03/10/2026
๐๐ก๐ข๐ซ๐ ๐๐ง๐ง๐ฎ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ง๐ข๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ข๐ฆ๐ฉ๐จ๐ฉ๐จ ๐๐จ๐จ๐ค ๐
๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐๐ฅ
๐๐ซ ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐๐ก๐ข๐ฌ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ก๐จ๐ฐ๐๐๐ฌ๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ฆ๐จ๐ข๐ซ ๐๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ ๐๐จ๐จ๐ค ๐
๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐๐ฅ
The University of Limpopo was honoured to welcome alumna Dr Olive Sono Shisana, who showcased her memoir, Seeing Through the Storm, at the UL Book Festival.
Dr Shisana is a proud alumna of the institution, having graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of the North, now the University of Limpopo. Born and raised in a rural South African village during the apartheid era, Dr Shisana came of age in a society shaped by inequality, division and resistance. Her commitment to justice and activism ultimately led her into exile, where she continued to build a life dedicated to public service and social transformation.
From her experiences in exile, she went on to establish an accomplished career in public health leadership, serving as Director-General of South Africaโs Department of Health, Executive Director at the World Health Organization (WHO), and Chief Executive Officer of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC). Throughout her career, she has contributed to shaping policies and systems that have impacted millions of lives, including responses to HIV and AIDS, maternal and womenโs health, gender-based violence, and global health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Seeing Through the Storm goes beyond a record of professional accomplishments. It offers an honest reflection on the realities of leadership, the personal sacrifices that accompany public service, institutional challenges, moments of uncertainty, and the resilience required to remain committed to oneโs values.
In the memoir, Dr Shisana also acknowledges the mentors, colleagues and communities who influenced her journey and gave deeper meaning to her work. Her story serves as an inspiring reminder that leadership grounded in integrity, courage, conviction and service can help drive meaningful and lasting change. For those navigating their own challenges in public service, healthcare, leadership or life, Seeing Through the Storm offers both a personal account and a source of inspiration.
The University of Limpopo celebrates Dr Shisanaโs remarkable journey from an alumna of the institution to a distinguished public health leader and author, and appreciates her contribution to the UL Book Festival and the promotion of literature, knowledge and lifelong learning.
