Contributing to the Eradication of social ills in South Africa is one of my primary goals: Meet Dr Masindi Maphasha

1. Who are you?

My name is Dr. Masindi Maphasha

2. What primary and high school did you attend?

I started at Dihlopaneng Primary and moved to Phunyako High School which is where I matriculated. Both schools are in Dihlopaneng which is the place I call home.

3. ⁠Which subjects did you choose and why?

I did Science and Mathematics because I thought I would follow a health-related career. I have always been passionate about helping the most vulnerable in the society.

4. ⁠How did you decide on your career choice?

Sadly, it was the available course at the University then. It was in 1997. I travelled from Limpopo to Pretoria, and I was not empowered enough to tell my parents that I wasn’t going to do it. The understanding that everything happens for a reason also contributed to the acceptance on my side. I earned the National Diploma in Public Management, I later completed a BA in Psychology, the two qualifications were followed by Honors and Masters in Development and Management. I then acquired a Doctorate in Public Affairs.

5. ⁠Tell us about the job that you do.

I am working as an Assistant Director: Coordination and Programme Support in the HIV and AIDS unit of the National Department of Social Development. I worked in the HIV field at the Non-profit organisation, municipal and National levels. Talk about everything happens for a reason. I ended up working with HIV, which is developmental, yet the majority of people perceive it as a health challenge.

6. ⁠What motivated you to go into this specific career field?

The passion to reduce the HIV prevalence in the country. I also want to help those that are living with HIV to cope, live longer, moreover protect the uninfected so that they remain negative. I always see myself as part of the bigger picture. Contributing to the Eradication of social ills in South Africa is one of my primary goals.

7. ⁠What duties do you perform?

I am responsible for Organisational Donor Assistance, Stakeholder Relations and management, policy development, training, and community engagements. I recently found myself managing donor-driven projects a lot, particularly infrastructure development. I also do lots of event management for the launching of the completed community facilities. I organize events according to the national health calendar together with the South African AIDS Council. I also monitor the NPOs that are occupying donor-funded facilities. Being an academic, I present at national and international conferences including at BRICS postgraduate conferences.

8. ⁠What is it like being in this field?

It’s fulfilling because of how communities and provinces appreciate the guidance and support they are getting from us as the National Department. The decrease in the HIV mortality rate confirms that we are heading towards the right direction as a country. We still need to do more to end HIV, especially in children.

9. ⁠What advice would you give to someone wanting to go into a career field like yours?

It requires dedication because it’s about servanthood. They must just work hard, and get innovative because communities are awoken. They know their rights and the kind and standard of services that they are entitled to.

10. ⁠What words of encouragement would you give to a high school learner?

Black child, it is possible. Know and go after what you want. Attaining the highest qualification (PhD) requires focus, commitment, and hard work. They should be goal-driven individuals who manage time well. Deprivation and acceptance that the majority of good times/ social gatherings should pass you by, when you are still in the PhD journey. They should always remember that they will finish and reintegrate back to lead normal lives. Above it all, a spiritual connection with the higher being keeps one grounded. The reminder that one is resilient remains key and lastly having good role models and mentors motivates one to keep on keeping on.