel are guardian angels but only the very best of them get wings.

Netcare 911‘s Zodwa Msibi is breaking barriers and leaving behind a trail of smiles in her mission to take to the skies as the first black woman in South Africa to be part of an air rescue crew.

Born in Newcastle, the spirited 29 year old now lives in Stanger and works at Alberlito Hospital as a basic life support practitioner. She is currently undergoing the necessary training with Netcare 911 to become one of their elite air rescue personnel. She should graduate within the next month.

“The first time they lowered me in the harness was pretty nerve wracking, especially for someone who had never been in a helicopter before,” said Mbisi.

“But as soon as it was over I wanted to go again!”

She was named Netcare’s Carer of the Year in 2016 for a project of hers that sees her visit underprivileged schools giving talks for the girls.

“I talk to the girls about things like sex, STD’s, the changes their bodies go through and just any girl-stuff that they have questions about.”

Mbisi has good reason for wanting to help these schoolgirls.

“I fell pregnant while I was still in high school and my father disowned me.”

This did not discourage her though, as she buckled down and finished matric, surprising her father so much that he started talking to her again. At first she wanted to be either a teacher or social worker after school but a little parental pressure steered her towards a career in rescue services, and she says she loves it.

“When you save a life there’s adrenaline and all that, but there is also a feeling that I cannot describe.”

Mbisi said she enjoys spending her free time with her family and listening to house music.

“I just want to thank all my family for their support as well as Netcare 911 for this amazing opportunity to improve myself with their training.”

So rest assured that if you ever find yourself being airlifted to safety, you will be in the best hands possible.

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