WOMEN-IN-HEALTH CLUB: A POWERFUL TRIBUTE TO A TRAILBLAZING FIGURE IN SA MEDICINE

Inspired by the legacy of its founding dean and stalwart, Professor Marina Xaba-Mokoena, the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences recently launched a Women-in-Health Club in her honour and as an endeavour to sustain her values and principles.

The announcement of the Prof Xaba Mokoena Women-in-Health Club, made by the Faculty Executive Dean, Professor Wezile Chitha, marked a significant moment in the journey towards gender equity and leadership in healthcare.

The establishment of this newly formed Club, which saw about 40 women admitted as its founding members, represents the faculty’s deliberate approach to creating a platform for mentorship, leadership development and collaborative engagement.

“This Club seeks to honour Prof Xaba Mokoena’s pioneering spirit by cultivating and institutionalising a vibrant community of women leaders in health who are committed to excellence, equity, ethical leadership and social accountability. It is an initiative to both recognising emerging and affirming the development of women leaders in the health sector as a deliberate investment for our shared future,” Chitha explained.

Not built just for impact, but for longevity and transformation, Chitha outlined the Club will be underpinned by 5 strategic goals, namely, Legacy activation, Leadership Development, Community Practice, Visibility and Voice, Equity and Accountability.

One of the inaugurated members of the Club, medical doctor, lecturer, and clinical governance advisor, Dr Bomkazi Majeke, said the recognition was a personal milestone. “It is a signal to me and others in the health sector that dedication and impact do not go unnoticed,” said Majeke.

Majeke added that she finds it encouraging and appreciates the faculty for such initiatives that create a space for women to be celebrated and uplifted.

Meanwhile, in a powerful and heartfelt statement, Xaba-Mokoena gave her commitment to supporting and ensuring that the Club succeeds and thrives. “This feels like a full circle moment. It is not just symbolic, rather it is a continuation of my life’s work. So, allow me to say to you, I’m still here and will help you achieve whatever goals you have for the Club. I would love to help brainstorm ways to make it thrive,” said Xaba-Mokena.

Chitha concluded by mentioning two initial programmes that will run under the auspices of the Club, which aim at building leadership from within. The emerging Leaders Development Initiative (LDI) which will focus at empowering high-potential individuals with leadership skills and the Faculty Administration Training Programme (FATP), which will focus on strengthening administrative competencies, in preparation for future management roles.

By Thandeka Mgqibi