WOMEN-IN-HEALTH CLUB CHAMPIONS FUTURE WOMEN LEADERS

The Prof Xaba-Mokoena Women-in-Health Club, established in honour of founding dean Professor Marina Xaba-Mokoena, is an initiative launched in 2025 to cultivate women leaders who can contribute to research and innovation, institutional leadership, and community development.

Four decades after Xaba-Mokoena broke new ground as founding dean of iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, the faculty is turning her legacy into a deliberate pipeline for the next generation of women leaders.

In May 1985, at the height of apartheid, colonialism and patriarchy, twelve students enrolled under the deanery of Xaba-Mokoena as the first cohort of the then University of Transkei’s Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) programme.

Her leadership laid the foundation for what would become a thriving medical school and 41-years later, the faculty has produced thousands of medical professionals who continue to serve communities across South Africa and beyond.

Coinciding with women’s month, the club held its first in person gathering since its establishment in August 2025 under the theme “Lead Like a Woman”.

According to the faculty’s executive dean, Prof Wezile Chitha, the club forms part of a broader institutional commitment to advancing women leadership through deliberate and sustained programmes at all levels.

“The faculty resolved to establish this club to recognise current and emerging women leaders in academia and the service sector and affirm the development of others as a deliberate investment for our shared and sustainable future. We would like to see a faculty with a difference, and that difference is women,” said Chitha.

He emphasised that the initiative was not only designed to celebrate women’s achievements, but to also empower women to take up influential roles in academia, healthcare and research.

“Faculty women need to be coached, trained and mentored to participate in leadership positions, guided by the values of professor Xaba-Mokoena,” he added.

The club will be governed by an executive committee which was elected by its members, for the positions of President, vice-president and secretary. The elected members are accomplished women in health who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields.

Incoming Club president, specialist radiation oncologist, Dr Zukiswa Jafta, highlighted the transformative role women can play across sectors of society. She encouraged women to take their place and drive meaningful change.

“This means having the courage to sit at decision making tables, to speak when our voices are needed, to negotiate for resources, build partnerships, and challenge systems that no longer serve our people,” said Jafta.

She added that the future does not need more women in leadership positions, but rather women who are prepared to transform leadership itself.

By Thandeka Mgqibi