{"id":25006,"date":"2025-08-25T16:25:33","date_gmt":"2025-08-25T14:25:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=25006"},"modified":"2026-03-12T09:58:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T07:58:16","slug":"tebogo-molefe-ekurhuleni-nurse-male-circumcision","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/tebogo-molefe-ekurhuleni-nurse-male-circumcision\/","title":{"rendered":"Ekurhuleni Nurse Saving Lives and Changing Perceptions in Male Circumcision"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>In the heart of Ekurhuleni, one nurse is making an indelible mark in the field of voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC). Tebogo Molefe, who has worked in healthcare for over 15 years, not only saves lives through her precise medical procedures but also challenges the deeply rooted gender norms of this male-dominated field. Her story serves as an example of determination, resilience, and professional growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>DID YOU KNOW?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/patients-await-kidney-transplants\/\">Over 1,000 Patients Await Kidney Transplants in Gauteng Alone<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Table of contents<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-breaking-gender-stereotypes-in-male-circumcision\" data-level=\"2\">Breaking Gender Stereotypes in Male Circumcision<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-a-journey-of-dedication-and-growth\" data-level=\"2\">A Journey of Dedication and Growth<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-challenges-faced-and-overcome\" data-level=\"2\">Challenges Faced and Overcome<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-the-rewarding-aspects-of-her-role\" data-level=\"2\">The Rewarding Aspects of Her Role<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-leadership-in-vmmc-at-tsakani-old-clinic\" data-level=\"2\">Leadership in VMMC at Tsakani Old Clinic<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-the-impact-of-tebogo-s-work\" data-level=\"2\">The Impact of Tebogo\u2019s Work<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-community-support-and-family-balance\" data-level=\"2\">Community Support and Family Balance<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-feedback-from-programme-manager-and-colleagues\" data-level=\"2\">Feedback from Programme Manager and Colleagues<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-inspiring-future-generations\" data-level=\"2\">Inspiring Future Generations<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-breaking-gender-stereotypes-in-male-circumcision\">Breaking Gender Stereotypes in Male Circumcision<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>VMMC is a critical public health service, particularly in South Africa, where it plays a key role in HIV prevention. However, it has traditionally been a space dominated by men, with few women undertaking the procedure. Molefe has continuously defied this norm, breaking barriers that women often face in healthcare professions. With over 15 years of experience, she has proven time and again that skill and dedication transcend gender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1353930527\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-journey-of-dedication-and-growth\">A Journey of Dedication and Growth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tebogo Molefe\u2019s journey began in 2007 when she enrolled at Ann Latsky Nursing College. After qualifying as an Enrolled Nurse in 2009, she returned to further her studies, obtaining her Registered Nursing qualification in 2015. Her commitment to learning didn&#8217;t stop there. In 2021, she specialised in Midwifery, ensuring she stayed at the forefront of her field. Molefe\u2019s dedication to self-development continued with courses in PMTCT, NIMART, and VMMC, ensuring she was well-equipped to handle the responsibilities of her current role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-challenges-faced-and-overcome\">Challenges Faced and Overcome<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As a female nurse working in VMMC, Tebogo Molefe faced challenges from male patients who questioned her competence. Many doubted her ability to perform circumcisions, a procedure traditionally performed by men. Despite these obstacles, Molefe took every <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.gov.za\/News\/NewsDetails\/%7Bb8115011-acbf-408d-8631-e3fb3f37833f%7D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">opportunity to educate<\/a> her patients, explaining <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.za\/news\/media-statements\/gauteng-health-unverified-medical-male-circumcision-recruitment-drives-26-jun\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">medical protocols<\/a> and the ethical guidelines she followed. &#8220;It\u2019s not about my gender; it\u2019s about providing the best care for our community,&#8221; Molefe says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-4084689601\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-rewarding-aspects-of-her-role\">The Rewarding Aspects of Her Role<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For Tebogo Molefe, the best part of her job is knowing that she\u2019s made a tangible difference in people\u2019s lives. She recalls one particularly rewarding experience when an asthmatic patient accidentally entered her clinic during an attack. She quickly administered oxygen and called an ambulance. The patient later called to thank her for saving his life. These moments, Molefe says, remind her why she chose this path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-leadership-in-vmmc-at-tsakani-old-clinic\">Leadership in VMMC at Tsakani Old Clinic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, Molefe serves as the VMMC site supervisor at Tsakani Old Clinic. Her leadership has transformed the clinic, pushing it closer to reaching its goals and enhancing the overall quality of care. Her responsibility goes beyond conducting circumcisions; she ensures that the programme runs smoothly and that patients receive top-tier care throughout the entire