Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. THE pioneering physician who broke gender and racial barriers to become Zimbabwe’s first female doctor, Madeline Nyamwanza-Makonese, was on Wednesday honoured with the University of Johannesburg’s prestigious 2025 Ellen Kuzwayo Council Award.
The annual award, bestowed by the University Council, recognises individuals who have demonstrated a sustained and exceptional contribution to the wellbeing of society.
Nyamwanza-Makonese was celebrated for her “pioneering contribution to medicine and her lifelong commitment to empowering women in Africa,” with the Council citing her as “a trailblazer who inspired generations through courage, compassion, and service.”
In her acceptance speech, she recounted a journey marked by significant barriers and profound determination.
She credited her late father’s mantra that “your first husband is your education” as a foundational principle that guided her path.
“My teachers in primary school recognized my talents and encouraged me to take science subjects. I was the only girl in those classes,” Nyamwanza-Makonese said.
She explained that the support, coupled with her family’s encouragement, motivated her to apply for a medical degree.
Her perseverance led to a historic achievement in 1970 when she became the first African woman to graduate from the University of Rhodesia’s School of Medicine.
“In the 1960s, there were many systemic barriers holding back young minds and desperate communities. But education was the key,” she said.
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