Women at the Heart of Community Healthcare

At the centre of it all is Sister Portia Shezi, whose work goes far beyond consultations and prescriptions. As a Clinical Nurse Practitioner and clinic owner, she represents a growing group of women who are not only providing healthcare services in their communities, but are also creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and cared for.

The clinic forms part of the Unjani Clinic network, an initiative that empowers South African health care professionals to manage and lead their own primary healthcare facilities. During a recent visit to the clinic, it became clear that the work being done extends far beyond the clinic. For many working families, having a clinic within their communities means a saving in time and money. The need to travel long distances or spend an entire day waiting for assistance is no longer the only option.

Healthcare facilities are often concentrated in major urban areas, and they operate strictly within standard business hours. For those with precarious work, seeking healthcare often means risking a day’s pay just to see a doctor. Sister Portia has worked to ensure that the clinic responds to these exact realities of the community around it. From opening on Saturdays to assist working parents, to supporting local initiatives and community outreach efforts, the clinic has become a dependable presence for many residents.

In March 2026 alone, the clinic assisted over 450 patients - a massive leap from its usual average of 255 consults per month, which shows that this is a reflection of the trust the community continues to place in the care provided there. In addition to the numbers, everyday moments define the clinic’s impact; mothers bringing in their babies for check-ups, elderly patients returning for ongoing treatment, and community members seeking advice from someone they know and trust.

Partnerships with organisations such as Roche have also helped strengthen the services available at the clinic, particularly in supporting early detection and screening initiatives and education for women’s breast cancer. These collaborations continue to play an important role in improving access to quality healthcare within underserved communities.

What makes clinics like this particularly significant is the role women play in leading them. Women such as Sister Portia are not only healthcare professionals; they are mentors, employers, community leaders, and trusted figures within the areas they serve. Their work demonstrates how community-based healthcare can become more effective when it is rooted in understanding, accessibility, and genuine connection with the people it serves.