For third-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) student Ms Rebaone Magopa, receiving funding from the UKZN UK Trust has been a life-changing opportunity, one that has allowed her to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor without the constant burden of financial worry.
Born and raised in Hammanskraal, a small town north of Pretoria, Magopa’s passion for medicine began in childhood. She fondly recalls accompanying her grandmother to monthly medical check-ups in Pretoria because their local healthcare facilities were under-resourced and unable to provide adequate care. “That experience opened my eyes to the inequalities in our healthcare system,” she said. “It inspired me to become a doctor so that I could make a difference in people’s lives; to care for them equally and improve their well-being.”
Her deep sense of compassion and justice reflects two of the four ethical pillars of medicine that guide her journey: the duty to do good and to ensure fairness.
Magopa’s road to medical school has not been without its challenges. As a self-funded student who falls into the “missing middle” category, she does not qualify for most bursaries, despite her family’s financial struggles. “Although both of my parents are employed, our household income places me outside the qualifying range for most financial aid,” she said. “The support from the UKZN UK Trust has provided much-needed financial relief. It has allowed me to focus on my academics without the constant stress of worrying about fees.”
Before pursuing medicine, Magopa completed a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Genetics and Microbiology, demonstrating her commitment to understanding the foundations of health and disease. Now in her third year of the MBChB programme, she is studying subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pathology and clinical practice, building the knowledge and empathy essential for her future as a medical professional.
“Medicine is more than just diagnosing and treating illness,” she reflected. “I’m learning how health and disease affect individuals and societies through clinical rotations and community-based work. It’s about caring with empathy and contributing to public health in a meaningful way.”
Adjusting to university life in Durban also presented new challenges. “Moving from Pretoria to a new province was difficult at first; the language barrier was one of my biggest hurdles,” she said. “IsiZulu isn’t my mother tongue, but I embraced the opportunity to learn it and to immerse myself in the culture. That helped me connect more deeply with my peers and community.”
Beyond her studies, Magopa maintains a balanced lifestyle, enjoying hiking, jogging and swimming in her spare time, activities that help her recharge and stay motivated.
Looking ahead, she remains steadfast in her goal of serving as a dedicated and compassionate doctor. “I want to be a valuable asset to the healthcare sector by providing quality, reliable healthcare to communities in need. My dream is to make a lasting, positive impact on people’s lives,” she said.
Her message to fellow students is one of determination and self-belief:
“I came up with the saying, “Why jog when you can run?” In other words, why settle for doing the bare minimum when you’re capable of so much more? Always challenge yourself to grow. Step outside your comfort zone – that’s where real growth happens.”
The UKZN UK Trust provides assistance to students in need at UKZN through bursaries and allowances. It raises funds from alumni and supporters in the UK who wish to see such students succeed.
