Commentator, medical doctor is now LLB graduate – Dr Ronnie Masilela

Dr Ronnie Masilela, a 71-year-old multifaceted individual from Glenvista, has led a life marked by a diverse range of pursuits and achievements.

His ability to excel in various fields is a testament to his boundless energy, passion, and dedication. With a career spanning multiple decades, Masilela has made significant contributions to his community and beyond.

His inspiring story encompasses roles as a mineworker, radio commentator, teacher, pastor, and author – and now, he has also obtained an LLB degree from Unisa.

June brought double delight for the Masilela family, as their daughter Sibongile also graduated with her second degree – a Bachelor of Education (cum laude) from Unisa.

Masilela said being a doctor was his dream, radio was his passion, teaching was his life, and law was something he loved. Given the time and opportunity, he believed he could pursue them all.

After leaving his post as a soccer commentator for Ukhozi FM under SABC to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor, he reflected on the hardship of the journey, which took nine years and included two years of BSc studies at Medunsa, now known as Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University.

“I have always worked in government hospitals. In 2000, I began my internship at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, followed by my community service. I then worked as a medical officer in the paediatric outpatient department.

“I told myself that I would stop at nothing to be a doctor. One day in 1988, when I picked up my wife from work, a nurse in primary healthcare, I told her I would be a doctor one day. The desire was so strong that even in my late 30s, I still had the passion. I joked that if I died before becoming a doctor, she would be in trouble because I would not allow myself to be buried.

“My grandparents’ health deteriorated, and they died in the late 70s. It worried me to see them suffer, and that prompted me to become a doctor. The seed was planted,” he said.

“I worshipped doctors. It was abnormal because they were like demigods to me.

“When I lived in Mamelodi, I knew all six doctors in the area. In Grade 12, I would often go to Dr Itsweng for advice, and he would tell me to work hard on my subjects, especially maths and science,” he noted.

In his late 30s, he applied to study medicine or a BSc, but all the universities turned him down. In 1990, he visited Wits to try his luck. A professor there advised him to stay at SABC and focus on climbing the corporate ladder instead.

He was told it was impossible for him to become a doctor.

“I told that professor it was not for him to decide. God would decide, and time would tell.

“I also made it clear that one day I would be a doctor. I reveal this to emphasise how difficult the journey was. If you have a dream, you must be relentless. Wits rejected me, but God had other plans.

“In 1991, Medunsa launched a part-time BSc programme for aspiring students. Fortunately, a spot was still available, as the programme only accepted 16 students,” he said.

“The journey was not easy. I failed my third year. I owed the university money, and they wanted to kick me out. In my final year in 1999, I returned from a nearby clinic after doing practicals and found my room locked. All my belongings were outside, and they had changed the locks. I spent a week sleeping in my car. Thankfully, the SRC helped me.”

Sibongile’s academic journey

She obtained her journalism degree in 2018 and worked as an intern reporter for eNCA.

Now, Sibongile has received her BEd degree (cum laude), and she is excited about the future.

“It is amazing to know that in life, you can start all over again. Journalism didn’t give me what I needed. I thank God I had the courage to start from scratch.

“Teaching children is my passion, and I am glad I took this opportunity. Listening to my parents helped.

“Graduating in the same month as my father was a great motivation. I feel humbled to have parents who encourage me to work hard and never give up. No matter the situation, they did what was best for me. They are persistent in seeking success, and I am glad I made them proud.

“I encourage any young person not to be afraid to start over. If something does not work out, start again – even if it is time-consuming. It is possible,” she said.

Her mother, Buselaphi, commended Dr Masilela’s gift for storytelling. She said his story can be read in his 2016 book, But I Survived, available online, on Amazon, or at Exclusive Books in Mall of the South.