Health For Mzansi Podcast

For this week’s discussion, we delve into the topic of male infertility, which is normally viewed as a taboo topic, making it a difficult topic to engage with. To help us along and offer some insight, we chat with Darren Jones , whose focus of work is in assisted reproductive technologies. Jones elaborates on what the stats communicate to us, the impact of infertility on men, methods to increase i...

In this compelling Health Hero podcast, we explore the inspiring journey of Nurse Mpho Nkosi, a dedicated healthcare professional committed to nurturing health and hope. Discover the challenges and triumphs that have shaped her career. We also delve further into the transformative impact Nkosi has made in the lives of those she serves while they embark on their roads to recovery.

The mental health condition of males can sometimes be a topic that gets shoved under the carpet due to preconceived ideas of roles and beliefs. To unpack the nuances of the male role in society, we chat with Stellenbosch lecturer, and community mentor, Jerome Peter Fredericks. In addition, Fredericks also discusses how a man defines himself, contributing factors to ill mental health as well as pra...

This week we chat to Wellington Mokoena, a dietician who has been in private practice for 16 years and remains passionate about all things nutrition. In this discussion, we focus on identifying the symptoms of diabetic children, their nutritional needs, the importance of meal planning and practising good communication with your children regarding food.

Today we’ll share tale of unwavering determination, resilience, and the power of compassion that’s transformed not only the life of one remarkable woman but an entire community… In the heart of a small farming town in Prince Alfred, Hamlet in the Western Cape, is where Sister Melissa Willemse grew up, surrounded by her cousins, where financial challenges were no stranger. But her grandparents, her...

The 20th of October is declared Down Syndrome awareness Day in South Africa where we commemorate and raise awareness about the condition. Dr Nkateko Mnisi joins the discussion and highlights the impact of the condition, its prevalence, the misconceptions and what our social responsibility and response ought to be. Statistics reveal that 1 in 500 children are born with Down Syndrome in South Africa...

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month in South Africa where nonprofit organisations and civil society rally around the promotion of getting regular checkups. This was exactly the case for 33-year-old breast cancer survivor, Nthabiseng Gwarube, who in 2018 spontaneously went for a checkup at her local pharmacy and soon learned the news that there were in fact multiple cancerous lumps in her brea...

In this episode, Thifidzi Tshivase reflects on his experience of living with his friend who suffered from a drug addiction. Thshivase, a rental sales specialist based in Johannesburg, gives an honest account of the effects of the addiction on close family and friends, the rollercoaster of emotions experienced and what he learned going through this journey.

Jessica Lottering, a bright-eyed and creative young woman residing in Benoni, South Africa, shares her heartfelt story with us. She was born with a cardiovascular disease which included the transposition of her two great veins, a hole in her heart and a malfunctioning valve.   She reflects on her journey detailing 15 heart operations, how she overcame the shame of her condition and her suppor...

World Alzheimer’s Day takes place every September 21st. The day is marked as a global effort to raise awareness and challenge the stigma around Alzheimer's disease and dementia. In this week’s episode, we chat with Tersia Jeneke, a 70-year-old retired nurse who also has experience as a personal carer for her late aunt who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Jeneke reflects on a 10-year journey of care...

This week we delve into a very important discussion of heart health and how it is central to the health of the rest of the body, especially the brain, says Prof Naidoo. In the discussion, Prof Naidoo explains good heart behaviour/practices, and symptoms to look out for and explains different heart conditions. Professor Pamela Naidoo, CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa, leads a tea...

Jordan Hardnick, a 21-year-old architectural student and professional, shares his experience and lessons learned when it comes to matters of his heart. Since the tender age of five, Hardnick has undergone three open heart surgeries and a pacemaker change operation due to a condition called aortic stenosis. In this episode, Hardnick also reflects on his health journey, his system of support, the fi...

Life can be filled with thrilling and joyous moments; however, it is inevitable that on our journey, we will be faced with life-altering experiences such as loss, trauma, change or grief. These experiences have the power to affect us in a way sometimes beyond our control. Angela Deh, a clinical psychologist, dealing with major mental illnesses and conditions, helps us to unpack this topic and the...

