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South African Paediatric Oncologist, Vhutshilo Netshituni is the first black Paediatric Oncologist in the world.
The amazing trendsetter works at the paediatric oncology unit of Pietersburg Hospital located in Polokwane, South Africa where she specializes in childhood cancer treatment.
Vhutshilo who was born in Tshilafene village outside Thohoyandou lost her father at a very tender age, which made her growing up very challenging. Her mother Sophy then took up the responsibility of raising her and 3 other siblings.
As turbulent as their nancial status was at the time, Vhutshilo was certain she wanted to be a doctor. In the course of visiting her cousin who was a medical student, she likewise discovered her anity to the profession. She never forgets her mother’s tireless efforts in making her dream come true.
“Even though life was different, my mom tried her best. In first year, my mom could only afford to give me registration money and that, for me, was enough. I didn’t know how I was going to survive when I got there. All I wanted was to study medicine” Vhutshilo said.
How Her Medical Career
Everybody knew she wanted to be a medical doctor but her experiences with children while working as a medical student helped her narrow down the area of her specialization. Thus she made a decision to become a paediatrician. Dr Vhutshilo Netshituni worked briefly at the Polokwane oncology unit before she advanced her qualication as a paediatric oncologist at Stellenbosch University. She says working at the childhood cancer treatment department has inuenced her in a very good way.
“What struck me was seeing those kids smiling regardless of what they were going through. That made me brave. It kept me going”.
Dr Vhutshilo ‘s Passion For Saving Children With Cancer
The Limpopo-based doctor has been described to be utterly passionate at her job.
A Facebook user and follower of Sowetan Live, Portia Masango said this:
“She really is good with children,my 5 year old boy was admitted to polokwane peadiatric oncology ward after being diagnosed with cancer 2 months ago,she did everything she could to help him. Big up”.
Dr Vhutshilo An Inspiration
Dr Vhutshilo Netshituni has become a source of inspiration for women and indeed the black South African community. Few weeks ago, Julius Malema attained another milestone in his educational pursuits; stressing the point that only through education will the black community in SA achieve “What struck me was seeing those kids smiling regardless of what they were going through. That made me brave. It kept me going”. “She really is good with children,my 5 year old boy was admitted to polokwane peadiatric oncology ward after being diagnosed with cancer 2 months ago, she did everything she could to help him. Big up”
Dr Vhutshilo Netshituni’s break in SA’s medical history has likewise strengthened that point. Attaining the feat not just as a black SA native but as a woman speaks volume for the aspect of women education and empowerment. According to the South African government in an employment plan presented to a recent G20 summit in Australia, young black women make up 37.5% of unemployed South Africans aged between 15 and 34. During the summit in Brisbane, South Africa listed the low employment rate of women in the country as one of its key challenges. Dr Vhutshilo Netshituni has become a model and a symbol of hope for black SA women in that regard.
HowAfrica
