Women of UKZN: Leading with Purpose, Courage and Grace

For Dr Nokukhanya Msomi, whose name means “Mother of Light”, her journey as a Clinical Virologist and academic leader has been defined by purpose, resilience and a commitment to creating spaces where others can thrive.

Msomi is the Academic Head of the Discipline of Virology in the School of Medicine at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). She is based at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, where she leads the diagnostic virology laboratory of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS).

Describing herself as “kind, easy-going and driven”, Msomi’s career reflects a balance of scientific expertise, leadership and compassion. Her interest in virology grew from her early experience as a general medical practitioner in the early 2000s. With a particular interest in HIV medicine, she gradually developed a deeper interest in Medical Virology and ultimately pursued it as her field of specialisation.

One of the defining moments of her professional journey came in January 2020, when she assumed her leadership role in the Discipline of Virology. Within just three months, the world was confronted with the COVID-19 pandemic. She describes the experience as a “baptism of fire” – being thrust into an unprecedented public health crisis almost immediately after taking on a new leadership responsibility. The experience tested her professionally and personally, requiring her to navigate the demands of leadership, diagnostic virology and the rapidly evolving COVID-19 landscape.

For Msomi, however, leadership has never been about being the toughest person in the room. She believes that effective leadership can be grounded in kindness and compassion. “I create enabling spaces for women to thrive and excel,” she said. “You do not have to be hard to be effective, and soft is not weak.”

Her own journey has also been shaped by the challenge of balancing professional ambitions with family responsibilities. “Achieving work-life balance as a working mother and spouse while carving out my professional journey and growth” has been one of the challenges that has shaped her, she said, playfully adding, “There are not enough hours in a day.”

Throughout her career, mentorship has played an important role. Msomi identifies Professor Koleka Mlisana as a significant influence and mentor. She sought her mentorship even before entering the specialist programme, and Mlisana has remained a source of guidance and inspiration. “She was my PhD supervisor and made sure I completed my PhD,” Msomi said, adding that Mlisana continues to be her personal mentor.

Her own achievements demonstrate the value of perseverance. Among the accomplishments she is most proud of is receiving an NRF C2 rating, which she achieved in 2025. The recognition has strengthened her ambition to grow further as a researcher and to contribute research with global impact.

While professional achievement is important to her, Msomi is equally passionate about helping other women recognise and pursue their own potential. She believes one of the barriers women continue to face is self-doubt – second-guessing themselves and believing those who question their abilities.

Her advice is simple: trust yourself and allow your work to demonstrate your capabilities. “Always do your best and your work will speak for itself,” she said.

On difficult days, Msomi turns to prayer and intention, reminding herself of her purpose and the reasons behind what she does. “I always remind myself of my ‘why’,” she said.

If she could spend a day with an inspiring woman from history, she would choose acclaimed author and poet, Maya Angelou, whose wisdom, courage and powerful voice have inspired generations.

Looking ahead, Msomi hopes her career will be defined not only by what she achieves, but by the people she inspires along the way.

For her, Women’s Month is an opportunity to celebrate women while encouraging them to step confidently into their potential. Her message to women and girls is one of boldness, self-belief and authenticity. “To great women: may we know them, may we be them and may we raise them!”

She encourages women to bring their best selves to everything they do and not to allow self-doubt to limit their ambitions. “Dare to have audacity with a pinch of delusion. You are enough and have all that is required to take on the most ambitious roles. Just believe in yourself. Your future self will thank you.”

For Msomi, being a woman in science and leadership is not about conforming to expectations. It is about recognising one’s worth, embracing one’s strengths and creating opportunities for others to rise too. As a scientist, educator, researcher, mother and leader, she continues to embody the meaning of her name – bringing light not only through her own work, but by helping others see the possibilities within themselves.

Author: Nombuso Dlamini

Image: Sethu Dlamini