From Stethoscope to Boardroom: The Inspiring Story of Dr. Anna Mokgokong
As we celebrate National Women’s Month 2024 in August under the theme, “Celebrating 30 Years of Democracy Towards Women’s Development,” it is fitting to honour the remarkable journey of a long serving member of our organisation, the South African Medical and Dental Practitioners (SAMDP). A trailblazer in healthcare, successful entrepreneur, and an inspiring mentor to young women across South Africa, Dr Anna Mokgokong, whose life and work embody the spirit of this Women’s month. Her story is one of remarkable perseverance, profound impact, and unwavering dedication, reverberating deeply with anyone who aspires to lead, innovate, and inspire. Her journey from a medical doctor to a prominent business leader is a testament to the boundless possibilities that arise from passion and resilience.
A Journey of Dedication and Excellence
Dr. Mokgokong’s roots trace back to Soweto, where her journey began with a vision of making a difference. Her pursuit of a medical degree led her to the University of Botswana, Lesotho, and Swaziland, culminating in an MBChB from the Medical University of South Africa (MEDUNSA). From the early days of her medical career, she exhibited an unwavering commitment to improving healthcare, starting as a general practitioner and later specialising in family medicine. Her dedication was not confined to the walls of the clinic but extended to various healthcare initiatives aimed at enhancing medical services and accessibility across South Africa. Her own words
Success is a result of hard work, resilience, and a never-give-up attitude. It’s important to remain focused on your goals and not let setbacks deter you from your path,
have been the cornerstone of her journey, guiding her through both her medical career and entrepreneurial ventures.
A Visionary in Healthcare
Dr. Mokgokong has made significant contributions to the healthcare sector in South Africa through her multifaceted career as a medical doctor, entrepreneur, and community leader. She established a multi-purpose community clinic in Hebron in 1987, serving a diverse population, including vulnerable patients from surrounding villages. This clinic was pivotal in providing essential healthcare services and marked her as the first female doctor in that area, fulfilling multiple roles such as psychologist and community leader. In 1992, she ventured into the pharmaceutical industry by opening a medical distribution company in Eswatini, followed by another in Pretoria. This move expanded healthcare access and services in the region, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to community health.
Championing Entrepreneurship
Beyond her medical practice, Dr. Mokgokong’s entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly when she co-founded Community Investment Holdings (CIH), a company with diverse interests in healthcare, ICT, logistics, and power. The organisation has a consolidated turnover exceeding R20 billion, enabling substantial investments in healthcare services and facilities across South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. Her leadership at CIH is testament to her ability to navigate and excel in various sectors, driving the company’s success and contributing significantly to job creation and economic development in South Africa.
Her perspective on leadership is inspiring as echoed by her that
True leadership is about service. It’s about making a difference in the lives of others and leaving a legacy that others can build upon.
Her impact through CIH and other ventures exemplifies this belief, as she has consistently used her platform to foster growth, create opportunities, and uplift communities.
A Legacy of Inspirational Leadership
Over and above her success as the Executive Chairperson of Community Investment Holdings (Pty) Ltd., she is recognised as a Senior Director of Companies on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange as she served on five listed companies namely: Rebosis Property Fund Limited and Jasco Electronics Holdings Limited and non-executive Director of Companies and first female Director of Shoprite Holdings Limited the largest retailer in Africa as well as Adcock Ingram Holdings Limited, a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer. Currently serves on the board of Afrocentric Investment Corporation as a Non-Executive Chairperson.
She also serves on numerous non-listed entities, including Seriti Coal which she chairs which is the second largest coal supplier to Eskom utility, responsible for 30% of energy production of SA.
She has also served in numerous councils of academic institutions and was appointed as the third Chancellor of the North-West University (NWU) on 20 June 2019. She also served in various civil society commissions such as The Independent Commission for Remuneration of Public Office Bearers, where she was appointed as Deputy Chairperson by the former President Mr. Thabo Mbeki (from 2004 — 2009); She was also a Commissioner of the Interim National Defence Force Commission (SANDF) (from 2009 – 2013).
She was the first woman in South Africa to receive an honorary doctorate in business, awarded by the University of South Africa.
Her journey from stethoscope to boardroom illustrates the boundless potential that lies in pursuing one’s passions and using one’s education and skills to create positive change. Her words,
Education is the foundation of success. Never stop learning and seeking knowledge. It opens doors and creates opportunities for growth and advancement,
serve as a call to action for all women to continue striving for excellence and embracing the opportunities that come their way.
Empowering others and Mentoring the Next Generation
Dr. Mokgokong’s contributions extend far beyond her professional achievements. She is deeply committed to mentoring young women in the medical field and beyond. She understands the challenges that young female professionals face and actively works to provide guidance and support. Through workshops, mentorship programmes, and speaking engagements, she empowers the next generation of female leaders to embrace their potential and pursue their passions fearlessly. Her dedication to nurturing young talent is a powerful reminder of the importance of lifting others as we rise. Her insight into empowerment reflects her values, which are encapsulated in one of her quotes:
“Empowerment is about giving others the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. As women, we must support and uplift each other to create a stronger and more equitable society.”
Philanthropy and Social Impact
As a passionate philanthropist, she gives back to the community through her foundation, where she has supported numerous health programmes and educational initiatives, focusing on maternal and child health, nutrition, and disease prevention. Her philanthropic efforts exemplify her belief that healthcare is a fundamental right and that every woman deserves the opportunity to thrive.
Recognitions and Awards
Dr. Mokgokong’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. She has received numerous awards and accolades for her work in healthcare and entrepreneurship, including recognition from the South African Medical Association and various business organisations. The numerus honours and accolades she has received highlight her contributions to both business and community development and reflect her unwavering commitment to excellence and her impact on society. These include:
Click on the relevant year to see the awards and contributions awarded that year
Recognition as one of the Leading Women Entrepreneurs of the World.
SA Businesswoman of the Year.
Prestigious Tuks Alumni Laureate Award.
Chancellor’s Medal from UP for her outstanding entrepreneurial spirit.
2014: SABC Capital City Business Leader of the Year Award.
2015: Lifetime Achievement Award at the South African Premier Business Award.
2017: Honorary Consul General of Iceland.
2018: Lifetime Achievement Award at the Township Entrepreneurship Awards.
Installed as the third and first female Chancellor of North-West University.
Standard Bank Top Women Awards: Lifetime Achievement Award.
Black Industrialist Pioneer and Legacy Award.
Daring to Dream
Dr. Anna Mokgokong’s path is a vivid reminder that women are not confined by the roles society often prescribes but are boundless in their capacity to lead, innovate, and inspire. As we celebrate Women’s Month, let Dr. Mokgokong’s remarkable achievements remind every woman that every glass ceiling shattered is a step towards a world where women’s voices resonate in every corner of society.
Her words,
“The future belongs to those who dare to dream and have the courage to turn those dreams into reality”
challenge women to rise, to believe in their potential, and to pave the way for the generations of women who will follow. As we honour her odyssey, let us also commit to our own, embracing the power within us to transform not just our lives, but the world around us. Here’s to the women who dare, who lead, and who inspire—today and always.
Happy Women’s Month.
