Quality health care is a fundamental human right, yet it remains a struggle for many people to access, especially in underserved communities. Long queues, inadequate facilities and limited resources in government clinics often leave people with no option other than to suffer in silence or seek expensive private health-care services. But one passionate nurse is changing the narrative for Kayamandi residents in Stellenbosch with the opening of her private clinic, Kunjani.
Nobulali Gxagxisa, a professional nurse, always knew she wanted to make a difference in her community. “As a teenager I had a deep passion for community development and dreamt of becoming a nurse,” she said. “However, life took me down a different path and I found myself working in a restaurant and married with children.”
Gxagxisa’s passion for community development never faded, and at 35 years old she decided to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse.
During her nursing studies she discovered the many fields she could specialise in and decided to pursue her dream of opening her clinic.
“I enrolled in Stellenbosch University to study primary health care, which would help me realise my goal of opening a private clinic. However, the road was not easy and I faced many challenges, including bureaucratic hurdles from the municipality, which delayed my plans.”
Gxagxisa persevered and, with the help of her fellow nurses, she secured a piece of land in Kayamandi, thanks to the kindness of a local church. She then went through the rigorous process of acquiring a licence from Kunjani, a private franchise clinic that evaluates potential clinic owners.
After a year she was granted a licence to operate and Kunjani Clinic was born.
It offers a wide range of services, including blood-pressure monitoring, cholesterol, diabetes, HIV testing and counselling, family planning, STI treatments, and more. The clinic operates from Monday to Friday, 08:00-17:00 and on Saturdays, 09:00-13:00.
Kayamandi residents have expressed their support for the clinic, with many appreciating the efficient and friendly service.
High-school girls have expressed excitement at the prospect of receiving contraceptives on time, while others are happy to have mother-to-daughter consultations.
Nozakhele Manyini, a 53-year-old diabetic, is delighted with the service she receives and praises the friendly staff at Kunjani Clinic.
Ward councillor Mary Mokopane is also a strong supporter of Kunjani Clinic, noting it has brought a significant relief to the community. “Despite the small fee charged, the community appreciates being served on time, and I encourage other ward councillors to spread the word about the clinic in their committee meetings and encourage ward members to make use of the clinic to eliminate the burden on public clinics. I believe more clinics of this kind are still needed in Kayamandi to improve access to quality health care.
“Gxagxisa’s story is an inspiring one, and her passion and determination to make a difference in her community are commendable.
“Her private clinic, Kunjani, has filled a gap in health-care services in Kayamandi, providing efficient and quality health care to those who need it most,” said Mokopane.
“Gxagxisa’s story is a reminder that with passion, perseverance and dedication, we can make a difference in our communities and impact the lives of those around us positively.
