The Professor MCM Modiba Scholarship Fund

Meet Sphumelele Buthelezi who is currently
Studying Medicine at the Sefako Makgatho Health Science University.

Do you know when they say let perseverance be your engine and hope your fuel?

Sphumelele's story about how she ended up studying medicine is an interesting one. She initially applied for Medicine as her first choice and got accepted for her second being physiotherapy. At the time she has only ever heard of one physiotherapist and she didn't understand what they do exactly. Fast forward into the course she realised that this is not all she wanted to do.

"I wanted more, I wanted to start the process from the beginning..." she said

After completing her physiotherapy degree, she worked for three years, saved some money, went back to apply for medicine and got accepted the second time around.

" 5 years into medicine and I got to study surgery. There is so much to explore, It's fascinating. I was also inspired by Christiaan Barnard who was a South African cardiac surgeon who performed the first highly publicized heart transplant."

She adds, " This is a life-fulfilling journey, when you get into it, you need to work hard, align yourself with hard workers and people who share the same vision. Be prepared to see people less. A lot of people won't understand but it's part of the journey. "

We dont know about you, but we are inspired.

Meet Refilwe Thubakgale...
Currently studying Medicine at Sefako Makgatho Health Science University.

When we are young we know nothing but what our imagination feeds us. It's all so interesting to find out when and how people knew what they want to do and actually go ahead and pursue it. Refilwe made that discovery in Primary school.

" I was paging through a magazine and I saw this beautiful Dr, dressed in a crispy white coat. The content of the magazine said you must study everyday if you want to be a Dr. I wasn't doing that, I didn't even know it was possible but I knew I had to."

Professor Mphako Charles Martin Modiba was well respected and duly acknowledged for his contribution to training and encouraging young African doctors to pursue further studies and specialize. When asked about plans on furthering her studies...

"I am definitely going there, with the experience I got, I am leaning towards General surgery, it's quiet broad and you deal with almost everything. I am also having thoughts about super specializing. We will see how things work out..."

Refilwe's advice to the youth who want to take this path is that you must be passionate and hardworking.

Professor MCM Modiba's work ethic was systematic and orderly and he believed in serving the greater community.

You got this girl.

Meet Malope Khutso Marks...

Coming from the dusty streets of Ga-dikgale in Limpopo, Khutso knew he was never meant to conform to the standards of his peers then. He had to work hard, even harder to make his dream a reality. He believes his humility and courage will carry it through.

When asked about how and when his passion for Medicine was ignited, his face beamed with a smirk like he remembers it just like yesterday.

"I was in the 5th grade when I got sick and somehow by being in that Dr's room, I felt a sense of belonging. There was this passion, calmness and reassurance without saying. It was right there where I aspired to be just like that Dr. Healing people, like he did with me. I was also inspired by Dr Benjamin Carson because he was a man who was always willing to take risks and it resonates with my personality"

Challenges: The workload that comes with being a medicine student are quiet immense.

"You must be passionate about it if you want to make it through, Persevere and be consistent. "

It is without doubt that the biggest challenge is the financial implications.

"I was fortunate to be one of the beneficiaries of The Professor MCM Modiba Scholarship Fund and I will forever be grateful"

When he is not busy with his school work, Khutso enjoys reading motivational books.

We are proud of you Khutso.

We had an opportunity to have a chat with our scholars over lunch the other day. Talking about life, their backgrounds, challenges and schools in general. Totally inspiring, there is nothing like young vibrant minds who are eager to make a difference in the world.

Now it's your chance to meet the scholars and read up on their experiences.

Did you know?

From the 4th - 10th November it's National Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ( CPR) week.

CPR is an emergency lifesaving procedure performed when the heart stops beating. It can double or triple the chances of survival after cardiac arrest.

Don't wait until it's too late to learn. Knowing what to do in an emergency can help save a life.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) Heart disease and strokes are the leading cause of death and disability in South Africa. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa, 80% of heart diseases and strokes can be prevented. Research on drowning has revealed that in the five years between 2011 and 2015, there were an ave...

