In the small village of Kamhlushwa, Mpumalanga, young Portia Mashaba dreamt of a future far beyond the boundaries of her humble beginnings. Growing up, she didn’t have the privilege of witnessing many healthcare professionals, let alone female doctors, in her community.
Despite the lack of role models, she held onto a desire to make a difference in people’s lives. “From the age of seven, I knew I wanted to be a doctor,” Mashaba reminisces, her eyes alight with determination.
Driven by her passion for helping others, Mashaba embarked on a journey of self-discovery, pushing herself beyond the confines of her comfort zone. She sought out opportunities to shadow doctors, to understand their work, and to envision her place in the medical world.
Becoming a medical trailblazer
Along the way, she encountered challenges, especially as a black woman in a field often dominated by men. But with each obstacle, Mashaba found strength in the belief that she could be a trailblazer for future generations.
She started her studies in 2012 at the Sefako Makgatho University ( SMU) in Gauteng. Today she is a practicing physician at Rob Ferreira Hospital in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, armed not only with her medical knowledge but also with a profound sense of purpose.
While she awaits the opportunity to begin her specialist training, she refuses to remain idle. Instead, she channels her energy into community engagement and advocacy, determined to make a difference wherever she can.
In the face of regulatory barriers and financial constraints, Mashaba’s journey toward specialist training is an indicator of broader systemic challenges within the healthcare sector. Reflecting on her own experience, she underscores the urgent need for ongoing education and adaption in the ever-evolving landscape of medicine.
She emphasises, “There is so much that one has to learn, every single day there are new diseases, new treatment plans.”
Her unwavering commitment to advancing her knowledge and skills serves as a beacon of hope, not just for herself but for future generations of healthcare professionals.
In her voice, there’s a tangible urgency as she speaks about the pressing issues facing women in her society. “Gender-based violence is a pandemic; we must educate women to recognise their worth, to understand their bodies, and to speak out against injustice.”
Champion for women and youth
Through radio broadcasts, church talks, and written articles, Mashaba strives to empower women with knowledge, equipping them to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and confidence. Her vision extends beyond individual empowerment. She believes in the power of community and collective action.
Whether she’s advocating for women’s clinics or championing sports programmes for youth, she sees each initiative as a step towards building a healthier, more equitable society.
“I don’t do things for applause,” Mashaba emphasises. “But when recognition comes, it serves as a reminder that my work matters. It fuels my determination to do even better, to reach even higher.”
As Mashaba looks towards the future, her eyes brim with hope and possibility. She knows that the road ahead will be fraught with challenges, but she’s undeterred. With each small step, each act of kindness, she’s laying the foundation for a brighter tomorrow – where every individual, regardless of gender or background, can thrive.
Listen to the full interview on the Health For Mzansi podcast:
Spotify: Click here to listen on Spotify (all mobile and other devices).
Apple Podcasts: Click here to listen on any Apple device.
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