Last updated on 27 August 2022
PODIATRIST Mpho Bopape did not always want to pursue a career in this field but when a family member had her leg amputated due to diabetes she suddenly began taking interest in it.
Bopape, 24, is the founder and owner of CM BOPAPE PODIATRIST, a private practice at Paledi Mall, Turfloop near Polokwane in Limpopo province.
She initially wanted to be a psychologist and was accepted by the University of Limpopo but felt that this was not enough of a challenge for her.
This was why she applied for Podiatry at the University of Johannesburg in 2017, after completing her high school grades, and she was one of 45 students that were accepted.
“Growing up I used to see people with one leg, could it be that they also had the same problem, my relative has? What can I do to help these people to prevent amputations? That is when I researched foot amputations and came across Podiatry. It was said that podiatrists are specialists who help in diagnosing and treating lower limb problems such as diabetes, arthritis, and other, foot problems,” said Bopape.
Bopape mentioned that she had a difficult time adjusting to studying away from home. She added that she had to attend psychology sessions on campus to help with campus adjustment.
“My other problem was finance. I qualified for NSFAS funding but we all know it can take up to six months to give monthly allowances, so my parents would sometimes send me R400 and it had to last for that month” said Bopape.
Bopape said that it was hard to fit in when other students had money and could buy themselves fancy food and afford what they want.
Bopape mentioned that nevertheless, she is grateful to God who helped her to get what she went there to do.
Bopape who is one of the youngest podiatrists said that she believes that black women can be who they want to be.
“I would like to speak to young mothers out there, being a mother at a young age does not mean that your future is doomed, let your kid be your motivation. Take the baby to daycare and study hard. So girls, let’s run this world academically and financially,” Said Bopape
Bopape said that she believes that teaching women equally means teaching the nation.
Bopape from Mankweng says that sometimes resilience is the only option to achieve one’s goals. Bopape has a degree in Health Sciences in Podiatry obtained from the University of Johannesburg in May 2022.
“Our house has only two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a dining room. There was no such thing as privacy, all the kids slept in one room,” said Bopape.
Bopape attended her primary school in Mapudithomo primary and did her grades 5 to 7 at Toronto primary school. Bopape did her high school grades at Ditlalemeso from 2011 to 2016.
“Since we didn’t have proper study rooms, I had to wait for everybody to finish watching soapies in order for me to study. So I would start studying around 10h00pm until about 4am. We also didn’t have a study table. I was using the ironing board. I would adjust it to the lowest height,” she said.
The Podiatrist said that it was not easy to pass her grades, but that she had to do it for herself and her family. She added that the entire struggle was worth it because she managed to go back home as a graduate – the only graduate in the family for that matter.
“I really love my job and I can’t wait to grow my business and have as many branches as possible so that I can help as many people with lower limb problems as possible,” said Bopape. – news@mukurukuru.co.za
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