Defying poverty to graduate as a medical doctor summa cum laude

06 May 2024 was not a normal day for Dr Thembelihle Angel Maziya, who graduated as the only black female of 14 students who completed UKZN’s difficult MBChB programme summa cum laude.

The 24-year-old Highveld Secondary School matriculant from a small village called Tjakastad in Mpumalanga province said she was happy to be home and servicing her community as a medical intern at Rob Ferreira Hospital in Nelspruit.

‘It feels good and gives me a sense of accomplishment. It makes me believe that nothing is impossible if you give it your all and put God by your side. I honestly feel very honoured, and I’m grateful to God for making such a thing possible for me,’ Maziya said.

Her friends and family are extremely proud of her. ‘They underpin the testimony: hard work pays,’ she said.

Maziya said knowing what she wanted and why she came to medical school saw her through her degree. ‘I was able to get my priorities straight, which involved organising my study material early, finding a suitable learning style for myself, and seeking help when needed. I would often go the extra mile when trying to gather data to understand some chapters and sometimes join study groups and watch YouTube videos.’

‘I am a person who appreciates science and a lifelong learner; knowing that medicine is rooted in science and is a dynamic profession made me want to take the role of improving the health of people based on science and continue learning new things every day.’

Maziya said her fondest memory of medical school was when she had to do group and bedside discussions in the hospital because it was where she had the opportunity to learn quite a bit and manage real-life patients. ‘Although it was difficult, it made me feel like a doctor and gave insight into what I should expect during my internship. I also had the privilege of making friends, which helped me experience many things regarding my social life.’

‘I am the firstborn in my family, the first one to attend varsity, and my parents are unemployed.’

Maziya said her greatest support was her family and the friends she made in medical school. My greatest motivation to complete the degree was the fact that I had to study to get my family out of poverty, to be able to afford my own basic needs of life, and, of course, to go back and serve my community in Mpumalanga, which is what I am doing.

Her future aspirations are to further her studies, specialise in obstetrics and gynaecology or surgery, and have a stable family. ‘I also want to invest in property and the logistics business,’ said the visionary.

When not dedicating her time to patients, Maziya loves travelling, gardening, swimming and bowling.