Prof Simon Nemutandani has been elected as the new president of the Association of Medical Councils of Africa (AMCOA) during a conference held at Sun City on 6 October this year.
Nemutandani grew up in Maungani and had a distinguished career as western medicine practitioner. He did his schooling at Sane Primary school, Beuster Primary, Guvhukuvhu Secondary, and matriculated at Dimani High School. He was appointed President of the Health Profession Council of South Africa in 2020 and is contracted for this position until 2025.
Nemutandani strongly believes in the power of indigenous medicine and competent health practitioners to manage and treat diseases in Africa and beyond. He said that western health practitioners must recognise and work with indigenous health practitioners, and respect patients' right to decide who, when or how they wanted to consult a Sangoma or medical doctor.
"I am the product of the community, who has supported and encouraged me to try hard to be myself in all circumstances. Focus on yourself, compete with yourself. Your own shadow does not measure your weight, value and future. I am a beneficiary of villagers who have offered me an opportunity to do my best. Let's all open our arms for others to benefits from our successes. Hard work alone is not enough. It's hard work, together with being given opportunity," he said.
He expressed his appreciation to his family and friends for their unconditional support throughout his achievements. "Growing up in a disadvantaged background was not easy, but I am happy that I made it."
Dedication and commitment are the secrets behind his outstanding achievements. "I thank God for all He has done for me," Nemutandani said.
His advice to learners and undergraduate students facing similar challenges, is to "dream, be patient and have a vision, no matter how difficult or impossible life seems to be. Concentrate on your studies and stay focused. There are many detractors on the way, and there is no instant gratification. Vision takes longer to reach, but is wonderful once achieved," he said.