MEDIA STATEMENT

NHLS Marks Historic Milestone with First Chemical Pathology Specialist Trained in Eastern Cape
Johannesburg, 04 May 2026: The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) proudly celebrates a historic milestone in specialist training and healthcare advancement, as Dr Phathiswa Sifuba-Makapela becomes the first candidate to attain a specialist qualification in Chemical Pathology through the NHLS Nelson Mandela Academic Laboratory (NMAL) and Walter Sisulu University (WSU) in the Eastern Cape.
Born in Ngqamakwe in the former Transkei, Dr Sifuba-Makapela’s story is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to purpose. She completed her early schooling in rural Eastern Cape and obtained a BSc from what was then the University of Transkei, now Walter Sisulu University. Before pursuing medicine, she spent six years shaping young minds as a teacher; a chapter that strengthened her resolve to ultimately return to her first calling: medicine.
Reflecting on her journey, Dr Sifuba-Makapela said: “This achievement means a great deal to me. It is not only a personal milestone, but a reminder of perseverance, faith, and the importance of never giving up on one’s dreams.”
Her path to specialisation was marked by periods of transition during her registrar training, during which she completed part of her studies in Pretoria within a well-established programme. Through every stage, she remained anchored to her goal, ultimately completing her training with focus and determination.
Beyond personal accomplishment, her achievement represents a defining moment for the Eastern Cape; signalling the growing capacity to train and retain highly specialised professionals within the province. “For many years, doctors from rural and under-resourced areas have had to leave the province to complete specialist training,” she noted. “This milestone demonstrates that it is possible to build local capacity, develop specialists closer to home, and strengthen diagnostic services for the communities we serve.”
Her passion for chemical pathology was ignited during medical school, where she developed a deep fascination with how laboratory medicine unravels disease processes and guides clinical decision-making. That early curiosity has evolved into a lifelong commitment to advancing diagnostic science.
Today, Dr Sifuba-Makapela is focused on strengthening laboratory systems, improving clinical consultation, and contributing to the development of future laboratory professionals. Her training within the NHLS system, particularly at NMAL, has deepened her appreciation of laboratory medicine in the public health context.

Serving largely rural communities has further reinforced her commitment to accuracy, urgency, and reliability in diagnostics. “Every result belongs to a patient who depends on timely and accurate answers,” she said. “As chemical pathologists, we play a critical role in bridging the gap between the laboratory and clinicians to ensure better patient outcomes.”
The NHLS leadership has hailed this achievement as a pivotal moment for both the institution and the province, underscoring its importance in strengthening specialist training pathways and improving healthcare delivery.
Dr Sifuba-Makapela has expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who have supported and shaped her journey. She is driven by a strong sense of purpose to strengthen laboratory systems, advance quality improvement initiatives, and contribute meaningfully to the development of the next generation of specialists. Her passion lies in enhancing laboratory performance through robust quality management systems and supporting the development of sustainable, high-impact diagnostic services that improve patient care and health outcomes.
To aspiring healthcare professionals, particularly those from rural and underrepresented backgrounds, her message is one of hope and conviction: “Your background does not define your future. The journey may be long and challenging, but with resilience, hard work, and support, it is possible to achieve your goals.”
This milestone reaffirms the NHLS’ ongoing commitment to building specialist expertise, strengthening public health systems, and ensuring equitable access to high-quality diagnostic services across South Africa.
Ends

Issued by: National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS)
For more information, please contact:
Mzi Gcukumana
Senior Communications Manager
Tel: 011 386 6008 | Cell: 066 376 3171
mzimasi.gcukumana@nhls.ac.za