MBCHB graduate, Dr Itumeleng Ntatamala is no stranger to high achievement. Founder of the Future Health Leaders Programme and former chairperson of the Rural Support Network, Dr Ntatamala is also a recent recipient of the prestigious Chevening Scholarship. 

Dr Ntatamala receiving his award from Mrs Judith Macgregor, the British High Commissioner to South Africa

The Chevening is the UK government’s international awards scheme aimed at developing global leaders. The programme offers fully funded masters level study at any university in the UK with the requirement that graduates return to their home country to use their newfound skills for at least 2 years. Dr Ntatamala, who is currently studying at the University of Birmingham, says this is one of the reasons that inspired him to apply for the scholarship.

“This appealed to me, a community service doctor working in a largely rural province of Limpopo, as it meant I could receive training from some of the very best in the UK, in the field of occupational health, and still return home to implement what I had learnt abroad.”
Dr Ntatamala hopes that his MSc in Occupational Health will improve his clinical skills and, more importantly, allow him to advocate for better health services for all workers. His interest in the field was sparked when he noticed numerous patients at the district hospital where he works lose their jobs because they were HIV positive or had suffered an injury on duty. He found that many were not aware of the health rights they are afforded as employees. 

In line with this goal, his research will focus on the extent to which occupational health and safety (OHS) is taught in engineering undergraduate programmes. He aims to better understand whether graduating engineering students are prepared for the 'real world' with regards to identifying and responding to potential hazards in the workplace. Dr Ntatamala believes that a sound understanding of OHS in future engineers will help prevent workplace injuries and equip graduates with the skills and confidence to become advocates for disempowered employees who continue to be placed at risk in the workplace. Dr Ntatamala is one of three FHS graduates to receive the scholarship this year.