7 Friends started their studies together at the University of the Free State, leaning on one another for support and have now graduated as doctors.
Moliehi Mareka, Mahlatse Mothiba, Tshepang Motete, Thato Mosehle, Toni Motseoile, Lungile Mkhungo and Lijeng Lefosa have all graduated as doctors from the University of Free State.
The ladies came from a first year class of 130 people and were bonded from that moment onwards. They united in their similar backgrounds and struggles. What started as a way to get through the coursework, turned in an unbreakable friendship.
Now they look forward to their next steps in the medical field. In an interview with Times Live, they ladies confirmed all that they look forward to and all they hope to overcome.
“We are prepared for anything and everything; our MBChB prepared us for the worst. We are confident that we will be able to handle whatever comes our way,” said Tshepang Motete, 24.
Tshepang is the first person in her family to become a doctor and is determined to rise despite her rural upbringing in the Free State. She never gave up on her dream and now she is moments away from taking her first step into the hospital as a doctor.
“It wasn’t easy to adapt to so many changes, for example, we had to use technological devices a lot. Staying at the university’s residence really made a difference because senior students were there to help us,” she said.
Tshepang wasn’t the only woman in the group that had to overcome a rural education. Most of the young women are making history in their own families. Thato Mosehle, 23 said she was excited to qualify and hopes to change the mindsets of the people she treats.
“I believe our programme prepared us for anything really. However, I am just concerned about stereotypes among our people,” said Mosehle.
“There are patients who would prefer an older (nursing) sister over a young doctor. There are males who prefer to be attended to by other males, but I am strong enough to handle all that.”
The women hope to break boundaries within their communities. They hope that their story inspires other young black girls to push past their struggles and stereotypes, and follow thier dreams. This was the very reason why Thato became a doctor, she saw the need in her community but also saw the lack of black doctors.
These inspirational friends will officially graduate on the 6th of December. Go out there and make South Africans proud ladies!
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