UKZN student becomes KZN’s first African neurologist

Having completed his registrar training at UKZN, Dr Mahlubonke Dlwati, is KwaZulu-Natal’s first African neurologist. Born and raised in All Saints in the rural outskirts of Engcobo in the Eastern Cape, Dlwati is currently based in the Neurology Department at Grey’s hospital in Pietermaritzburg.

Speaking about his accomplishment, Dlwati said, ‘My parents used to say to me that success is a journey which is gradual but is eventual, you must be on a mission to succeed in life. Have goals and don’t forget your goals. You may have setbacks in your life but activate the spirit of accomplishment.’

‘My home is a stone throw away from the All Saints hospital. My late mother used to work as a nurse at the same hospital and I saw the suffering which was endured by the rural community at the hospital and later my mother suffered the same fate,’ recalled Dlwati.

After graduating with a medical degree from the University of Transkei (Walter Sisulu University), he went on to serve his internship in East London in Cecilia Makiwane hospital. After completing his internship in East London, Dlwati worked as a medical officer in the same hospital and thereafter joined the Department of Internal Medicine at King Edward VIII (KEH) hospital as a medical officer.

‘My wife then reminded me of my dream and I subsequently joined the UKZN registrar programme with the intention to later specialize in Neurology. My belief is that knowledge and determination enables you to succeed and it is the source of fulfillment and satisfaction,’ said Dlwati.

Source University of KwaZulu-Natal