VANDERBIJLPARK.- The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) is celebrating Khomotso Comfort Ramabokela, a proud alumnus of VUT, for his outstanding contribution to healthcare and the recognition he recently received as “Celebrate of the Year” across South Africa and the African continent.
At 29 years old, the professional nurse and shift leader in the Emergency Department of Randfontein Private Hospital exemplifies the values, leadership, and compassion VUT strives to instil in its graduates.
Drawn to healthcare by a deep desire to help others, Ramabokela reflects, “I’ve always been interested in careers that allow me to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.”
His natural curiosity and drive to keep learning made nursing a perfect match.
“The opportunity to learn about the human body, respond in moments of crisis, and support people through their toughest times, that’s what motivates me.”
Ramabokela completed his Bachelor of Nursing Science at VUT in 2022, calling the experience life-changing.
“The education I received at VUT provided more than just knowledge. It gave me the foundation to navigate real-world challenges in the healthcare system,” he shares.
“My former VUT lecturers, Dikeledi Selepe, Dudu Motloba, Siya Rayise, Maria Mothebe, and Dr Rudo Ramalisa, were always available, supportive, and instrumental in shaping our understanding and skills.”
Today, that foundation supports him daily in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment.
As a shift leader, Ramabokela doesn’t just manage urgent medical cases; he leads a team, ensures quality care, and brings empathy, urgency, and calm to every situation.
He lives by these essential values in emergency care: empathy, calmness, urgency, leadership, and a hunger to keep learning.
“I want to continue developing in clinical and educational spaces,” he adds. “But I also value maintaining a healthy work-life balance and spending time with the people I love.”
Being named “Celebrate of the Year” felt deeply affirming. “It made me feel seen,” he says.
“It motivated me to keep learning, improving, and giving my best. It showed me that what we do matters.”
Still, the journey isn’t without its challenges.
Communication barriers, adapting to change, workload, and limited career development are all part of the reality.
But Ramabokela approaches each one with a problem-solving mindset.
“Good relationships with colleagues improve communication. Sharing the workload makes things manageable. Engaging in ongoing training opens doors,” he said.
Although he’s not yet involved in mentorship or outreach, he’s ready and willing. “I’d love to give back and support future nurses and students, especially in the VUT community. That’s where my journey started, and I’m proud of that,” he said.