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Nomfundo Mnisi opened a veterinary clinic in her rural hometown.
She was just about ready to become a doctor. She had the marks, she had the aptitude for maths and science and even had the medical school all picked up.
Then she was introduced to agriculture in high school – and the rest, as they say, is history.
She now does a different kind of healing.
Whilst many shied away from the profession, she was determined to be one of the few black female veterinarians in the country.
She’s served as the Vice President of the South African Veterinarian Council (SAVC), the Veterinary Statutory Body in South Africa and is currently the board chairperson of The Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA).
Dr Nomfundo Mnisi speaks to Drum about climbing the ladder in her career.
“It’s fulfilling. Everyday I look back and say thank you God for helping me make the right decision. When I started, I just wanted to own my own farm, look after animals but the challenges at work opened my eyes and I have been able to inspire young people, and teach them about this profession.”
If anyone told her she would be where she is today, she would have not believed it.
The veterinarian, who was born and raised in Ngodini, a rural area in Mpumalanga, drew inspiration from her parents’ professions. Her father, a teacher and school principal, and her mother is a professional nurse. Her aspiration was to excel beyond their achievements.
“I had a strong aptitude for mathematics and science, so when I reached matric, I decided to apply at MEDUNSA to study medicine. I was advised to add agriculture to improve my matric results. It was a completely new field for me, and in September, during a vacation, we visited a farm where I was introduced to the concept of artificial insemination in cattle. I found it incredibly fascinating. During the visit, they also shared some insights about the veterinary profession, mentioning the lack of diversity in the field. This piqued my interest even more, and I began researching what animal doctors actually do. As a result, I made the decision to change my application and pursue a career in veterinary science,” Dr Nomfundo tells Drum.
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“My parents were not impressed, but then I had to do what I wanted to do. They tried changing my mind but only in fourth year they realised I’m not going to change my mind. My father’s colleague told him, ‘I’m going places and I’ll be a doctor of livestock,’ that’s when they warmed up to it.”
During her studies, she became aware of the underrepresentation of women in the veterinary sector. This fuelled her determination not only to succeed in her own career but also to serve as an inspiration for other learners, encouraging them to consider entering the field as well and creating opportunities for them to excel, such as bursaries.
“I had the opportunity to meet a remarkable individual who happened to be the first black female veterinarian I encountered later in my studies. It was through this encounter that I realised the scarcity of women in the veterinary field, particularly in positions traditionally dominated by white males.”
Before being appointed as the vice president of SAVC in 2019, a three-year tenure, in 2016, she had the pleasure of representing SAVC at the World Animal Health Organisation in Paris, France.
“It was a big wow moment for me, and it’s been an honour to know that I am representing the profession and I’d do this over and over again,” she proudly shares.
Nomfundo has garnered numerous accolades for her work, but the most recent achievement of opening a veterinary clinic in her rural hometown is a lifelong dream come true.
Dr Nomfundo Mnisi is currently the board chairperson of The Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA).
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“I think this was Gods given purpose for me, God wanted me to teach my community about animal health and make them understand how they can protect themselves. My focus now is on animal health awareness. I established the clinic as part of my awareness campaign, so that when I get learners, they can come see me in action and find a space where they can be welcomed,” she shares.
“It’s expensive to establish a veterinary clinic but I want to motivate other veterinarians that it’s possible for them to have their own businesses and not only depend on state employment,” she adds.
The 49-year-old explains that there’s more than what meets the eye to being a veterinarian.
“A veterinarian is a medical professional who specialises in the health and well-being of animals. They conduct medical examinations, diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries, perform surgeries, provide preventive care, handle emergency situations, and promote animal welfare and public health. They also educate pet owners and animal caretakers on proper care and offer guidance to ensure the well-being of animals. Veterinarians can specialise in different areas such as small animals, large animals, exotic animals, wildlife, research, or public health.”
She has two foundations, Dr Nomfundo Mnisi Foundation established in 2019 to teach learners about the profession and the Rural Vet Foundation established last year to bringing awareness to animal health in rural communities.
“I wanted to understand the diseases that are transmittable between animals and humans, and one of those diseases is rabies and it’s more prevalent in the rural areas,” she shares.
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There is currently a skills shortage in the veterinary sector and a few black students in the field, she’s calling on learners to consider studying veterinary science.
“I am glad to see the fruits of this campaign, more black learners are applying to study veterinary science,” she shares.
Veterinary science is currently only available in the University of Pretoria and application close on the 31st of May 2023 for the 2024 intake.
https://www.up.ac.za/faculty-of-veterinary-science.
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