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Africa’s Youngest Neurosurgeon Hails from the Eastern Cape

In a male-dominated profession, a former Walter Sisulu University graduate – Dr Ncumisa Jilata – has defied the odds to become the youngest qualified neurosurgeon in Africa! And it all started with passion and intrigue… Mthatha-born Jilata, 29, is among the new batch of fellows for the Council of Neurosurgeons of South Africa, following their graduation […]

By Guest Contributor
23-05-17 15:16
in Fab South African Stuff

In a male-dominated profession, a former Walter Sisulu University graduate – Dr Ncumisa Jilata – has defied the odds to become the youngest qualified neurosurgeon in Africa! And it all started with passion and intrigue…

Source: FB/Ethnikids: “29 year old Dr Ncumisa is truly an inspiration to many young women and girls coming behind her. We salute you for showing girls (and boys) of colour what is possible when they put their mind to it! #BlackGirlMagic.”

Mthatha-born Jilata, 29, is among the new batch of fellows for the Council of Neurosurgeons of South Africa, following their graduation at Glenridge Church in Stamford Hill, Durban on Thursday.

Jilata said neuroscience first drew her attention when she was at Mthatha High School.

“I was already in Grade 11 when I decided I want to be a doctor, but at the time I wasn’t doing biology, so when I got to matric I had to do three years of biology in one year, in addition to the subjects I had already selected from Grade 10.

“During that period I discovered the concept of a neuron, which is amazing, and the fact that society as a whole is influenced and controlled solely by the existence of this structure, intrigued me. That’s when I knew I wanted to be a neurosurgeon…”

For more on this story, please read Mbali Tanana’s article on the Daily Dispatch here.