About Dr Sindiswa Makate

Born and raised in Senekal, in the Free State, I considered myself a true “platteland meisiekind”. Nurtured by my community in Senekal Primary and Paul Erasmus High School, which ensured that I reached my highest potential despite where I came from.

Finding myself in medical training was both serendipitous and an active effort from my community and me. Following my MBChB undergraduate degree from the University of the Free State, I embarked on not only serving my required internship and community service training but also finding my place in medicine and in the world.

That led to a two-year internship in King Edward Hospital Complex in Durban from January 2010 to December 2011, followed by community service as well as a year as a medical officer at the Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital (formerly known as the Kimberly Hospital Complex).

Then followed a beautiful 9 years in Cape Town as I trained at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital as a paediatrician and obtained my Master’s in Medicine at the University of Cape Town. During this time, I developed a passion for helping children with respiratory conditions not only as a physician but also as an advocate for lung health.

It only made sense to return to my province of birth, in the city of roses, Bloemfontein, to add my part to the work already started by many to care for our children’s lung health.