Meet Tšepiso Makwetla, a passionate maternal and child health advocate in South Africa who has dedicated her life to turning personal challenges into purposeful action. She was born in the vibrant township of Katlehong (Gauteng Province), a place that shaped her deep sense of community and purpose. Her diverse background, including studies in Computer Science, Journalism and International Relations, reflects her drive to pursue meaningful change. Through her work, she addresses critical gaps in healthcare, inspiring change and improving lives across the country. Her journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to creating a healthier, more informed future for women and children.
Her work is deeply rooted in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, particularly addressing maternal, newborn, and child health. She is also committed to SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, working to ensure that vulnerable populations have access to quality healthcare and that collaborative efforts drive systemic change. Tšepiso’s own path to advocacy began with her own harrowing experience. After enduring the heartbreak of her stillborn child, complications during an emergency C-section, and the discovery of gestational diabetes, she realised the urgent need for change in how we can advocate for maternal health. These personal struggles ignited a passion for empowering women and young girls, especially those in underserved communities, with the knowledge and tools to access quality healthcare.
Using her experience as a journalist and broadcaster, she is a powerful dialogue facilitator for the World Health Organisation (WHO) Africa Region and a planner of health-focused events with Global Health Strategies (GHS), Tšepiso plays a crucial role in shaping health education and advocacy initiatives across Africa. She is a strong voice in championing causes such as cervical cancer awareness and the eradication of polio, ensuring that vital health information reaches the communities that need it most. Beyond health advocacy, she is actively involved in sustainability and conservation efforts with SANParks, fostering harmonious relationships between wildlife and local communities to promote ecological balance.
The journey hasn’t been easy. Tšepiso reflects on the trauma that first opened her eyes to the shortcomings of healthcare, even in private hospitals often lauded for their quality. However, her determination to create meaningful change led her to collaborate with the Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, turning her pain into a platform for advocacy and reform with far-reaching impact.
One of the ways she advocates access to health care, is a partnership with South Africa’s Department of Health through her work as a MomConnect Ambassador. Through this role, she helps to address the gaps in maternal and child healthcare. Through its work, MomConnect, has connected over a million women to expert prenatal and postnatal care through cost-free mobile messaging. The program has so far not only given women access to improved family planning and healthcare interventions but also spurred several innovative digital health solutions, making a lasting impact on communities across South Africa.
In addition to her advocacy work, Tšepiso actively supports other Goalkeepers in their projects through her role as a journalist, using her platform to amplify their initiatives and advocate for meaningful change. Her ability to bridge sectors—from health to environmental sustainability—demonstrates her dedication to holistic well-being and long-term community development.
In her spare time, Tšepiso enjoys the simple joys of life—reading, outdoor activities, and spending quality time with family and friends. Her story is one of courage, compassion, and commitment, reminding us all of the power of turning personal challenges into opportunities for collective growth.
LinkedIn: Tšepiso Makwetla
Email: goalkeepers@sun.ac.za