UKZN medical student Margareth Zevute's journey from small-town dream to UCLA elective

From dressing as a doctor for her Grade 5 career day to completing a prestigious three-week elective at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), final-year medical student at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Margareth Zevute's journey is one of persistence, passion, and purpose.

“I remember one of my teachers saying, ‘You’re going to make an incredible doctor one day,’” Zevute recalls. “Those words have stayed with me ever since.”

Her path has started unconventionally, as she pursued a BClinical Medical Practice degree before entering the MBChB programme.

But her determination recently saw her selected for an international elective at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, one of the world’s top medical institutions.

While abroad, she rotated through various departments within family medicine, learning about different healthcare models, especially how American institutions are responding to vulnerable populations. A standout moment for her was engaging with the concept of "street medicine"—a model that echoes South Africa’s mobile clinics by taking healthcare directly to the unhoused and undocumented communities.

“California has a high population of unhoused individuals and immigrants who face significant barriers to accessing care,” Zevute said. “The services they receive may not match private healthcare levels, but they are still more accessible than what many South Africans can get through the public health system.”

Zevute was inspired by the American tertiary education system’s flexibility and the emphasis on mutual respect between healthcare workers and patients.

“This was my first time abroad, and it was a truly beautiful experience,” said the 20-something from Virginia, a small gold-mining town in the Free State. “It shifted my perspective in so many ways.”

To students considering international opportunities, Zevute offered the following advice: “Grab the opportunity with both hands. It can expand your worldview, introduce you to new networks, and deepen your understanding of your profession.”

Zevute credits her success to her strong support system—her family, friends, and deep faith in God. “I have an incredible community of people who want to see me thrive, and I feel the same about them.”

Beyond academics, Zevute is deeply engaged in community service and leadership. In 2022, she led the UKZN Medical School Running Club and is a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society. She also founded Redefining Mzansi, a non-profit that supports underprivileged communities and promotes spiritual well-being.

She currently serves as the Women of Virtue leader within the Medical Students Christian Fellowship and continues to use her spare time to uplift others, both through service and inspiration.

As she prepares to complete her MBChB degree, Zevute has her sights set on specialising in Paediatrics.

“I want to serve and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives—especially those who need it most,” she said.

Her journey from a hopeful Grade 5 pupil to a global medical scholar is not only a personal triumph but a testament to what can be achieved through hard work, faith, and a heart for service.

IOL