Determined former teacher blazes a trail in medical field

From a classroom in rural Ngqamakwe to specialist training, Dr Phathiswa Sifuba-Makapela’s journey has broken new ground for young people hoping to build careers in medicine.

Originally from Ngqamakwe in the former Transkei, Sifuba-Makapela has become the first candidate to qualify as a chemical pathology specialist through the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) Nelson Mandela Academic Laboratory and Walter Sisulu University — a breakthrough for local training capacity in the province.

Her journey reflects a non-linear but determined path into medicine.

After completing a BSc at what is now Walter Sisulu University, she spent six years working as a teacher before returning to pursue her medical career.

Moulding clay into scenes inspired by his surroundings along the Cacadu River as a child laid the foundation for Solomzi Mjayezi, who is now the founder and director of Artside Space, a creative branding and art consultancy established in 2016. Now 44, Mjayezi has grown into a respected multi-disciplinary creative whose work spans visual art, design, murals, branding and event curation. But his journey began in the rural village of Mambendeni near Gcuwa in the Eastern Cape, where access to resources was limited and art was not seen as a clear career path. “I didn’t want to simply create; I wanted to build something that could potentially open doors for other people too,” he said. Mjayezi describes himself as largely self-taught, with his natural talent shaped over time through practice and persistence. He later enrolled at East London College, now Buffalo City College, where he studied graphic design. “That helped me understand structure and gave me tools to take my creativity more seriously,” Mjayezi said. Today, he works full-time as a creative entrepreneur. Through Artside Space, he collaborates with a wide network of artists, designers, photographers and event coordinators, depending on the needs of each project. His work is grounded in storytelling, often drawing from rural life, African heritage and the lived experiences of ordinary people. “A lot of my inspiration comes from where I come from, our stories, our culture and our history,” he said. “I’m also inspired by struggle heroes and people whose journeys carry lessons that are still relevant today.” There were moments when things moved slowly and I had to figure things out on my own. But I stayed consistent. That’s what carried me through Despite his success, Mjayezi said the journey has not been easy. Growing up in a rural area meant limited opportunities, and at times he had to navigate his path alone. “There were moments when things moved slowly and I had to figure things out on my own. But I stayed consistent. That’s what carried me through,” he said. He believes he has also played a role in his growth. “People who know me would probably say I’m quiet but very focused. I take what I do seriously, especially when it comes to my community.” That sense of community is at the heart of Artside Space. For Mjayezi, the business is not just about personal success but about creating opportunities for others. “I didn’t want to be the only one who makes it out. There are so many talented people who just need a platform,” he said. Over the years, his work has helped create opportunities for many young creatives. In the past four years alone, through curating a full-day Artside Collective event presented at the Umtiza Arts Festival, he has created work for more than 42 artists. These artists come from areas including Qonce, Komani, Mdantsane, Amalinda, Phumlani, Buffalo Flats, Gqeberha, Bhisho and Hamburg. His work includes portraits of icons such as Nelson Mandela, Steve Biko, Oliver Tambo, Chris Hani, Credo Mutwa, and Black Coffee, among others. One of his most memorable moments was presenting a portrait to Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane, celebrating his journey from Engcobo to leadership. “Having the opportunity to meet and personally present the portrait to him was a humbling experience,” he said. “I was moved by his warmth and his embodiment of Ubuntu. His words of encouragement left a lasting impact on my journey.” While he has not yet begun trading internationally, Mjayezi has started building connections beyond SA. Through travels to places such as London, Mozambique and Tanzania, he has opened doors for future collaborations. “It’s still growing, but the foundation is there,” he said. In future, he hopes to grow Artside Space into a stronger creative hub, particularly for young people from rural areas. He is also interested in exploring how art can connect with technology in a changing world. To aspiring creatives, he said, “Start where you are. Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Use what you have, stay consistent and keep learning. Talent alone is not enough; you also need discipline and to understand the business side of what you do.” Click here to join the Daily Dispatch’s WhatsApp channel and get the latest news delivered straight to your phone Daily Dispatch

Chemical pathology is a specialised branch of medicine focused on diagnosing and monitoring disease through laboratory testing.

Specialists analyse blood and other body fluids to detect conditions ranging from diabetes and kidney disease to hormonal and metabolic disorders.

Their work is central to modern health care, informing treatment decisions, tracking patient progress and supporting clinicians with accurate, timely data.

Becoming a chemical pathologist requires a long and structured training pathway.

After completing a medical degree, graduates must undertake an internship and community service before entering registrar training in chemical pathology, which typically takes several years and combines clinical practice with laboratory-based work.

