Dr. Nombulelo Sepeng, a senior lecturer in the Department of Nursing Science in the Faculty of Health Sciences, recently garnered acclaim as a finalist for the 2023 HERS-SA HEWL Awards in the Emerging Young Women Leaders Category. Dr. Sepeng's remarkable journey and her profound impact on the academic community have earned her well-deserved recognition.

Upon receiving this esteemed recognition, Dr. Sepeng expressed her gratitude, stating, "I am grateful to my employer for entrusting some leadership roles and responsibilities to their employees. I am grateful to HER-SA for creating this opportunity to recognise women leaders in higher education." She underscored the significance of being among the top 5 nominees in the Emerging Young Women Leaders category, emphasising the empowering effect of being recognised for her leadership skills and qualities.

Dr. Sepeng's journey was punctuated by a memorable experience at the awards ceremony, where she was inspired by the multitude of women recognised for their leadership roles in higher education. She shared insights from the event, saying, "We were inspired to take our leadership roles in higher education seriously by focusing on three aspects: leading others, learning from others, and lifting those around us." The event highlighted the importance of mentorship, with a powerful message: "PIF," or Pay It Forwards, encouraging individuals to pass on the support they receive to others. Dr. Sepeng was particularly moved by a keynote speaker who showcased her mentors and mentees, exemplifying the positive impact of mentorship.

Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Sepeng expressed deep gratitude for her family, saying, "I declared that I would not be here if it weren't for God and the love I received from my family." She shared her humble beginnings, growing up in a small, mud house in Mafikeng, Ga-Mothakga, with her parents and eight siblings. Dr. Sepeng's journey led her to become the first graduate in her family, the first nurse, and the first PhD holder in nursing in her community. She acknowledged the unwavering support from her parents and siblings, in-laws, her husband, Katlego Sepeng, and their daughter, Ore Sepeng, highlighting the vital role of family in her success. She also acknowledged her mentors and role models in higher education, who are always by her side through her academic journey.

Dr. Sepeng's journey into higher education and nursing science was sparked by her passion for science. She explained, "I studied nursing because I always wanted to be a scientist." Discovering that nursing is not only a science but also an art, she embraced the profession. Driven by her desire to help others, she recognised the importance of evidence-based practice in nursing, which ultimately guided her career choice.

As a senior lecturer at the Department of Nursing Science, Dr. Sepeng plays a multifaceted role encompassing teaching, research, community engagement, and leadership. She takes immense pride in achieving a 100% pass rate in mental health nursing theory and practice and her supervision of numerous master's and doctoral students. Dr. Sepeng's impressive research portfolio includes publications in accredited journals and active participation in national and international conferences. Her contributions to research extend to managing research programs, demonstrating her commitment to maintaining the highest research standards.

Dr. Sepeng emphasised the qualities that emerging young women leaders should possess in higher education. These qualities include strategic thinking, effective delegation, honesty about one's limitations, integrity, and above all, compassion. Her journey underscores the power of mentorship and the positive impact of delegation in achieving strategic goals.

Dr. Sepeng believes that her recognition will contribute positively to her career and her role within the faculty. She acknowledges the University of Pretoria's commitment to mentoring and advancing the careers of its faculty members. Dr. Sepeng envisions a future where young women in academia are exposed to leadership roles early in their careers to foster innovation and growth.

To aspiring young women aiming to excel in higher education leadership roles, Dr. Sepeng offered valuable advice. She urged them to set clear goals, seek mentors, align their activities with institutional goals, and engage in continuous learning. Dr. Sepeng emphasized the importance of collaboration, socialization, and personal growth through experiences, both successes and failures. She encouraged self-care and taking breaks when needed.

Dr. Sepeng's diverse research interests include promoting access to healthcare for vulnerable populations such as sexual assault survivors, HIV studies, and teen pregnancy. She serves as the principal investigator for a teen pregnancy project in collaboration with the non-governmental organization ISA Mathiva Learner Pregnancy, securing funding for 2023 and 2024.