Red Gown Dream Becomes Reality for Graduate
Growing up in KwaDlangezwa, near Empangeni, Dr Nomusa Mzimela made a childhood vow, declaring in isiZulu: ‘Ngizofunda ngize ngibe udokotela ngigqoke ijazi elibomvu, ngisho sengiwugogo kodwa ngizogcina ngiligqokile.’
This determination translates to: ‘I will study until I become a doctor and wear a red gown, even if I am a granny, but I will wear it’, a vow she kept, earning a PhD in Physiology from UKZN – turning her childhood commitment into a red-gowned milestone of resilience, intellect and purpose.
Her journey began at Dlangezwa High School, KwaDlangezwa, where her passion for human health started to crystallise. From a young age, witnessing people suffer illness sparked something deep within her – a desire not just to help but to make a meaningful contribution to improving human health. Whether through becoming a Medical doctor, researcher or working in any sphere of Medical science, she was determined to be part of the solution.
This inner drive led her to the world of research, where she found her calling in Physiology, a field that bridges the biological and Medical sciences, seeking to understand how the human body works, and more importantly, what happens when it doesn’t.
Mzimela’s doctoral study focused on the silent but pressing public health concern which is pre-diabetes. Conducted in Durban, South Africa, where the prevalence of pre-diabetes is notably high; her research examined immune cell concentration, red blood cell indices, and the expression of long non-coding RNAs in individuals aged 25 to 45.
Even though pre-diabetes is not as clinically severe as Type 2 diabetes mellitus, it triggers significant changes in immune function, inflammation markers and blood parameters. Most remarkably, she uncovered the expression of specific long non-coding RNAs, genetic material once thought to be inactive which could revolutionise how we diagnose and monitor pre-diabetes early on.
She also discovered that gender and ethnicity influenced the biological markers observed, opening a path for future studies on personalised Medicine and more nuanced diagnostic strategies in diverse populations.
With 16 publications to her name – eight as first author and eight as second author, and two more accepted and in press, Mzimela is not just a graduate, she is rather a serious academic force. These achievements are the product of sleepless nights, unwavering determination, and what she calls a ‘roller coaster journey’ through doctoral life.
Said Mzimela: ‘I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my family, friends, supervisor Professor Andile Khathi, and my co-authors. I couldn’t have done this alone. Perseverance truly is the mother of success.’
Khathi congratulated Mzimela with these words: ‘It brings me great joy and pride to see Nomusa graduate with her PhD. This milestone is a testament to her unwavering dedication, intellectual curiosity and resilience throughout the research journey. I have watched her overcome many challenges, including the COVID-19 lockdowns that happened right at the beginning of her study. Watching her grow as a scholar and an individual has been an incredible experience. She has already contributed meaningfully to the field of prediabetes and I have no doubt that she will become a leader in the field. I wish her continued success as she takes the next step in her academic and professional journey.’
Currently she is seeking a postdoctoral fellowship or academic position. Whether in the lecture hall, lab, or community centre, she hopes to continue producing impactful research, sharing knowledge through conferences, and using her platform to raise awareness about diabetes and chronic illnesses.
Her vision is as much about science as it is about service. Beyond publishing papers, she aims to host diabetes awareness events, facilitate roundtable discussions and become a motivational speaker and life coach for younger generations – especially those who dare to dream, just like she did.
Mzimela is a woman of many talents. She enjoys reading, cooking, and baking, simple joys that balance the rigours of academic life.
And now, she proudly wears that symbolic red gown she dreamed of as a child – not just as a celebration of personal success, but as a beacon for others following in her footsteps.
Words: Maryann Francis
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini
