Even during her kindergarten years in Scenery Park, East London, in the Eastern Cape, Visisa Ntengo displayed a natural aptitude for caregiving. This nurturing spirit blossomed further during her primary and high school years, where she developed strong leadership skills through peer education and community involvement. It reached fruition when she became a nurse, dedicating herself to community healthcare.
Ntengo feels that caring is just a part of her family’s DNA. She recalls memories of her grandmother, Nobokozana Matebese, from Mooiplaas, East London, where she’d spent time during her childhood.
Her grandma was a traditional nurse, she says. Whenever a woman was giving birth, her grandma would be called to lend a helping hand.
But her grandma’s nurturing didn’t stop there. She had a knack for using herbs to heal, which Ntengo experienced firsthand when she accidentally burned her hand with hot porridge. Her gogo whipped up a herbal concoction that worked wonders on the burn.
“Caregiving runs through our blood.”
Even her mother, Ntomboxolo, started out selling muffins in East London. But her caring spirit led her to volunteer at the Masimanyane Women Support Centre for years. Her dedication paid off, eventually landing her a full-time role.
Strong values build a strong foundation
Raised by loving parents, Ntengo’s father worked as a gardener in nearby suburbs. Their home life was grounded in Christian values, which instilled a love of learning in Ntengo.
She spent a lot of time at home, she says, reading and helping with chores. “I guess you could say I was a bit of a bookworm, not exactly the most outgoing kid.”
Church, school, and a passion for social issues were the exceptions, says Ntengo. She actively participated in peer education, raising awareness about HIV/Aids children’s rights, human rights, gender-based violence, and rape, during her primary to high school days.
After matric, Ntengo pursued a bachelor of nursing at the University of Fort Hare from 2009 to 2012. University life presented a unique challenge for Ntengo.
“Used to my small family circle, I felt a bit overwhelmed by the large social environment. It took some time to adjust to all the different personalities and social situations.”
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A legacy of care
Ntengo’s healthcare journey began at the Stutterheim District Hospital, doing a community service programme and later as a professional nurse, from 2013 to 2019. Her dedication was quickly recognised, leading to an appointment as coordinator for fire drills and simulations in essential steps in managing obstetric emergencies (ESMOE).
In 2019, Ntengo secured a transfer closer to home, joining the Empilweni Gompo Community Healthcare Centre’s maternity ward. Here, her commitment continued to shine. She was once again chosen to coordinate fire drills and in-service training, while also taking on a team leader role.
“It’s all about dedication, empathy, and making a difference,” Ntengo explains. These values resonate deeply with her, and she often reflects on her late grandmother’s mark-making.
“I can only imagine how proud my grandmother would be to see me following in her footsteps, supporting women during childbirth.”
Soaring with passion and knowledge
Ntengo’s commitment to healthcare extends beyond patient care. Fuelled by a burning desire to educate others, she enrolled in a postgraduate diploma in nursing education at Stellenbosch University in 2023.
“Leading and guiding others towards a positive path is truly rewarding,” she explains.
Her dedication and expertise were recognised in 2022 when the Buffalo City Municipality District awarded her the best in long-term contraceptive insertion (Implanon and IUCD).
This accomplishment led to an even greater honour.
“I was nominated and invited to train and mentor newly qualified nurses on these insertion techniques.”
This recognition extended beyond individual achievement. Ntengo proudly shares that the Empilweni Gompo Community Healthcare Centre received a certificate of excellence for the high uptake in long-acting reversible contraceptives.
“These recognitions are incredibly motivating and fuel my desire to make a bigger impact,” she affirms.
Despite the challenges, Ntengo finds immense joy in her profession.
“Like any job, there are ups and downs, but witnessing a mother leave with a healthy baby? That truly warms my heart.”
For those considering a career in nursing, Ntengo offers a heartfelt piece of advice: “Dedication and a strong understanding of human relationships are key. You’ll encounter patients who might not always understand you, but your responsibility is to ensure they feel understood and cared for, regardless of the situation. If you can’t embrace that, the difficulties will outweigh the rewards.”
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