Kegaugetswe Pinky Motsomi (29), an Honours in Public Health graduate at Monash South Africa, is a firm believer in her personal ethos that where a person comes from does not necessarily define where they are going. We chat to her about her recent achievements and future plans.
Tell us about your academic career.
I studied Bachelor of Social Sciences, majoring in Child and Youth Development and Criminology. I received the Most Outstanding Student for Child and Youth Development and the Leadership Award for being President of the Women’s forum in 2010 by the Higher Education Institute. In my second year, I was awarded the Monash Krishna Khetia scholarship and I was given the opportunity to travel to Australia. This annual award provides a talented Monash South Africa student from a disadvantaged background with the opportunity to spend a semester studying at a Monash University Melbourne campus in Australia. After completing my social science degree, I studied a Post Graduate Diploma in Management specialising in HIV and AIDS as well as other health issues. After this, I completed my Honours Degree in Public Health, I enrolled for (and am currently pursuing) a post graduate diploma in Education through Unisa.
What do you do for a living?
I work as a Provincial Coordinator for Adherence Clubs in a Johannesburg-based non-profit, funded by USAID with a vision that all HIV-positive patients receive high quality treatment, care and support, improving their quality of life and productivity. I oversee 12 club facilitators in Gauteng clinics and hospitals – in the West Rand and one in the City of Johannesburg; and I am hoping to expand to 125 facilities in the next quarter.
Why did you choose your career field?
I have always been interested in being part of the professionals that are involved in coming up with all organised measures to prevent disease, promote health, and prolong life among the population as a whole.
Would you encourage other women to get in to your industry?
Absolutely, it is such a fulfilling industry to be part of a team that protects and improves the health of individuals, families, communities, and populations – locally and globally.
What challenges have you faced in your industry?
Not being able to overcome diversity in our country when it comes to life modification habits.
What has been your greatest achievement in your career?
The move from being an intern, working part time and doing work that I did not study for, to getting a permanent job in a short space of time.
What are your biggest life lessons?
It takes nothing to join the crowd but it takes everything to stand alone and believe in your potential.
What advice can you give women who aspire to succeed like you did?
Never sell yourself short, where you come from does not define you.
