Sibongile Mongadi

Uku’hamba Prosthetics and Orthotics (Pty) Ltd

Self-belief, perseverance, willingness to learn and consistency is key - the biggest and best possible, not the least risky

Founded two years ago, Uku’hamba Prosthetics and Orthotics (Pty) Ltd is providing prostheses to amputees — a joyful moment for them as the organisation has gone full steam to make them available to anyone who may not afford them.

The company is the brainchild of Sibongile Mongadi, based in Dobsonville, Soweto. Right from the beginning, Mongadi dedicated her career to developing prostheses to be widely available at cost effective price. “My mission is to ensure prostheses are made available to anyone in need of them.”

She says of her work: “Given how fulfilling the work can be, it has not felt like a sacrifice to me. My career has not been tedious or boring. I’m surprised how much I have enjoyed it and made strides. In fact, my entrepreneurial journey of less than two years seems more like 20 years.”

She recalls walking into a meeting to pitch for funding. After the meeting, one of the male panellists cynically asked her what made her think one day she could lead a bio-manufacturing and tech healthcare company without any medical background. The man said: “I do not see you going far. ” But luck was on her side. She was one of the successful bidders, securing a seed grant. She procured a working equipment to start the business. Today, she owns a 3D Printing Prosthetics and Orthotics manufacturing plant right in Dobsonville.