Some stories are not only inspiring — they are necessary.
They challenge harmful narratives, confront deeply rooted stereotypes, and remind us that resilience can outgrow even the most difficult beginnings.
This is one such story.
Meet Dr Babalwa Tyabashe-Phume — a scholar, mental health researcher, and living testimony that motherhood, poverty, and adversity do not disqualify greatness.
Becoming a mother at 16 — and refusing to disappear
At just 16 years old, while in Grade 11, Babalwa gave birth to her daughter. Growing up poor in an under-resourced community, her situation was quickly labelled hopeless by those around her.
Friends. Family members. Classmates. Even teachers.
The message was consistent and loud: Drop out of school. Focus on motherhood. Your future is over.
But Babalwa made a decision that would change the course of her life.
She refused to listen.
Instead, she chose to remain in school — studying while navigating the emotional, physical, and financial realities of teenage motherhood.
Against all odds, she passed Grade 11 with excellent marks, results strong enough to allow her to apply to multiple universities.
Grade 12: pressure, judgment, and perseverance
If Grade 11 tested her resolve, Grade 12 tested her endurance.
Her daughter became seriously ill. Babalwa missed classes and tests during the first term, overwhelmed by caregiving responsibilities and academic pressure. Once again, voices around her urged her to abandon her education.
Once again, she refused.
- She pushed through exhaustion.
- She persevered through judgment.
- She held on when quitting seemed reasonable — and expected.
That year, she passed her matric with flying colours and received a scholarship to pursue higher education.
It was the beginning of a remarkable academic journey.
An academic path shaped by resilience
Babalwa’s lived experiences became the foundation of her academic focus and purpose.
In 2014, she obtained a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Johannesburg, laying the groundwork for her commitment to community, family, and mental health advocacy.
In 2019, she completed a Master’s degree in Child and Family Studies at the University of Cape Town, deepening her research focus on children, families, and psychosocial wellbeing.
In July 2023, against every statistic stacked against her, she achieved the pinnacle of academic success — a PhD in Psychiatry and Mental Health, also from the University of Cape Town.
A scholar with purpose
Today, Dr. Babalwa Tyabashe-Phume is a Lecturer at the University of Johannesburg’s Department of Social Work. She has held multiple research roles at Stellenbosch University, University of Cape Town, University of Exeter and recently was a Visiting Researcher at Toronto Metropolitan University. Her research spans across gender-based violence, inclusive healthcare, disability studies, intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health, and public policy. She has led and contributed to national and international projects.
Her scholarly contributions include peer-reviewed journal articles, scoping reviews, policy briefs, and accessible public engagement outputs. She has presented her research at international and national conferences. She serves as a peer reviewer for multiple international journals and sits on committees of professional networks. She is also actively engaged in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, thesis examination, and curriculum development.
Dr. Tyabashe-Phume’s work not only contributes to academic knowledge but also directly informs advocacy, policy and intervention strategies. In addition to her academic roles, she has worked with government and NGOs, in an advisory capacity and as a service provider. These engagements have strengthened her commitment to research that is community embedded, trauma-informed, and action-oriented.
Her work is rooted in principles of Ubuntu, equity, intersectionality, and rights-based approaches. She is committed to co-producing knowledge with marginalised communities. Through her work, she aims to influence transformative change in public health systems, disability-inclusive development, and gender justice both in South Africa and globally.
Dr. Babalwa Tyabashe-Phume was a finalist at the 2024 South African Youth Awards and received recognition as a Champion of Diversity and Inclusion. Recently, she was selected as 1 of 9 Young Scientists who represented South Africa at the BRICS 10th Young Scientists Forum held in Brazil in 2025.
But behind the titles and accolades is a woman who never forgot where she came from — or why she started.
Her words, her truth
“Growing up poor and in an under-resourced community, I became a statistic of teenage pregnancy. I was a ‘disappointment’ to my family and teachers.”
“I’ve always wanted to be a doctor, and I knew it was going to happen one way or the other.”
“Through it all, I persevered. I held on. I pushed forward. Sixteen years later, my daughter stands with me — supporting me and witnessing my dream come true.”
“I dedicate this PhD to my daughter, who has been my constant motivation. I never gave up because of her.”
Why her story matters
Dr Babalwa Tyabashe-Phume’s journey is not just about academic excellence.
It is about:
- Redefining teenage motherhood
- Challenging poverty-driven limitations
- Reclaiming dignity, voice, and purpose
- Proving that circumstances do not determine destiny
Her story speaks directly to young women who have been told their lives are “over” before they truly begin — and to societies that must do better in supporting, not sidelining, them.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-babalwa-tyabashe-phume-b17bb13b
Written by : Valentine Zoza
Email : valentine@womenpowerafrica.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/valentinezoza
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