From a young age, Dr Louisa Dlamini knew that medicine was her calling. Having grown up in Mabopane, a township in Tshwane, under difficult socio-economic conditions, becoming a doctor might have seemed like a dream too big to chase – perhaps even far-fetched.

Yet, she has just made history by becoming the first black student to graduate from the University of Pretoria (UP) with a Master of Medicine (MMed) in Radiation Oncology.

“This has been more than just ticking a box,” Dr Dlamini says. “It’s a generational victory – a moment that represents hope, perseverance and the strength of those who came before me. Being the ‘first’ carries pressure – the pressure to excel and justify your presence. But it also means opening the door for those who will follow.”

Inspired by her uncle, Dr Mandla Mdawe, the first doctor in her family, Dr Dlamini set her sights on making her dream a reality. Every academic choice she made was with one goal in mind: to become a medical doctor.

“I’ve always been passionate about working with vulnerable people,” she says. “I knew medicine would be a fulfilling career for me.”

Her journey began at the University of the Witwatersrand, where she completed an undergraduate degree in Medicine and Surgery (MBChB). It was during her time as a medical officer at a district hospital that her path took a more focused turn.

“I saw the critical need for oncology services,” Dr Dlamini says. “There were patients dying, some in urgent need of cancer treatment. That’s when I realised just how limited access to oncology is in black communities.”

This realisation fuelled her decision to pursue oncology as a speciality. Starting as a medical officer in medical oncology, she eventually registered for an MMed in Radiation Oncology at UP.

“Oncology is a broad, ever-changing and progressive field. That excites me, because it means I’ll be learning throughout my career.”

Her time at UP was characterised by immense growth and support. From her supervisor, Dr Sheynaz Bassa, to her peers and the University itself, Dr Dlamini found the backing she needed to navigate the rigours of postgraduate study. Still, the journey was not without its challenges. Juggling the demands of academic life with motherhood and the added pressure of representation was no small feat.

“There were moments when I felt like giving up,” she recalls. “There were times I wondered if I really belonged. But I kept pushing because I knew this journey wasn’t just for me.”

With the support of her parents, siblings and three daughters, she persevered, and achieved this exceptional qualification. She hopes her story serves as an inspiration, not an exception.

“I may be the first, but I definitely won’t be the last,” Dr Dlamini says. “This achievement proves that excellence exists beyond the systems that once excluded us. It’s time to shift the narrative.”

Looking to the future, her mission goes beyond just treating cancer; she hopes to offer holistic, patient-centred care and expand access to oncology in underserved areas. Her plans include leading community outreach programmes to educate South Africans on cancer prevention, early detection and available treatment options.

Dr Dlamini is also committed to mentorship.

“I want to support other students from disadvantaged backgrounds, to show them that they too can make it.”

To young black South Africans, especially those pursuing medicine, she offers heartfelt advice: “You belong. You carry the strength of generations behind you. Don’t wait for permission to take up space – make space. Surround yourself with those who uplift you, and remember to uplift others as you rise.”