A nurse running a private clinic in Botshabelo has received a prestigious accolade that brings greater fulfilment and meaningfulness to her calling to serve.
A purpose-driven Elisa Koenyama was deemed by a panel of judges as the recipient of the She award for health entrepreneur of the year.
She received the award for running a thriving private clinic, Unjani Clinic, which means “how are you?” when loosely translated. This was in the category for entrants over 30 years of age.
Shortlisted finalists included three South Africans, four Nigerian, and a Kenyan.
The category winners were announced in Nigeria on 21 November.
Koenyama was selected for her ability to transform the clinic to function effectively and deliver much-needed professional health services in Botshabelo, one of the biggest townships in South Africa.
She was also chosen for meeting the criteria for fitness, medical science, nutrition, wellness, as well as being a 50% shareholder.
“Being a first-time entrant for these awards, I did not anticipate to even reach the final. On the day of the event, I learnt that there were 15 contenders in my category,” said Koenyama.
An overjoyed Koenyama believes that receiving the coveted award and nominations for other awards holds great significance.
“It signifies that it was not a mistake for me to become a nurse, and it also assures me that I am doing a good job in serving my community. It is the first international award and it was my first time entering.”
The She Awards project was launched in 2021, with the chief objective of recognising women making strides in health provision across Africa.
Koenyama has been a nominee in the the Umfiki Awards 2020, awarded to the newcomer whose statistics exceeds those of her peers in the same year, and the Sowetan Heroic Women Awards in 2020.
Koenyama (second from left)with her Unjani Clinic
team are from the left Palesa Matekane, Inez Ngozana, Priscilla Mokhethi and Mateboho
Mpondo.
She officially began operating in early 2020 in Section H, Botshabelo. The small-scale health centre is part of a network operating in South Africa. She now has 12 persons working full-time to complement her efforts and investment in the clinic. She has vast experience in the medical profession, having worked for more than ten years in the public sector at the Botshabelo Hospital and primary healthcare clinic.
“The motivating factor to start to venture into private healthcare was the provision of dignified health services.
“Receiving recognition fuels an already burning passion for my work and, to some extent, it does define my passion and devotion for the nursing profession,” she said.
Koenyama pointed out that her greatest satisfaction was saving lives and seeing her patients recovering: “For being entrusted with life, from when it starts and when it comes to an end. Seeing how amazing God really is with creation,” she said.
The clean premises of the Unjani Clini which reflect ethos of the founding director Koenyama and professional healthcare services rendered.
Koenyama is grateful for the support of her family and her spouse, Khosi Koenyama, who inspired her to undertake her venture.
“My family is very much supportive. They were a bit scared, but gave me all the support. Especially my husband, who was so instrumental that I even got to know about the Unjani Clinic network.”
