Prof. Nomafrench Mbombo is a distinguished leader with over three decades of experience spanning healthcare, academia, politics, and public service; a woman with an unwavering commitment to social justice, equitable healthcare and the empowerment of marginalised communities.

In this episode of Awakening Doctor, we learn about her humble beginnings in Mdantsane township, her thwarted ambitions to go to medical school, and the fortuitous dismissal that led her to study nursing and attain a Master's in Maternal and Child Health, and a PhD in Gender and Human Rights instead.

We delve into her tenure as the first female, first Black African, and first health professional to serve as the Minister of Health and Wellness in the Western Cape, and reflect on the complex political dynamics that often overshadow service delivery. The conversation addresses pressing issues such as gender inequality, economic marginalization, and the importance of fostering support structures for young people navigating tough situations.

Fueled by an indomitable spirit and a deep-seated conviction that the only way forward is to leave no-one behind, Prof. Mbombo is unapologetic in her assertion that "it's okay to be a bloody difficult woman” – one who disrupts, demands and delivers in her endeavour to birth a new reality in the world around her.

Join us for an inspiring conversation that is a testament to feminine leadership and a reminder that the past does not define our destiny - our ability to adapt and persevere does.

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Credits:
Hosted by Dr Maria Christodoulou
Produced and edited by Amy Kaye

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