Ayanda Gabela, born and raised in KwaNongoma in Northern KwaZulu achieved one of the greatest milestones of his life by graduating with a Degree of Bachelor of Health Sciences in Clinical Technology from the Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2025 Spring Graduation ceremony , which took place at the Olive Convention Centre on Thursday, 18 September 2025.
Coming from a family rooted in medicine, his path was shaped by his late grandmother and mother, both of whom were nurses, as well as uncles, aunts, and relatives who became doctors and clinical technologists. Initially, he dreamt of becoming a doctor, but along the way he discovered the depth of the healthcare field and found his true calling in clinical technology.
Gabela’s university journey began in 2021, after what he describes as not an easy journey but with the support of family, friends, and dedicated lecturers, he found his rhythm.
Gabela explained that DUT has given him more leadership skills as he took on the role of class representative throughout his years at DUT. Gabela stated that he always had leadership qualities from his childhood. “I was the deputy head monitor in Primary School and head peer leader in High School, I did not know that even in university I will continue being a leader I am grateful for the opportunity and the skills I gained,” he explained.
Gabela explained that even though he completed his course but there were some models that had challenged his journey, however he enjoyed his Work Integrated Learning in Clinical Neurophysiology.
He completed his Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), earned several distinctions, and successfully qualified for independent clinical practice.
He shared that the road he embarked on was not without personal hardships. During his studies, Gabela suffered the painful loss of both his grandmothers within a month of each other. Their absence is deeply felt as he had graduated without them witnessing his achievement, but he finds the strength in his personal motto that says little steps, big moves. “There were times where I considered deregistering from the course, but the encouragement of my family reminded me that not everyone is chosen for such a demanding path, and that persistence would carry me through,” Gabela explained.
Gabela is already putting his expertise into practice as the Managing Director at Shinga and Ntshangase Neurophysiologists, a private practice primarily owned by his aunt. He performs a variety of specialised procedures, including nerve conduction studies, electromyography, polysomnography, and electroencephalography, in partnership with hospitals along the South Coast. With ambitions to expand into intraoperative monitoring for neurological and spinal surgeries, he is determined to continue advancing in the field. Looking ahead, he plans to pursue a Master’s degree and eventually a PhD in Clinical Technology, with hopes of lecturing future students and exploring opportunities abroad.
Reflecting on his journey, Gabela offers heartfelt advice to first-year students who are doing the same courses as him:
“Never forget why you are here, because it could have been someone else. Respect your lecturers as they are your guides. Love the course regardless of what it throws at you because it does not get easier, you just get better.”
Sinamile Sithole