Did you know?

Today is Africa Day of Food and Nutrition Security.

In October 2010, the African Union in Kampala, Uganda, designated October 30 to be Africa Day of Food and Nutrition Security. This observance was established to attract new commitments to achieve the ultimate goal of ending hunger in Africa.

The main purpose is to serve as a platform for rallying political and financial commitments at all levels to address the contemporary challenges of food and nutrition insecurity in Africa. The event provides a platform at national, regional and continental levels to share experiences, knowledge and mutual learning, as well as measure progress in assuring food and nutrition security for all by governments and multi-stakeholder partners.

As we still commemorate World Stroke Week, one of the causes of a stroke is bad nutrition, which can lead to obesity among other things. This is one of the challenges stated in the South African Food and Nutrition Security Policy.

" Citizens have inadequate access to knowledge and resources to make optimal choices for nutritious and safe diets."

The South African government policy drafted in August 2003, in line with vision 2030 on Food and Nutrition security has five pillars which allow for multi-sectoral initiatives and programmes to combat hunger and education on proper nutrition.

* The availability of improved nutritional safety nets, including government-run, supported nutrition, feeding programmes and emergency food relief to name a few
* Improved nutrition education
* The alignment of Investment in Agriculture towards local economic development.
* Improved market participation of the emerging agricultural sector through private-private partnerships.
* Food and Nutrition Security Risk Management, including increased investment in research and technology to respond to production challenges.

So close, yet so far...

Africa Day of Food and Nutrition Security / October 30, 2019 Africa Day of Food and Nutrition Security is annually observed by all Africa states on October 30

"Today stroke is the leading cause of disability worldwide and the second leading cause of death, but almost all strokes could be prevented."

Read more on why stroke matters...

World Stroke Day campaign A stroke can happen to anyone, at anytime and anywhere. Today stroke is the leading cause of disability worldwide and the second leading cause of death, but almost all strokes could be prevented.

World Stroke Week

Tuesday, 29th of October is World Stroke Day and South Africa commemorates World Stroke Week from 28 October till 03 November to raise awareness about the symptoms of stroke and the importance of taking treatment for recovery.

There is no doubt that most of us have heard and/or been in the presence of someone who has suffered a stroke. The occurrence of stroke is increasing in part due to lifestyle factors including obesity and smoking, especially among people aged 18 - 50, so education about symptoms is more important than ever.

According to the heart and stroke foundation in South Africa, strokes claim nearly 70 lives daily in South Africa. SHOCKING!

Join us this week as we help raise awareness on stroke and what can be done to combat it.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

For the month of October, South Africa and most parts of the world raises awareness in both public and private healthcare structures of this debilitating disease across all races and class structures.

Heavenly Father,
Please be with all Cancer fighters,
Empower them with hope for each day,
Surround them with loving care, laughter and support
Grant them your complete healing.

To all survivors...
You all redefined Bravery, Courage and Strength. You are all warriors♥

Do you know what it means when you sign up for being a med student?

You have signed up for all the hard work you have to do...
For all the books you have to read,
For all the sleep you have to give up on,
For all the assignments you have to complete,
For all the plans you have to cancel,
For all the times you have to study until caffeine replaces the blood in your veins,
For all the kindness you have to show,
For all the proud moments you feel and
For all the happiness you have to gain knowing that you gave it your all.

Wouldn't it be great if you could help a student conquer it all without them worrying about their finances?

"Stethoscope is the only jewellery that can't be earned just by money. It can be earned by passion and hard work."

This is a sentiment that resonates with this group of scholars that The Professor MCM Modiba Scholarship Fund has the opportunity to see their passion through. I am beaming with pride because for them, this is not just science but love for humanity.

They exude dedication, passion, and perseverance. Coming from different backgrounds and different financial struggles nothing is stopping this bunch from reaching their goals.

We would like to thank everyone who is tirelessly contributing to their journey. There are so many like them that we are striving to assist. Your donations go a long way.