From Construction site to Consulting Room

Dr Patrick Ngwenya, was born and raised by his mother in the rural area of Manguzi. Patrick did his schooling locally at the Mfihlewni primary school and Shayina High School. Shayina High School had approximately 1 500 learners and 3 classes per grade resulting in 100 pupils per class. The school had only 6-8 qualified teachers– the other teachers only had a Grade 12 (Matric). Not all subjects such as Mathematics and Physical Science had specialized teachers, which ultimately impacted on his Matric results. In Grade 10 Patrick was dreaming of becoming an engineer.


In 1997, after completing school and not having the money to register at University, Patrick’s neighbour who was an unqualified bricklayer, offered him an opportunity to work with him. Earning R15 a day, Patrick managed to take home R450-500 per month. He used some money to apply for piped water to their house, because they were fetching water from a brook 1hour’s walk from home.


One day, working on the building site Patrick contemplated his life and realized that there must be more to his life than this. He knew he had more potential than what he was using and decided to enroll at the University of Zululand. Due to his poor Matric results, his options were limited and he was grateful to be accepted to study a B Sc Biological Science. Patrick obtained 7 distinctions from 1st to 3rd year, and was awarded a certificate for Best performing student.


Patrick shares that studying towards his B Sc was hard, not only academically but financially as well. In order to get registered he borrowed R2 000 from a church friend and used the little that he had saved to pay rent for a few months. He applied for a student loan called NSFAS which he received. Due to his excellent academic performance he became a Tutor and also worked part time in the Department of Zoology sorting research samples – these two jobs gave him an income which enabled him to survive. Most of the Research assistance, in the Zoology department was done during holidays – and so he only had 2 weeks a year at home.


Having completed his B Sc, Patrick was inspired to study medicine and applied to the University of Kwa Zulu Natal, and due to his good results was accepted and started in 2003. In 2007, he completed his training and started his internship at Prince Mshiyeni hospital in Durban. He shares that his experience so far has been wonderful, especially pediatrics and enthusiastically admits he would consider specializing in it. Watching Dr Patrick Ngwenya at work, it is clearly evident that he loves being a doctor as can be seen by his broad smile, an inner peace, and the obvious love he has for his patients.


Patrick was one of the precious diamonds uncovered by the Friends of Mosvold Scholarship Scheme – there are many more – some are in the process of being discovered, others are being refined whilst others still need to be found – this is the motivation for the FOM Scholarship Scheme !

Well Done Boy