Growing up in a small Eastern Cape village, Dr. Lindiwe Sidali knows all about overcoming challenges. This may come in handy to a cardiothoracic surgeon, which is not exactly a simple job.
A cardiothoracic surgeon is a specialist who operates on the heart, lungs and other chest organs. This is worlds apart from herding cattle, where Sidali started as a young girl.
She has since travelled far and wide, obtaining her degree as Doctor of Medicine in Cuba and went on to complete her Fellowship of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital.
Oftentimes being the only female in her training courses, she had to conquer a field of work dominated by men. She contributes her fighting character to her parents, who she says are both strong feminists. She told Goodthingsguy.com that they taught her and her sisters to stand on their own despite the odds and societal norms. All the children were given equal chores and were also still expected to perform well in school.
She is an avid believer in education for all, and free education at that – especially for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Watch this space, as there are clearly no limits to what this doctor can achieve once she sets her mind to it.
Photo: Facebook/Lindiwe Sidali