Women's Wing
Healthcare systems are vital for delivering essential healthcare services to communities. Yet, in South Africa, these systems face challenges such as resource shortages, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access.
A SAMA initiative, the Women’s Wing creates a unique opportunity to address challenges experienced by female healthcare professionals, and to develop innovative solutions to enhance the overall healthcare delivery
OUR PURPOSE
Aligned with the Women’s Wing Committee’s Terms of Reference and the SAMA Board of Director’s strategic objectives, the Women’s Wing advises on gender-based violence (GBV), gender equity and parity, workplace harassment, career advancement, and maternity leave.
It is aimed at influencing policy on related issues that are specific to women and marginalised groups. It is a platform that prioritises women’s issues, while being supportive and fostering integration and empowerment.
COMMITTEE
Dr Sharon Harbor – Chairperson
Dr Sharon Harbor specialises in Anatomical Pathology, with a special interest in Dermatopathology.
In 2015 she obtained her medical degree (MBBCh) with distinction from the University of Cape Town. She aims to make a significant impact in the medical field with her research which entails evaluating the role of HPV in head and neck cancers.
She is a diplomat of the Royal college of pathologists. Dr Harbor sits on the Board of Directors of SAMA and is the Chairperson of the South African Registrar’s Association. She is particularly passionate about advocating for young doctors and women in medicine.
Dr Ntombifikile Mtshali – Vice Chairperson
Dr Ntombifikile Mtshali (MBChB, MD, MBA) is a medical doctor, healthcare leader and innovator who serves as Chief Executive Officer of Shout-It-Now, a South African non-profit providing youth-friendly HIV prevention and reproductive health services in Gauteng and North West. She is also a non-executive board member of the South African Medical Association. A graduate of the University of KwaZulu-Natal and Wits Business School, Dr Mtshali combines extensive clinical experience with strategic leadership. She has further strengthened her expertise through a Postgraduate Certificate in Healthcare Leadership from the University of Lancaster, UK, as well as executive programmes with Harvard University and the Centre for Creative Leadership.
With more than a decade of experience across the public and private healthcare sectors, Dr Mtshali has championed improved access to healthcare, particularly for women and young people. As former CEO of Bertha Gxowa Hospital, she was recognised as one of the Mail & Guardian‘s Top 200 Young South Africans in 2017. She has also managed major HIV and TB programmes through The Aurum Institute and currently chairs the CHABAHIVA Trust Board while continuing to practise as a sessional medical officer. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to advancing equitable, patient-centred healthcare in South Africa.
Dr Zanele Bikitsha – Women’s Wing Member
Dr Zanele Bikitsha obtained her medical degree (MBChB) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and has been affiliated with the National Department of Health since 2010. She is a former Youth League branch member of the Nelson Mandela School of Medicine. KZN. She is also a former local and central SRC member, a former Provincial treasurer for SASCO in KZN; and a former UKZN College of Health Sciences representative.
She is currently the CEO and manager for Mfundo Arnold Lushaba CHC. Dr Bikitsha serves on the District Health Management Team. She is a Task Team Member of Strategic Remodeling for Registrar Training in KZN. Dr Bikitsha is also the LTT Chairperson of uMzumbe sub district in Ugu. A former Board Director of SAMA, she is a member of the SEC and a KZN Coastal Branch and serves on the SAMA Women’s Wing and Structures Committee.
Dr Kgaugelo Manyoni – Women’s Wing Member
Dr Kgaugelo Manyoni is one of the founders of Lifehub co, a medical practice that prioritises primary health care with a patient-centred approach, emphasising health promotion and preventive care. She earned her MBBCH degree from the University of Witwatersrand in 2016 and has extensive experience working in the emergency department for several years.
She is presently doing her MBA in Health Care Leadership at the University of Stellenbosch, where her passion for business and healthcare leadership is being further developed.
As a woman working in the healthcare field, she has personally faced the difficulties that many women encounter in the medical profession. To advocate for the numerous women who not only handle healthcare duties but also strive to maintain a balance between their ambitions and obligations, she has become a member of the Women’s Wing Committee.
Dr Sisanda Mabude – Women’s Wing Member
Dr Sisanda Mabude is a seasoned medical practitioner with over 20 years’ experience in both private and public healthcare management. She holds an MBCHB from the former University of Natal and diplomas in Occupational Health and HIV/Aids Management.
Dr Mabude is a founding director of Drs Mabude and Bester Inc.; a pioneering health care company which has, for over decade, held several contracts managing private emergency units.
