Doctor shares about his humble beginnings

POLOKWANE – The doctor, from Royston Village in Molemole Municipality, says he knew from a very young age that he wanted to pursue medicine as a career.

“My grandfather suffered from diabetes and we only had access to a local clinic. I saw how much we struggled to get him to be seen by a doctor regularly so I felt like I needed to become a doctor to help the sick.”

His grandmother became a home-based caregiver after his grandfather passed.

“She cared for the sick in the village for as long as she could. That encouraged me to be compassionate towards other people.”

The inspirational doctor says he studied MBCHB through the University of Pretoria for six years before completing a post graduate Advanced Health Management Programme (AHMP) via Foundation for Professional Development FPD for another year and a half.  He is currently enrolled for a postgraduate diploma in HIV Management, with the College of Medicine SA.

Being in medical school was not easy, Mokumo says, but he had to find ways to adapt to the city and lifestyle.

There were a lot of temptations which could easily have distracted me, but I kept my focus.

Knowing his poor background, he did not want to sacrifice the opportunity of fulfilling his dream of becoming a doctor due to irresponsible behaviour.

“University is very expensive so I had to get a part time job to assist my parents in covering the costs.”

Mokumo says children from rural villages still face greater challenges when they go to higher learning institutions.

“The lack of resources and access to basic information such as libraries, laboratories and computer centres, remain a challenge.”

Asked what he liked most about his job and what makes it special, he says nothing makes him happier than seeing people who came into the hospital in pain, walking out with a smile.

“It is unfortunate that hospitals are overcrowded and patients have to wait in queues. This, however, gives me the opportunity to assist people in need every day and that is fulfilling.”

Mokumo, who is currently doing his community service year at WF Knobel Hospital in Ga-Matlala, reads a lot, listens to music and enjoys hanging out with friends in his free time.

“I also enjoy travelling and spending time with my family.”