Maurine Rofhiwa Musie

Maurine Rofhiwa Musie, 31, is committed to trans- forming maternal and child healthcare. Initially unable to become a doctor because of financial constraints, Maurine turned to nursing and is now the youngest PhD holder in the University of Pretoria’s nursing sciences department. Her work has been endorsed by the National Research Foundation. As a senior lecturer, Maurine shapes future nurses and midwives through teaching and clinical training. She has supervised 19 postgraduate students and has published on maternal health, neonatal care and nursing education. Maurine is involved in Murunwa Graceful Beginnings, her mobile women’s health clinic providing accessible pregnancy care in underserved communities. She also leads projects under the  Ubuntu Community Maternal and Child Health initiative, which focuses on improving antenatal education and training traditional birth attendants. Internationally, she serves as Africa’s regional lead for the  Nursing Now Global Committee in collaboration with the World Health Organisation and Burnett Trust, and is part of the South African delegation to the 2024 Brics Young Scientist Forum.

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing, University of Pretoria, 2023 – recognised as the youngest PhD graduate in the Department of Nursing Science, an achievement endorsed by the National Research Foundation (NRF)
• Master of Nursing Science (MCur) in Advanced Midwifery and Neonatal Sciences, University of Pretoria
• Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science Education, University of Pretoria
• Bachelor of Nursing Science (BCur), University of Pretoria (*cum laude) –  awarded the first African student to receive this distinction in the programme

• Appointed as a lecturer in April 2020 and promoted to senior lecturer in January 2024—within four years of entering academia
• Completed my PhD in record time and became the youngest PhD holder in the Department of Nursing Science at the University of Pretoria
• Currently leading a project aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, which focuses on managing obstetric emergencies and complications. The initiative uses continuing professional development (CPD) to strengthen the capacity of midwives and midwifery educators. Collaborators include the National Department of Health (Maternal and Child Health Directorate), Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the World Continuing Education Alliance (WCEA), the University of Swaziland, and other national and international stakeholders

• Professor Mulaudzi remains a powerful source of inspiration through her dedication to empowering young professionals in nursing and midwifery. Her work integrating indigenous knowledge systems into healthcare and her tireless commitment to improving maternal health services have profoundly shaped my vision for advancing maternal and child healthcare
• Professor Mashamba-Thompson, in her role as deputy dean of research and postgraduate studies, exemplifies leadership rooted in innovation and integrity. Her influence has supported my growth as a researcher and academic