The process demands strong scientific grounding, attention to detail and a commitment to patient-centred care, even though much of the work happens behind the scenes.

Reflecting on her achievement, Sifuba-Makapela said it represented more than a personal milestone.

“This achievement means a great deal to me. It is not only a personal milestone, but a reminder of perseverance, faith, and the importance of never giving up on one’s dreams.”

Her training included time in Pretoria, where she completed part of her registrar programme before returning to the Eastern Cape to finish her specialisation.

That experience, she said, reinforced both the challenges and the importance of building specialist training pathways closer to home.

“For many years, doctors from rural and under-resourced areas have had to leave the province to complete specialist training,” she said.

“This milestone demonstrates that it is possible to build local capacity and develop specialists closer to home.”

What began on a broken ironing board in her mother’s garage has grown into a fully operational factory for Amandla Buswana, a 30-year-old entrepreneur building a manufacturing business in KuGompo City. Buswana is the founder of Buswana Creations, a uniform manufacturing company based in Arcadia Park that now supplies schools, businesses, banks, churches and funeral homes. Her journey into fashion and entrepreneurship began long before the business was formally established. Born and raised in KuGompo City, she attended Southern Primary School before moving to St Anne’s Primary School, where she completed her foundation phase. She later matriculated from Beaconhurst High School. After school, she followed her passion and enrolled at the Durban University of Technology to study fashion design and textiles. “I was always creative,” she said. “In school, I would alter the uniforms of my classmates for a small fee, adding trims or changing the design to match what was popular at the time.” That early creativity laid the foundation for what would later become her business. Buswana Creations was established in 2022, but its roots go back to far humbler beginnings. “My mother’s broken ironing board was my workspace for more than a year,” she said. “I then moved into the garage, where I slowly built a small setup and hired one person to help with sewing.” With no financial backing or inherited resources, she had to build the business from scratch. She outsourced some of the work, saved consistently and reinvested every cent into growing the company. “It wasn’t easy, but I had a clear goal and a sense of urgency. “I knew I had to make it work,” she said. That persistence has paid off. What started as a small home-based operation has grown into a functioning factory, creating jobs and expanding its client base. A major breakthrough came last year when Buswana won first place in the Eastern Cape at the Hollywoodbets Bambelela Awards. The recognition brought new visibility to her business and opened doors for growth. “I was honoured to receive the award in the presence of leaders such as premier Oscar Mabuyane and Buffalo City Metro mayor Princess Faku,” she said. “It validated the work I have been putting in and helped position my business on a larger platform.” The award also accelerated the development of her factory, giving her the momentum to scale up operations. If you have a vision and you are willing to work for it, it is possible to build something meaningful Despite the growth, Buswana remains focused on consistency and continuous improvement. She draws inspiration from everyday experiences, with a strong appreciation for quality and attention to detail. “I am inspired by art, travel and the world around me,” she said. “Creativity needs exposure and freedom. “Seeing different places helps me think differently and improve what I create.” Those close to her describe her as disciplined and driven — qualities she believes are essential in business. “My mother says I do not tolerate excuses, but I think that is part of what keeps me going,” she said. At the core of her approach is a strong sense of responsibility, both to her business and to the people it supports. As a first-generation entrepreneur, Buswana hopes her story will inspire others, particularly young people who feel limited by their circumstances. “I started with nothing, but I stayed committed,” she said. “If you have a vision and you are willing to work for it, it is possible to build something meaningful.” Click here to join the Daily Dispatch’s WhatsApp channel and get the latest news delivered straight to your phone Daily Dispatch

Her interest in the discipline began during medical school, where she became fascinated by how laboratory results guided clinical decisions and improved patient outcomes.

Today, her work centres on strengthening laboratory systems, improving consultation between clinicians and laboratories, and supporting the next generation of specialists.

Working in largely rural communities has shaped her approach.

“Every result belongs to a patient who depends on timely and accurate answers,” Sifuba-Makapela said.

“As chemical pathologists, we play a critical role in bridging the gap between the laboratory and clinicians.”

Her achievement is also being recognised as a broader step forward for health care in the province, signalling growing capacity to train and retain highly specialised professionals locally.

Looking ahead, she is focused on improving quality systems in laboratories and contributing to sustainable diagnostic services that can strengthen patient care.

But her message to young people — particularly those from rural or under-represented backgrounds — is clear: “Your background does not define your future.

“The journey may be long and challenging, but with resilience, hard work, and support, it is possible to achieve your goals.”

Click here to join the Daily Dispatch’s WhatsApp channel and get the latest news delivered straight to your phone

Daily Dispatch