process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1095590065\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-impact-of-tebogo-s-work\">The Impact of Tebogo\u2019s Work<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Molefe\u2019s work has not only <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/GautengHealth\/status\/1959661178516345186\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">improved the health<\/a> of individual patients but has also helped to shift perceptions around female healthcare professionals in male-dominated fields. Her leadership, skill, and commitment have earned her the respect of her peers and patients alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>LEARN:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/midwives-reducing-maternal-and-infant-deaths\/\">Why Investing in Midwives Is Key to Reducing Maternal and Infant Deaths<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-community-support-and-family-balance\">Community Support and Family Balance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite the demanding nature of her work, Tebogo Molefe remains committed to her family. \u201cI\u2019m a mother first,\u201d she says. Molefe believes in striking a balance between her professional and personal life, ensuring that both her family and patients receive her best. Her work in the community has also earned her gratitude from locals, with many expressing how much they value her expertise and kindness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Did you know circumcision can reduce your risk of HIV infection by up to 60%? <br><br>Even if you are living with HIV, you can still get circumcised. You will receive the care and support you need, including starting ARVs if you are not already on treatment. <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/CloseTheGap?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#CloseTheGap<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/MDmbDG3LJi\">pic.twitter.com\/MDmbDG3LJi<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Gauteng Health (@GautengHealth) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/GautengHealth\/status\/1939964111158202754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">July 1, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/GautengHealth\/status\/1939964111158202754\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">X\/Twitter<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2746290083\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-feedback-from-programme-manager-and-colleagues\">Feedback from Programme Manager and Colleagues<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Siphesihle Mnyandu, the Programme Manager, has praised Molefe\u2019s leadership, noting the significant improvements at the clinic under her guidance. \u201cMolefe has shown strong accountability, and the clinic is performing better since she took over,\u201d says Mnyandu. Molefe\u2019s impact is a testament to the power of committed healthcare professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ALSO READ:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/gauteng.news\/2025\/02\/18\/decline-in-hiv-and-sti-infections\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Gauteng Reports Decline in HIV and STI Infections<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-inspiring-future-generations\">Inspiring Future Generations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tebogo Molefe\u2019s story is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.gov.za\/Departments\/CPM-001006\/News\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">an inspiration<\/a> to the next generation of nurses, particularly young women who may feel deterred from pursuing careers in male-dominated fields. Through her work, she demonstrates that passion, expertise, and leadership know no gender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">If you decide to do it, do it the right way \u2705<br><br>Visit one of our sites for a FREE, safe, and quick Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision \u2702\ufe0f\ud83e\uddd1\u200d\u2695\ufe0f<br><br>Protect your health, and boost your confidence \ud83d\udcaa by simply finding a site near you today\ud83d\udccd <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/FLGXDzGLXI\">pic.twitter.com\/FLGXDzGLXI<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Gauteng Health (@GautengHealth) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/GautengHealth\/status\/1955170173465366979?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">August 12, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/GautengHealth\/status\/1955170173465366979\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">X\/Twitter<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Explore the inspiring journey of Tebogo Molefe, a nurse in Ekurhuleni breaking gender barriers in voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC), changing perceptions, and saving lives in the process.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":25027,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"Explore the inspiring journey of Tebogo Molefe, a nurse in Ekurhuleni breaking gender barriers in voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC), changing perceptions, and saving lives in the process.","footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[608,8455,1392,5907,9971,3857],"class_list":{"0":"post-25006","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-news","8":"tag-gauteng-department-of-health","9":"tag-gender-equality","10":"tag-health","11":"tag-healthcare-access","12":"tag-nurses","13":"tag-public-health"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25006","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25006"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25006\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25040,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25006\/revisions\/25040"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25027"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25006"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25006"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25006"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}