Born and raised in the vibrant township of Daveyton in Ekurhuleni, Professor Zozo Nene's remarkable journey to becoming one of South Africa's leading experts in reproductive health is a testament to her unwavering resilience, dedication, and passion for social justice.

Her ascension from humble beginnings to leading a major clinical and academic unit is a shining example of personal achievement and a broader mission to transform access to quality fertility care for all South Africans.

Professor Nene's academic journey, which commenced at Inanda Seminary in Durban and St.

Dominic's Catholic School for Girls in Boksburg, showcased her early promise in healthcare, particularly for women.

This drive earned her a scholarship to the University of Cincinnati in Ohio, USA, where she completed a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, broadening her horizons and gaining a global perspective on science and healthcare.

Upon returning to South Africa, she enrolled at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (formerly Medunsa)

to study medicine, distinguished by academic excellence and awards in internal medicine and obstetrics and gynecology. These awards not only marked personal milestones but also reflected her growing passion for reproductive health and women's wellbeing.

Today, Professor Nene who is an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and Reproductive Medicine Specialist, leads the Reproductive, Endocrinology and Infertility Unit at Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria, a key public health facility providing advanced infertility services, including in vitro fertilization (IVF). In addition, Professor Nene achieved a significant milestone in 2023 by successfully completing her Global Clinical Scholars Research Training Program at the prestigious Harvard Medical School.

In a country where infertility affects an estimated 10 to 15 percent of couples, her work is pivotal in addressing this often invisible yet deeply felt issue. Under Professor Nene's leadership, the unit strives to break down barriers to care, providing services that are affordable, compassionate, and culturally sensitive. Beyond her clinical role, Professor Nene is a professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Pretoria, training the next generation of healthcare professionals to prioritize technical skills, ethics, communication, and cultural competence.

As President of the Colleges of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of South Africa, she plays a key role in shaping national reproductive health policies, collaborating closely with the Department of Health to develop guidelines for contraception, termination of pregnancy, and infertility treatments.

Professor Nene firmly believes that infertility is a public health priority that affects families, communities, and society at large, necessitating a responsive healthcare system. She champions comprehensive reproductive education and access to contraception for adolescents, leveraging social media and digital platforms to empower youth with accurate information.

Recognising the importance of inclusivity, Professor Nene advocates for fertility care that respects and supports the LGBTQIA+ community, ensuring that all individuals have access to reproductive health services that recognise and celebrate diversity in families.

Remaining deeply connected to her roots in Daveyton despite her national and international roles, Professor Nene's passion for equity and social justice in healthcare is driven by her firsthand insight into how social determinants affect health outcomes.

Looking ahead, she envisions a South Africa where fertility care is accessible to all, stigma is dismantled, and young people are empowered to make informed choices, leading pioneering research to develop affordable fertility treatment options suited for resource-limited settings. Ultimately, Professor Nene's remarkable journey and pioneering work ignite a sense of optimism and empowerment, demonstrating that collective efforts can transform the reproductive health landscape in South Africa, fostering a more inclusive, responsive, and compassionate healthcare system.

This article first appeared in the News Bulletin, the official newsletter of the Gauteng Department of Health.