Ambrose Lekalakala

For Ambrose Lekalakala, 25, transforming health care is personal, shaped by his late brother’s struggle with epilepsy, an experience that exposed him to the inequalities within South Africa’s healthcare system. At the University of Limpopo, Ambrose has become a national leader in health and education advocacy. In 2024, he founded the South African Medical Students’ Union (SAMSU), uniting students across all 10 medical schools to drive systemic improvements in medical education, student welfare and healthcare access. As secretary general, Ambrose leads national initiatives, including advocating for 12-month NSFAS funding for medical students, distributing clinical resources like the Student Doc Clinical Manual and championing public health campaigns on issues like teenage pregnancy and preventative care. In 2018, fresh out of high school, he founded Nurture Triumph to empower high schoolers to improve academic performance and access higher education and healthcare. Recognised with the 2025 Young Doctors Merit Award, Ambrose embodies servant leadership, resilience, and purpose-driven action.

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree, University of Limpopo –  currently in the clinical years of study

• Founded the South African Medical Students’ Union (SAMSU) in 2024, now active in all ten medical schools across the country. As secretary general, led national initiatives such as the union’s official launch attended by the Minister of Health, distribution of the Student Doc Clinical Manual, advocacy for year-long NSFAS allowances for medical students, and student welfare programmes, including food parcel distribution during crises.
• Established Nurture Triumph in 2018, a youth development initiative focused on improving academic performance among high school learners and expanding access to higher education.
• Recipient of the Young Doctors Merit Award (17 April 2025), presented by the Limpopo Independent Practitioners Association, Marare Pharmacy, the Limpopo premier and the MEC for health, in recognition of leadership in healthcare.
• Academic distinction: awarded top learner in mathematics and physical sciences in the Waterberg District during matric year.
• Held key leadership roles, including project officer for the School of Medicine in the Student Representative Council (first year of study) and chairperson of the Black Management Forum Student Chapter at the University of Limpopo in 2023.

I deeply admire my late brother, who lived with epilepsy and faced many challenges within the healthcare system. His journey inspired my initial dream of becoming a neurosurgeon and later shaped my commitment to transforming healthcare access and equity. His resilience continues to guide my purpose. In addition, I’ve been influenced by mentors and leaders in both medicine and youth development — individuals who model integrity, service and bold leadership. I particularly look up to healthcare professionals and student leaders who use their voices not just to treat patients but to advocate for systemic change. These role models have taught me the importance of compassion, perseverance and using every opportunity to uplift others and serve with purpose.