​Thobeka Makhubela
 
For Tebogo Molefe, a dedicated nurse at Tsakani Old Clinic in the Ekurhuleni District Health Services, nursing has meant breaking gender stereotypes and earning respect in spaces traditionally dominated by men.
Every day, Molefe performs Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC), a role few women occupy. With over 15 years of experience in the field, she began her VMMC journey in 2010 at Nokuthela Ngwenya Community Health Centre. In 2022, she was assigned to Tsakani Old Clinic, where she now serves as the VMMC site supervisor, leading the programme with dedication and expertise.
Molefe's nursing career began in 2007 at Ann Latsky Nursing College, qualifying as an Enrolled Nurse in 2009. In 2013, she returned to further her studies and completed her Registered Nursing qualification in 2015. Her commitment to self-development led her to specialise in Midwifery in 2021, successfully obtaining her qualification the same year.
Over the years, she has completed several short courses to sharpen her skills, including Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT), Nurse-Initiated Management of Antiretroviral Therapy (NIMART), Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI), and Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC)—all of which have prepared her well for the important work she does today.
Like any job, Molefe faces challenges. One of the biggest obstacles is gender-based discrimination.
"One of the hardest parts of my job is being treated unfairly because I'm a woman," Molefe explains. 
"Some older men doubt my ability to perform circumcisions, while others make rude comments or say I'm the dominant partner in my marriage. But I don't let such comments distract me. I remain focused on providing every patient with the best care possible."
In such moments, Molefe chooses grace and professionalism over confrontation. "I respond with humility. I take the opportunity to educate them—explaining medical protocols, ethical guidelines, cultural considerations, and the Batho Pele principles that guide our work. I also remind them that while men are respected as heads of families, my role is to ensure the health and safety of our community, which is something we all value," she says.
"The best part of my job is successfully performing the VMMC procedure and assisting clients when they experience complications," she adds. "It's fulfilling to see them satisfied with the service, especially those who were hesitant at first. Some even come back just to thank me."
One of Molefe's most rewarding moments was helping an asthmatic patient who accidentally entered the VMMC clinic during an attack. She administered oxygen and called for an ambulance. Days later, the patient called to thank her for saving his life.
"Such moments remind me why I chose and love my career. It's not about rewards - it's about doing the right thing and touching people with my healing hands," she says proudly.
Despite the demanding nature of her role, Molefe is also dedicated to her responsibilities at home. "I'm a mother first, so I always make sure my family is taken care of while giving my best at work," she says. "It's not always easy, but I believe in finding balance. Sometimes, even outside the clinic, people stop me to thank me or refer others—and that's when I truly see the difference this work makes in people's lives."
Programme Manager Siphesihle Mnyandu also shared positive feedback about Molefe's leadership and impact at the site. "Molefe takes full responsibility for her role and has shown strong accountability in overseeing the VMMC site. Since she took over, we've seen noticeable improvements, and the clinic is now performing well and moving closer to reaching its targets," stated Mnyandu.