Lebogang Usher Selepe

Lebogang Usher Selepe envisions a world where there is equal access to health and education.

Lebogang is studying medicine at the University of Cape Town (UCT) He matriculated at Phateng Secondary School in Mamelodi in Gauteng.

“No matter what obstacles you face, never lose sight of your dreams. Education is the key to unlocking endless opportunities, so take every chance to learn and grow.”

Explain why you chose the course/s you are studying?

I chose medicine because it has been my wish to become a doctor ever since I was young. The idea of becoming a doctor and saving people’s lives naturally exists in me. In preschool when they would ask us what do we want to be when we grow up, I would say I want to become a doctor. I grew up with that mentality and passion of alleviating people’s pain and make them feel better. I chose medicine because it is what I am passionate about, although I had an option to study actuarial science, which is high paying. I chose to do something I will enjoy. I don’t want to be in a workplace where I will feel like I don’t belong, just because I am making money.

Who or what inspired you to pursue these studies?

Despite having this internal motivation of pursuing this degree, I think there are other external factors that inspired me to pursue medicine. I come from Mamelodi, a township in Tshwane. There is a lack of healthcare facilities and clinics in Mamelodi. I noticed that the demand for health care is greater than the number of health care providers available, especially doctors. When I would go to the clinic I would see a queue of about 50-100 people waiting to see one doctor. When I was 10 years old, one of my favourite family members (my mother’s uncle) passed away due to HIV/AIDS. I loved him so much and when my mom reminds me of how I reacted when I was told that he passed away, she told me that I said “If I was a doctor I could have saved Malome Masipa.” My mom explained to me why my uncle died was because he did not want to take his medication because then there was a stigma around HIV that was not real. When I heard that story, I was somehow inspired to study medicine, not only to perform surgery but to also educate people about their health and fight the stigma around infectious diseases.

What would you like to see changed in the world, and how do you see yourself contributing to such a change?

I would like to change the inequality in terms of healthcare facilities and education. I envision a world where there is equal access to health and education. I see myself contributing to such change by serving underserved communities when I start practicing medicine. In my second year, I am planning to volunteer to tutor grade 12 and 11 learners if possible at the schools where I come from.

Where did you complete your schooling? (name of school and area where it is situated) Tell us a bit about this school and your teachers.

Phateng Secondary school, located in Mamelodi. I can’t really say much about my teachers as we had a basic teacher-learner relationship, but there is only one teacher who I will never forget. I think I am safe to say that she played a major role in getting me where I am because she is the one who evoked the interest for mathematics in me. When she started teaching in my school I was in grade 10, and then I was really doing terrible academically. My first test in mathematics was 20%, but my maths teacher never gave up on me and the class in general. She would go the extra mile unpacking basic concepts we were expected to know from earlier grades. In the second term after her arrival at the school, I was able to achieve my first ever distinction in mathematics and from there I never got anything less than 90% in mathematics. Upon realising my potential I became more interested in achieving great marks across all my subjects and started improving.

What did you enjoy about physical science and maths at school?

I was able to interconnect the two subjects. I could basically apply my mathematical skills to solve problems, teaching my peers also made me gain more interest in these subjects. What I liked about these subjects was that if they improve, all your other subjects will improve because mathematics improves your critical thinking skills and how to unpack a problem when solving it.

Why do you think some people have problems doing well in maths and science? What advice do you have for school learners who struggle with these subjects?

I think people do bad in maths and sciences because they have been told and programmed that these subjects are difficult, they approach them with the mentality that it is not possible to excel in these subjects. I have seen most people giving up when they are not able to find solutions to problems. My advice to those struggling in these subjects is to seek support whenever you need help, and look for programmes out there that provide extra tutorials in these subjects. I attended Kutlwanong Centre for maths, science and technology.

Any tips for learners in grades 11 and 12?

For grade 11, I advise you to make the most of this year as you will need your grade 11 report when applying for tertiary institutions. For both grade 12 and 11, balance your studying of the subjects because you can get 100% in mathematics and physical sciences, but it would be meaningless if you fail Life Orientation. So make time for every subject, draw a study timetable and stay committed to following it. Make use of previous question papers to get an idea of how questions are asked. Make study groups and lastly study every day like you are writing tomorrow.

What advice do you have for matriculants who have to apply for places in higher education institutions?

Apply to as many institutions as possible. Make sure you don’t forget to apply for the National Benchmark Test (NBT) and chase the degree that you want, not the status of the university.

Understanding excellence – what makes an achiever?

To be an achiever you must be able to set goals, work hard to achieve them and persevere when facing obstacles. It’s about having the courage to pursue your passions, even when the odds are against you. True achievement is not just about personal success, but also about making a positive impact on the world and uplifting those around you.

A message to South African youth in general?

No matter what obstacles you face, never lose sight of your dreams. Education is the key to unlocking endless opportunities, so take every chance to learn and grow.

A message to the teachers at your school/s?

Thank you for building me and disciplining me to be the person I am today. If it wasn’t for you, I would not have made it to where I am today. Although the journey is still young. I wish you all the best with your current and upcoming students. I hope you lead them into the right path like you did with me.

If you had ONE opportunity to speak directly to a very influential person, who would you choose and what would you say to them?

Minister of Finance Mr Enoch Godongwana, I would urge him to prioritise investment in healthcare infrastructure and resources, particularly in underserved communities.

National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF)