Health For Mzansi Podcast

In this episode, discover the inspiring journey of Lydia Ntezo , a dedicated cardiac nurse at Life Vincent Pallotti Hospital in Cape Town. From her humble beginnings in Mtati village in the Eastern Cape to her specialised training in cardiac surgery, Lydia’s story is a testament to perseverance and passion in healthcare. As a cardiac nurse, she plays a crucial role in complex cardiac procedures, p...

Overthinking can paralyse us with endless thoughts, affecting our decisions, relationships, and overall well-being. If you’re constantly battling with racing thoughts, listen to this episode, as psychologist Noluthando Javu delves into the ever-relatable topic of overthinking. She unpacks what overthinking is, why it happens, how it can impact our lives, and how to overcome it. 

In many kasi communities across Mzansi, access to quality healthcare remains a challenge, as these areas are often plagued by social and economic inequalities that have a profound impact on health.   Dr Velile Ngidi , a public health specialist, delves into how poverty, education, access to healthcare, and even the physical environment conspire to impact health outcomes in kasi comm...

Join host Dawn Noemdoe to celebrate healthcare heroes making a profound impact in South Africa. In this episode, discover the moving story of Elizma Appollis , a dedicated nurse and midwife. From her childhood dreams of becoming a paediatrician to her pivotal role on the frontlines of a global pandemic, Elizma’s journey is a powerful testament of resilience, compassion, and an unwavering commitmen...

Despite advances in HIV treatment and prevention, many people remain unaware of their status, leaving themselves and others vulnerable to the virus's silent spread. In this episode, nurse Zanele Cekiso  sheds light on why regular HIV testing is so important, not just for your own health but for the health of those around you. She also explores the benefits of early diagnosis and treatment.

As we celebrate Corporate Wellness Week, this episode shines a light on the vital role that corporate wellness plays in fostering a healthy, happy, and productive workplace. Dr Chris van Straten , the global health advisor at International SOS , speaks about the importance of workplace wellness, exploring how it can boost productivity, improve employee satisfaction, and even impact a company's tur...

In this Health For Mzansi podcast episode we share the remarkable journey of Dr Lihle Mgweba-Bewana , a neuropsychiatrist. From her roots in Mdantsane township to her role in Pretoria, discover how she navigates the challenges of post-apartheid South African to champion mental healthcare. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience, compassion and cultural sensitivity in healthcare.

Intimacy is essential for building strong and fulfilling relationships. Whether it's with partners, friends, or even family – the fear of intimacy can build walls around our hearts and keep us feeling isolated. In this episode, life and relationship coach Kgaogelo Photoane unpacks how the fear of intimacy can manifest and impact us. Furthermore, she explores the signs of struggling with this fear...

Receiving a diagnosis for an illness can be a life-altering moment, one that can leave you feeling lost, scared, and uncertain about your health. In this episode, Dr Faith Mahlangu shares how to navigate the difficulty of an illness diagnosis. From processing emotions to building a support network, she offers advice to help cope with an illness diagnosis.

Nurses are the backbone of Mzansi’s healthcare sector, and Mariska Martin exemplifies this in her 23-year nursing career of resilience and compassion.   In this episode of Health Heroes, we celebrate her dedication to clinical excellence and healthcare awareness in South Africa.   Her inspiring journey reminds us of the importance of self-care and the vital role nurses play in our health...

From putting off deadlines to delaying important decisions, procrastination can have serious consequences for our productivity, mental health, and overall well-being. In this episode, educational psychologist Sinenhlanhla Khumalo explores the reasons why we procrastinate and the impact it has on our lives. She highlights strategies to overcome this ‘I’ll do it later” habit.

Are you standing at the door of your twenties, your heart pounding with a mix of excitement and uncertainty?  In this episode, teenage coach Asanda Mguga explores the importance of taking this decade of your twenties seriously by making the right choices, as it is a whirlwind of possibilities, independence, growth, and challenges.    So, whether you're about to embark on your twenti...

