Passionate, purpose-driven and pleasant…these are just a few words which can be used to define the beautiful Dr Asafika Mbangata.

Originally from the Eastern Cape, the medical practitioner and mother is intentional about living a purpose-driven life and always leaving people better than she found them.

Speaking to Nounouche, she shared how her upbringing has contributed to the kind of person she is today.

“I come from a very small family that is very grounded and very religious too. I think that has had an impact on how I lead my life and how I view so many things,” she said.

“I’m grateful for the way I was brought up because it has grounded me. It has really forced me to focus on a purpose-driven life instead of doing life for the sake of it,” she added.

A life of purpose

From a young age, the young Asafika has always been passionate about helping people. As such, she views having a positive impact on people’s lives as a part of her purpose.

Throughout her life, everything she has done is proof of service above self, leading to something bigger than her.

“I would say I am a purpose finder – a person who is driven to achieve what she was born to do. I really try to make an impact everywhere I go and in every space I infiltrate.”

Since high school, becoming a doctor has always been a no-brainer. She then went on to study Medicine at Walter Sisulu University, and as they say, the rest is history.

“I feel like being a doctor was the first calling on my life, just wanting to make a difference and wanting to help somebody. As I grew, it moulded itself in different shapes and forms.”

Currently, Dr Mbangata is in the pharmaceutical space serving as a Medical Science Liaison. Her primary tasks include communicating scientific information to medical doctors for the benefit of patients.

“I’m just growing in that direction. It also keeps me on the loop of the latest in Medicine. But I would still like to find my niche and continue teaching and talking about diseases.”

Throughout her career, she has gained praiseworthy recognition for her hard work and dedication.

Dr Mbangata views being a Family Medicine Specialist as one of her biggest career highlights.

“The journey towards getting there was very tough. It really wasn’t an easy feat for me to

achieve but it was worth it.”

Motherhood – the best hood

Motherhood is a beautiful gift that often makes people view life through a completely different lense.

As the mother to a beautiful girl who soon turns 13, Dr Mbangata views motherhood as the beautiful journey which changed the entire trajectory of her life.

“I was doing my second year when I fell pregnant. I delivered in my third year of medical school. So, that was a very difficult journey and everything had to shift from being about me to being about my daughter.”

Dr Mbangata added that having a child is what gave her the extra push to make it in life.

Although she had always been ambitious and goal-driven, her dreams were more potent and important after the existence of her daughter.

“I don’t think I would be where I am today if I didn’t have my daughter. I just knew I had to make things work. I had to make things happen in order to set the best example possible for her.”

As her daughter continues to blossom into a beautiful young woman, Dr Mbangata is enjoying the journey and always strives to do her best as a parent.

“I think it gets better as they grow. If you lay a good foundation when they are young, you don’t have much to worry about. I really trust my daughter to make the best decisions. I’m happy and I’m proud of her,” shared the doctor.

Living fully and intentionally

Indeed, Dr Mbangata’s career tells the story of her focused and driven nature. However, too much work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Fortunately, Dr Mbangata brings just as much dedication and drive when it is time to loosen up and play. When she’s not making big and ground-breaking moves in the world of medicine, she can be found partaking in fun activities.

“I am an adrenaline junkie. There’s nothing I haven’t done. I’ve gone from bungee jumping, to sky-diving to paragliding. I think I’ve truly exhausted my list and I need to make a new one.”

On days when life seems to be falling apart, Dr Mbangata falls back on her faith and her deeply-rooted trust in God. This keeps her grounded, guided and thriving.

“The truth of the matter is that nobody has a smooth sail. Life is tough for everyone and if you don’t have an anchor that you are abiding by, it gets really rough. I have a relationship with God. I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Saviour when I was young. As I grow up, I just cultivate that relationship”.

When asked what she would say to the younger version of herself, she highlighted the importance of loosening up, enjoying the present moment and loosening up a little.

“The younger version of me really struggled with expressing herself, being open and just simply being. She was always stressed about the next move.

I would tell her to loosen up, enjoy the ride and not worry too much about tomorrow. It’s enough to do the best you can in the moment,” she shared.

As Dr Mbangata continues to live a purpose-driven life committed to service, she looks forward to more big moves within the medical field and beyond. For her, the best is truly yet to come.

“It’s from here to the stars, and from the stars to something better than the stars. Life just continues to being better experiences. I believe the sun will always continue to shine brighter.”