Cattle herder becomes psychologist

SECUNDA – Mr Martin Mgcina’s story is the classic tale of going from rags to riches.

He was born in a rural area in Barberton and is one of three children.

Being the only boy in the family, it was his job to take care of the cattle.

“My family was poor and there was no money for studies.”

He loved school and playing soccer.

“Growing up in those days was not easy. My family suffered financially and I knew that if I wanted to become something more than a cattle herder, I would have to rise above my circumstances and make the best of a bad situation. I remember liking a girl from our village, but her mother chased me away and told her daughter that dating a cattle herder was not what she had in mind for her.”

That made him more determined to get out of cattle herding and the bush and to change his circumstances.

Mr Mgcina did not let politics or poverty determine his destiny.

“Things were not good for a cattle herder in the 1990s.”

Opportunities were scarce, but in Grade 10 he decided that he wanted to become a clinical psychologist.

He matriculated in 1990 and the only way out of the rural community, was to join the army.

Mr Mgcina became an instructor in the SANDF’s infantry school with the rank of full corporal in 1993.

“I did some soul searching and asked myself whether that was what I really wanted to do.”

He approached his commanding officer and told him about his dream to continue his studies.

“He said men in the army belong on the battlefield facing bullets, not sitting and listening to other people’s problems the whole day.”

His request was denied, but it did not stop him from pursuing his dream.

In 1995 he saved enough money to enroll at the University of Zululand in Empangeni.

He finished his BA-Honours degree first class, as well as his Master’s degree in clinical psychology at Medunsa.

Mr Mgcina worked for the government and in 2006 decided to go into private practice.

“Many people discouraged me, but I told them I would give it a try. In my heart I knew I would not listen to negativity and I began associating with positive, like-minded people who had the same dreams and goals that I had. That was one of the best things I had ever done.”

Mr Mgcina is a big supporter of Carl Rogers’ client centred approach.

He believes that healing takes place in the right environment and that it causes people to blossom.

He acknowledges the Springbok rugby team sport psychologist, Dr Henning Gericke, who motivated him to continue his studies and be successful.

“Captain, as we called him in those days, is the man behind my success.”

As a clinical psychologist, Mr Mgcina is trained to treat patients with post-traumatic stress disorder, drug rehabilitation, couples therapy and any other psychological problems.

He said: “People are cruel by nature.

“I incorporate Christian values in my work and dealing with patients. I realised that you do not have to slaughter a cow to please God, because He is already happy that I am fulfilling my soul purpose.”

As a student he was trained in many religions, but Christianity is vital to him.

“Faith and education are my number one survival tools.”

Mr Mgcina is a single father of four children.

He treats his patients the same way as he would treat his family.

He is on duty 24 hours and is always available for anybody who needs his assistance.

“I was crucified with Christ, and now I live within Him. My fellow man is my life now and I will help them the same way that Jesus helped His followers. I am here to help people realise their full potential and live their dreams.”

His message to the community is: “In life, walk gently, make little noise until you reach your objective because people will ruin your dreams.”