Snenhlanhla Msengu , an educational psychologist is transforming the lives of children with autism through her culturally sensitive therapeutic interventions. She found her passion in psychology, focusing on the experiences of Black African parents with children who are autistic. Her work emphasizes the importance of integrating cultural beliefs into treatment, ensuring effective and respectful ca...

Indigenous foods are the original powerhouses of the culinary world. From drought-resistant grains to hidden health benefits, they offer a delicious and sustainable way to diversify our diets.  In this episode, Dr Ethel Phiri speaks about the importance of incorporating these forgotten gems into our diets, not just for our taste buds but also for our health, communities, connection to the lan...

In this episode, Dr Lauren Raubenheimer provides insights into fetal MRI and what it can mean to expecting couples. From detecting rare conditions to guiding critical surgeries, she explains how fetal MRI has become an indispensable tool in the fight for the health and well-being of unborn babies, by detecting abnormalities at an early stage.

In this episode we share the story or a remarkable individual contributing to public oral health. Dr Bulela Vava , public oral health registrar in the Department of Community Dentistry at the University of Witwatersrand, in Johannesburg. Despite childhood teasing over a misaligned tooth, his passion for oral healthcare and advocacy shines through. Tune in to discover how personal experiences...

The demanding nature of the healthcare field, coupled with long hours, high patient loads, and the weight of life-or-death decisions, has created a breeding ground for burnout among healthcare professionals.  In this episode, mental health occupational therapist Maphefo Masegare explores the signs and causes of burnout and the devastating impact it can have on our health heroes and, ultimatel...

In this episode, we explore how mental health and sexual wellness are not separate entities but are deeply intertwined and can have a profound impact on each other.  Keletso Mabunele , a relationship and sex educator, emphasises that by understanding how these two areas interact, individuals can seek appropriate support, engage in open and honest communication, and access resources that promo...

Discover the inspiring story of Dr Molebogeng Kolojane , a trailblazer in clinical microbiology and disease control. Listen to her remarkable journey dedicated to combating infectious diseases, particularly tuberculosis and HIV, in her role as clinical microbiologist and infection prevention and control specialist.

The arrival of the long-acting injectable HIV prevention medication marks a turning point in the fight against HIV. In this episode, epidemiologist Nqobile Ngoma sheds light on its efficacy, accessibility, and the importance of reducing HIV infections. This groundbreaking advancement in HIV prevention injection extends beyond individual protection. By reducing the transmission of HIV, it effective...

Discover how Sharon Shirinda is bridging the gap between social work and psychology to revolutionize mental healthcare in South Africa. Join is as we share her inspiring journey the impactful work, she’s doing to enrich communities across South Africa through her social work and work as a psychologist.

Unemployment is a harsh reality for many professionals, and doctors are not exempt from this challenge. In this episode, Dr Thabani Dlamini from Durban sheds light on the unique challenges they encounter as unemployed medical doctors and the potential solutions that can help pave their path towards professional fulfilment.    Additionally, he shares his disheartening experience and eager...

Whether it's the desire to flaunt a toned physique at the beach or the aspiration to feel confident in summer attire, the promise of attaining a summer-ready body during the colder months has captivated the minds of many.   In this episode, we explore if summer bodies are really made in winter with personal trainer Lufuno Nyembe , to uncover the reality behind this popular saying.

In this Health For Mzansi podcast episode, we explore the remarkable journey of Dr Portia Mashaba , a trailblazing physician advocating for health equity and empowerment in Mpumalanga. We discover her inspiring story of overcoming obstacles, driving positive change, and championing a brighter future for all.

Change is constant, with some anticipated and other changes arriving unexpectedly. Regardless of its origin, change can be unsettling, triggering a rollercoaster of emotions. In this conversation, Gauteng-based psychologist Siphesihle Mwelase speaks about the difficulty of change and effective coping mechanisms. So whether you're facing a new job or an unexpected diagnosis, this conversation promi...