Languages: 
A tumultuous journey filled with tragedy, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and financial struggles has ended in an incredibly inspirational victory for former taxi driver, now Bachelor of Medicine graduate, Lindani Mzize.
From the tragic loss of his mother at a young age to battling mental health issues, his path to becoming a surgeon has been plagued by challenges that would have deterred others.
At the tender age of 14, the 26-year-old from Jali Location in Bizana, witnessed the unimaginable when his mother was shot and killed in his presence, leading to years of battling with PTSD.
Although the occurrence disrupted his entire life, it ignited his passion for medicine and saving lives.
“It affected my social life in some ways. I could not even make friends. To some extent, I was challenged academically because whenever I had an episode, I couldn't concentrate and focus on studies. It would be so challenging for me because there was no one who could possibly understand what I was going through,” said Mzize.
On top of having to deal with that terrible ordeal, financial struggles took center stage as well, forcing Mzize to take on odd jobs like driving taxis, which he balanced with his studies to make ends meet.
Despite the odds stacked against him, Mzize remained undeterred, and persisted in his pursuit to succeed in medical studies.
“Struggling financially kept me going, funny enough. I wanted to do it for my late mother who believed in me and taught me almost everything at a young age. Today I'm proud to say I dedicate this degree to her, she deserved better. I'll always love her,” said Mzize.
The graduate’s story offers motivation not only for prospective medical professionals but also for those confronting seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Despite the many setbacks, he emerges as the first doctor from his village and the second local doctor from his area.
By Yanga Ziwele
