Dr. Thandeka Ngcobo is a charismatic Medical Doctor from a small village at Ixopo in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa who beat the odds and continues to bloom wherever she is planted.
The remarkable 30-year-old philanthropist, now married and a mother was born and raised in the dusty village of Gudwini, being the 7th born of 8 children. Her home was surrounded by mountains and rivers. She would walk many miles to get to Hluthankungu Primary School where she began her educational journey.
She completed her grade 12 from Umlazi Comprehensive Technical High School, at the age of 17, being one of the top 10 matriculants in Ethekwini region. She immediately got accepted at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine – UKZN ) where she obtained her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB). She is registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an Independent Medical Practitioner and currently practices as a Medical Officer.
Dr. Ngcobo is one medical professional who is always prepared to reach beyond her line of duty to inspire positive change and bring growth. She has worked with some NPOs helping to develop various rural communities and empower other young people. Having been a teenage mother herself she remains vocal about issues of teenage pregnancy. She is also passionate about community development and youth and women empowerment. Her late mother, remains her heroine, who gave her a second chance beyond teenage pregnancy.
She’s served as a board member at GYEF (Godisanang Youth Empowering Foundation and a COO at Ngcobo Empire. She’s also a shareholder at Maguya Steel Pty Ltd.
Her contribution to the medical field and her passion and commitment to changing and inspiring Africa was recognized by The Young Independents (TYI) in 2018 as she became one of the Top 100 Young Leaders from the SADC region while the Mail & Guardian recognized her as one of the 2018 Top 200 Young South Africans who are inspiring change and greatness. She was also featured in the 2022 book which honors 66 women who build a better future for SA.
Dr. Ngcobo has served at the Mahikeng Provincial Hospital, Nkandla District Hospital and Rietvlei Hospital. She is currently employed by the KZN DoH as a Medical Officer. She believes that proper primary health care services are a vital tool to fight the burden of diseases and illnesses in the health sector. She’s also developed an interest in rural medicine.
“I would like to be known as a young professional woman who followed her dreams and made it against all odds and a Medical Practitioner who is always prepared to serve beyond her line of duty to inspire and grow Africa.” – Dr. Thandeka Ngcobo
