From childhood dream to clinic leader: Nurse Gladys Makgalatiba paves the way in Pretoria North
Having grown up in Limpopo dreaming of a career in healthcare, a local nurse is opening new doors as a leader in private primary healthcare.
For Nurse Gladys Makgalatiba, nursing has been a childhood dream that grew into a passion for helping others.
Growing up in Limpopo, Makgalatiba said she knew at age seven or eight that she wanted to become a nurse.
Her nursing journey has now brought her to a new chapter as a clinic leader at Mpathy Clinic, a nurse-owned primary private healthcare clinic in Pretoria North.
Her late father would often ask her what she wanted to be when she grew up, and her answer remained the same.
“I always said I wanted to be a nurse,” she said.
At first, her interest was influenced by what she saw nurses wearing.
“I liked the uniform because they were white dresses, and they looked smart. I thought I was going to get married to a doctor and have a good life,” she said.
As she grew older, however, her reasons changed.
“I realised I just love helping people. I feel the pain when someone is in pain, and then when I help them, I feel satisfied in a certain way,” she said.
For Makgalatiba, the role represents both professional growth and a personal milestone. She hopes to pave the way for her children, nieces, and nephews, as she was the first person in her family to graduate.
“I wanted to be the first to pave the business side of the story. So, personally, it’s a big milestone and big growth for me,” she expressed.
Her experiences with patients have reinforced her belief that nursing requires compassion, particularly when caring for people facing difficult circumstances.
“Just being there for them, just being able to lend a hand where we can,” she said.
As she takes on her new leadership responsibilities, Makgalatiba hopes to continue making a difference.
“If you’ve got the heart for it, go for it.”
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