In this week’s episode, we delve into mental health issues, mainly depression, and its prevalence among females. Research suggests that there are 280 million people worldwide that have depression, making it one of the most common conditions. Of that 280 million people, women are twice as likely to be prone to depression than men. Dr Erica Munnik opens the discussion with contributing factors, syst...

Hayley Barends, a passionate 31-year-old Afrikaans teacher and ‘piloxing’ (boxing, pilates and dance) instructor, recently added bodybuilder to her resume. Barends first started training and lifting weights in 2015, which helped her to tone and define her muscles, ultimately preparing her for the body-building journey she would later embark on. In this episode, Barends speaks candidly on occupying...

In this episode, we discuss females occupying the space of forensic investigation, which is generally known to be a male-dominated profession. Shedding some light on this conversation, we chat to Khanyisa Ndletyana who is a specialist forensic investigator with 10 years’ experience in the field. Ndletyana elaborates on her introduction to the field, why and how women make a powerful contribution t...

In episode 103, we delve into the world of traditional healing with Sangoma, spiritual coach and mentor, Zamambo Mkhize. More affectionately known by her spiritual name, Ndlovukazi, she graduated from initiation school in 2021, after completing her Bachelor of Social Science in Housing at the University of KwaZulu Natal. In this insightful discussion, Mkhize elaborates on her journey as a Sangoma,...

In episode 102, Dr Edward Ngwenya unpacks cosmetic procedures such as liposuction, tummy tuck and breast reduction. He elaborates on the procedural requirements and misconceptions of the cosmetic field. With some people willing to do whatever it takes to look better, he also discusses the possible dangers of cosmetic procedures when advised by unverified medical services. Dr Edward Ngwenya, is a p...

Food, as we know it, is the fuel to our bodies. However, in addition to fueling our stomachs, food can also influence our mood and mental wellness. Physiological and phycological factors impact our eating behaviors and why we gravitate to certain foods when feeling stressed, depressed, or anxious. It is imperative to cultivate healthy eating behavior, as this does not only serve our body but our m...

On this week’s Health for Mzansi podcast episode, Dr Chantell Witten unpacks child obesity in South Africa. Dr Witten strongly advocates for the teaching of good nutrition education and literacy so that communities and parents will understand the importance of sound infant feeding practices (breastfeeding), the dangers of formula feeding and correct diet planning for the child. The cost in childho...

Looking healthy is one thing, but feeling and being healthy begs us to look at what types of food we are consuming and how we think about our bodies. Unfortunately, there are no quick fixes and shortcuts to a healthy body, explains Limpopo based dietician, Masodi Makhafola. In this week's episode of nutrition and weight-loss, Makhafola elaborates on the advantages of nutritious eating, causes of w...

All things concerning hair, especially your own, is a topic that is familiar to most. However, when it comes to the scientific study of one's hair and scalp, we delve into a more focused and medical conversation, known as trichology. Elma Titus, a Cape Town-based trichologist, joins this episode and explains the importance of her profession, highlighting the root causes of hair loss and/or infecti...

Often we take for granted the easy access we enjoy to the health sector and the safety we experience when entering health spaces. This is sadly not the case for everyone. Therefore in this episode we will be talking about people that identify as part of the LGBTQI + community and their lived experience with access to the health sector. Dr Cobus who has a  vast knowledge of the health sector a...

A Sons first  hero and a daughters first love. Thats right this episode is all about the celebration of fathers in honour of Father's day coming up on the 18th June. When fathers are absent in communities and families, the void is evident and its impact can be felt. Fathers are thus such crucial role players in our society. To shed more light on this topic and reflect on his own lived experie...

For episode 95 we chat to SA’s youngest female medical doctor, Thakgalo Tibela all the way from Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga. Dr Tibela graduated from Wits University after matriculating at the tender age of 15 years old . She is a firm believer in hard work and it is evident through the podcast discussion. Dr Tibela does not let her size or age compromise her service to the health sector, and confes...