DR Mercy Sepadi with her colleagues
SEPADI SAYS THE RECOGNITION ALSO CAME WITH A SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY, AND SHE FELT ACCOUNTABLE FOR USING HER INFLUENCE AND SKILLS TO CONTRIBUTE MEANINGFULLY TO THE PROFESSION.
• Seek mentors from all walks of life and every field imaginable. They are the torchbearers who light the way, not just with their success but their failures and experiences. • Most importantly, balancing personal responsibilities with professional ambitions is an art. It requires grace under pressure and the ability to prioritise. Remember, success is not just about reaching the top; it’s also about the harmony you maintain along the way. • Stay humble because humility is the soil in which wisdom grows. This trait will open doors for you and make you a leader who not only achieves but uplifts others on the way. • Define what success means to you. It’s a personal journey, and what matters is that you are true to your values and vision. Whether it’s academic accolades, professional milestones, or the joy of raising a family, let your definition of success be the one that brings you fulfilment. Future plans Sepadi’s plans for the future are diverse. For now, she plans to continue her academic career by conducting research, publishing papers, and collaborating with other experts in her field. In addition, she is looking into doing multidisciplinary research or diving into other fields related to her PhD. She hopes to take on more extensive research projects as her academic career progresses. “In the next ten years, I envision myself in a leadership role. I want to reposition myself in the public and environmental health field to a space where I know I will have a major influence,” she says. Sepadi obtained a National Diploma (2012) and BTech in Environmental Health (2013) and a Master’s (2019) and PhD in Public Health (2024) degrees from the UJ Department of Environmental Health.
“Being part of the 200 Young South Africans cohort profoundly affected my career trajectory and personal development. It reinforced my commitment to excellence, boosted my credibility, connected me with remarkable individuals, fuelled my passion for positive change, and opened doors to new opportunities.” Sepadi says the recognition also came with a sense of responsibility, and she felt accountable for using her influence and skills to contribute meaningfully to the profession. “I became more intentional about my actions and decisions, knowing that people looked up to me. The award provided a platform to advocate for the causes I care about. I used the opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of the Environmental Health Directorate in the South African health system, addressing youth empowerment and the importance of education.” Wise words for young women • Sepadi has a few pearls of wisdom for young women from her experience. • Embrace lifelong learning by never placing yourself on a pedestal that keeps you from seeking knowledge. The world is vast, and its lessons are infinite. Allow yourself to be a student of life, for every person you meet has something to teach you.
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ALUMNI IMPUMELELO
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