Award-winning audiology student, Fisokuhle Makhanya, is championing hearing health in the public healthcare system, reaching communities that often lack essential services.
Cape Town, South Africa (17 July 2025) – For University of Cape Town (UCT) audiology student, Fisokuhle Makhanya, his journey into the field was inspired by a fascination for the physics of sound in high school, coupled with a deepening interest in health sciences.
When it was time to pick his course of study in university, audiology piqued his interest, and he hasn’t looked back since, a decision that has helped Fisokuhle tap into his passion, a promising career and earned him national recognition.
According to UCT, Fisokuhle was presented with the National Medical Award in the Health Sciences Student category from the Alliance of South African Independent Practitioners Association (ASAIPA) last year. He was the only audiology student in the country to receive the honour.
Fisokuhle, who is also the head of audiology at SHAWCO Health, has made it his personal mission to educate underserved communities on the importance of hearing health.
He helps provide services to communities that often fall through the cracks of the healthcare system. But it hasn’t been without challenges.
“Audiology is very technology dependent. For example, without calibrated equipment, we simply can’t screen patients effectively,” he said.
Despite facing challenges like limited equipment and funding, his relentless advocacy and leadership have secured crucial resources for SHAWCO, enabling the continued operation of vital clinics.
Makhanya believes one of the biggest issues in community health is a general lack of awareness, both among the public and other healthcare professionals.
“Sometimes, even doctors don’t realise that a patient’s dizziness, for example, could be an audiological issue,” he said.
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“A lot of hearing-related conditions go untreated simply because people don’t know who to turn to,” Fisokhule said.
“That’s why public education is such a key part of what we do.”
His efforts have brought much-needed awareness to a critical issue, and he has no plans of stopping there.
“This work is personal. It’s about dignity, equity, and ensuring that every South African, regardless of where they live, has access to the care they deserve,” a determined Fisokhule said.
Sources: University of Cape Town
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