At 16, she was a teenage mother with the odds stacked against her. Today, Dr Mumtaaz Emeran is not only saving lives but inspiring a nation that once helped save hers.
Johannesburg, South Africa (10 April 2025) – Dr Mumtaaz Emeran’s story is one of courage, resilience and the power of community.
It’s the kind of story that reminds us what’s possible when people come together, not just to help, but to believe in someone who never stopped believing in herself.
Years ago, a young woman known as Taz on social media found herself in an almost impossible situation. She had done everything right… overcome hardship, studied relentlessly and written her final medical school exam.
But just one day later, her dream of graduating as a doctor was threatened by a R470,000 debt.
“I was born and raised in a disadvantaged community in Cape Town, where dreams normally fall on the wayside,” she shared. “Before I fell pregnant I had fallen in with a bad crowd and given up on my dreams.”
At 16, she gave birth to her son, who spent two months in neonatal ICU. That moment was the turning point.
“It made me realise I had to take care of him. From that very moment I decided to turn my life around.”
She moved to Johannesburg to chase her dream of becoming a doctor, even though many in her community didn’t support her decision to leave her baby behind. But she had the love of her mother and stepfather, who helped her push through.
Through years of hard work and part-time jobs, she got herself to her final year at WITS. She had secured a sponsor. Everything seemed on track… until it wasn’t. Due to corruption within the foundation, the money meant for her fees never arrived. And just like that, she was told she wouldn’t graduate.
But Mumtaaz didn’t give up.
She recorded a five-minute video and posted it on Instagram, explaining everything and asking for help. Her honesty, her grit, and her heart struck a chord. Within 24 hours, South Africans rallied together, donations came flooding in, and with the help of generous individuals and Standard Bank, the full amount was raised — and more.
“I am in complete awe and still speechless by the love and kindness shown to me by South Africa. I felt alone while struggling during the first years of my degree and now I feel like South Africa is my family,” she said.
That was the end of one chapter… and the beginning of a powerful new one.
Dr Mumtaaz Emeran is now a qualified medical doctor, a general practitioner and the Health Coordinator at the DG Murray Trust, where she manages five mobile clinics across Gauteng. She’s also a mental health and wellness advocate, keynote speaker and a voice for unemployed doctors in South Africa. And through it all, she continues to champion the cause of teenage pregnancy prevention.
She didn’t just fight to change her life… she’s using her platform to change the lives of others.
This story matters because it’s more than just a feel-good moment. It’s a reminder that good people still exist. That community can be powerful. And that even when the odds are against you, there’s always a way forward.
Dr Taz, South Africa is proud of you.
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