Dr Sihle Sibiya’s journey from Umlazi to top paediatrician
Dr Sihle Sibiya knew she wanted to be a doctor from age four, growing up with her grandmother in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal. With no medical professionals in her immediate surroundings, books and television fuelled her passion for healing.
After completing undergraduate training in KwaZulu-Natal, Sibiya discovered her calling during her internship at Tembisa Hospital.
“I fell in love with paediatrics, the way children responded to me, and their resilience and spirit,” she said.
Following specialist training at Wits University, she now works at a private hospital in Johannesburg, treating critically ill children in ICU and handling complex cases from developmental disorders to infections.
As a mother, Sibiya brings unique empathy to her practice. “I always tell parents, ‘This is our child now. We’re a family, and we’ll navigate the journey together,’” she said.
Her journey from Umlazi’s streets to the operating theatre proves that childhood dreams can become powerful realities.
(TS/CB)
