As Nothando Mhlanga steps on to the stage during the 2026 Autumn Graduation Ceremonies to receive her degree, the moment is more than a personal triumph — it is a milestone imbued with the hopes and pride of her entire village, as the first person from her community to become a medical doctor.
From a rural village in Bergville to the medical profession, a 37-year-old University of Limpopo graduate rises to become her community’s first doctor — inspiring hope for generations to come
By Reuben Maake – Reuben.maake@ul.ac.za
Nothando Mhlanga is making waves as the first medical doctor from her rural village of Reserve B in Bergville, within the Okhahlamba Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, after graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from the University of Limpopo (UL)
Having enrolled in her early 30s, at a stage when many are already established in their careers, and now graduating at the age of 37, her achievement marks a significant milestone not only for her family as a personal victory, but also as a beacon of hope for an entire community that has long faced limited access to healthcare and educational opportunities.
When Mhlanga walked across the stage during the 2026 Autumn Graduation Ceremonies to receive her degree, it was more than a personal triumph — it was a moment that embodied the hopes and pride of her entire village.
Raised in Reserve B, a small rural area in Bergville, her upbringing was shaped by both strong family support and the realities of limited resources. Growing up in an extended family under the care of her grandparents and uncle, she says their support fuelled her dreams.
“Growing up in an extended family, I was always encouraged to strive for the best,” she recalls.
Her journey took a significant turn when she received a bursary from the South African National Defence Force, and the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority, enabling her to pursue her MBChB degree at UL in 2020.
“The bursary allowed me to focus fully on my studies without financial stress,” she says. “Coming from a rural village like Reserve B motivated me to work even harder and make the most of every opportunity.”
Despite this support, the journey was far from easy. Mhlanga faced moments of self-doubt, academic pressure, and the demanding workload of medical school.
“I am proud because I know how much I sacrificed and how many times I doubted myself — but I kept going.”
Her first year proved particularly challenging, especially in subjects such as chemistry and physics, which required additional effort.
“It had been a long time since I had done those subjects, so I had to put in extra effort to catch up,” she explains.
Through perseverance, discipline, and consistency, she overcame these challenges. Rather than relying on complex study methods, Mhlanga focused on understanding concepts, revising consistently, and engaging in group discussions. Classical music became her companion during long study sessions, helping her stay calm and focused.
Graduating cum laude came as both a surprise and a deeply emotional reward.
“I am proud because I know how much I sacrificed and how many times I doubted myself,” she says.
Mhlanga is currently serving as an intern at 1 Military Hospital in Pretoria under the South African National Defence Force, continuing her journey in medicine.
Looking ahead, Mhlanga is considering specialising in anaesthesia, drawn to the precision and responsibility the field demands.
“The idea of rendering someone unconscious and safely bringing them back is incredibly important. Every decision matters, and that challenge motivates me,” she says.