She is the Chief Medical Officer at Arcelor Mittal South Africa, and additionally, she serves as a Medical Advisor on disability and incapacity management at a leading Health Risk Management company. She is currently pursuing an MSc in Health Economics, Policy and Management with the London School of Economics.
Dr Mahlatse Makgotso Chidi – Women’s Wing Member
Dr Mahlatse Makgotso Chidi is a young female doctor who is currently serving the community of Mankweng (Limpopo) in the Psychiatry Unit.
She is one of the first cohort of graduates of the University of Limpopo Medical School, that was established in 2016. Dr Chidi is passionate about improving women’s overall, health but above all in raising awareness about matter affecting women in their workplace and mental health.
She is excited to be part of the SAMA Women’s Wing to help eradicate gender biases, whilst promoting equality
Projects
Women in Leadership Gathering – The SAMA Women’s Wing invited women in health to a lunch to recognise and celebrate the incredible achievements, strength, and resilience of women in medicine. The event created a valuable platform for powerful women in medicine, who continue to break barriers and uplift others, to connect in a beautiful setting. The Women’s Wing is committed to building a community that nurtures and empowers future generations of women in medicine.
Mini-medical career expo – The Women’s Wing hosted a mini-medical career expo in Winterveldt at the Abel Motshoane Secondary School. Representatives from the committee and SAMA imparted important information about studying medicine and what it means to commit to the noble profession. (with images)
Loreto Convent School – The Women’s Wing hosted female learners from the Pretoria’s Loreto Convent School, based in the Pretoria CPD, at the SAMA Annual Conference in February 2024. The purpose of the engagement was to provide a mentorship platform for female doctors and the learners to forge meaningful connections, while having real conversations about matters that uniquely impact women in the medical profession. (with images)
If you would like the Women’s Wing to support a project, please share the proposal to marcomm@samedical.org
Women in Medicine Forum 2025
Women in Medicine Forum 2025
A Day of Power, Purpose & Connection
The 2025 Women in Medicine Forum, presented by SAHBA and the SAMA Women’s Wing was nothing short of extraordinary – a vibrant celebration of women’s leadership, resilience, and unity in healthcare. From the moment doors opened, the energy was undeniable. The room was filled with powerhouse women who lead, teach, heal, and inspire – all gathered under one roof to share ideas, stories, and laughter that carried well beyond the sessions.
Throughout the day, attendees explored the real conversations that matter: balancing leadership and life, breaking barriers in medicine, mentorship that multiplies opportunity, and how women can continue to shape the healthcare landscape with courage and compassion. The dialogue was dynamic, the networking heartfelt, and the inspiration. Of course, no great event is complete without a touch of flair and this year, Estée Lauder joined us to add an extra glow to the occasion.
From tea breaks that turned into mentorship sessions, to panels that had everyone nodding in recognition and laughing in solidarity, the Women in Medicine Forum reminded us that when women come together, the impact is unstoppable.
We’re deeply grateful to every speaker, delegate, and partner who made this forum a success, and to all the phenomenal women who continue to shape the future of medicine with strength, intellect, and heart.
Here’s to more connection, more collaboration, and more conversations that inspire real change
SAMA Health Summit
Women’s Wing Creates Meaningful Connections at the SAMA Health Summit
The SAMA Women’s Wing played an active role in enhancing the delegate experience at the highly successful SAMA Health Summit, creating opportunities for engagement, networking, and connection among women in medicine.
Throughout the event, female delegates were welcomed with a small token of appreciation, information about the Women’s Wing, and an opportunity to enter the Women’s Wing Lucky Draw, which was held during the Health Summit’s closing programme. The initiative was warmly received and provided an effective platform to showcase the work and objectives of the Women’s Wing.
Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, the Women’s Wing banner and dedicated photo booth became popular features of the Health Summit, encouraging delegates to capture and share memorable moments while increasing the visibility of the Women’s Wing.
The response from delegates highlighted strong enthusiasm for future Women’s Wing activities. Forty delegates participated in the Lucky Draw, with every respondent expressing interest in attending future Women’s Wing events. These new contacts have since been added to the Women’s Wing database, creating valuable opportunities for ongoing engagement and growth.
The success of the Women’s Wing activations reflects the growing demand for spaces that support networking, professional development, mentorship, and collaboration among women in healthcare. The overwhelmingly positive feedback received at the Health Summit reinforces the important role the Women’s Wing continues to play within SAMA and the broader medical community.
