UCT student champions hearing health

For many South Africans, hearing health is not top of mind – until a problem arises. But one University of Cape Town (UCT) student is on a mission to change this.

As we mark Mandela Month this July, Fisokuhle Makhanya’s leadership in championing hearing health, particularly in underserved communities, stands as a powerful reflection of Madiba’s legacy of service. His efforts have not only brought much-needed awareness to the issue but also earned him national recognition.

Makhanya, a final-year audiology student at UCT and current head of audiology at SHAWCO Health, received the prestigious National Medical Award in the Health Sciences Student category from the Alliance of South African Independent Practitioners Association (ASAIPA) last year. He was the only audiology student in the country to receive the honour.

His journey into the field began with a fascination for the physics of sound in high school, coupled with a deepening interest in health sciences. “I came across audiology and thought, ‘Let me give this a try.’ And here I am today – pursuing this career with so much passion,” he said.

“UCT has been an incredible environment – not just academically, but in terms of leadership opportunities and support.”

Originally from Nkandla in KwaZulu-Natal, he moved to Durban during his primary school years and completed secondary education there before heading to UCT. His academic journey has been marked by both excellence and impact. “UCT has been an incredible environment – not just academically, but in terms of leadership opportunities and support,” he said.

Taking audiology to the people

It was in his second year that he began carving his path in health advocacy. Elected as a class representative in 2023, he also started his clinical training, conducting hearing screenings and assessments for patients. That same year, he joined SHAWCO Health as a volunteer under the audiology portfolio, where he worked in underserved communities such as Kensington, Tambo Village and Imizamo Yethu in Hout Bay.

“It was during these outreach clinics that I realised many people didn’t even know what audiology is or how it can help them,” he explained. “That really sparked my passion for health education and community engagement.”

In 2024, Makhanya stepped into the role of deputy head of SHAWCO Audiology to scale up advocacy efforts. One major initiative was the Hearing Day Campaign, hosted in Kensington, where the team provided free hearing tests and public education sessions to raise awareness about hearing health.

At the same time, he served as a resident tutor, mentoring students in his residence and other residences, guiding them through academic challenges and supporting their personal growth. “That experience taught me a lot about leadership, patience and what it means to truly support someone’s journey,” he said.

The recognition from ASAIPA came as a surprise. “I received an unexpected email saying I’d been nominated by the South African Association of Audiologists. I had only just joined the professional body – it was really humbling,” he recalled. “In June, I was informed I’d won, and it was such an honour to represent UCT and the audiology field nationally.”

Advocacy beyond the clinic

His work is far from over. As the current head of SHAWCO Audiology, Makhanya continues to provide services to communities that often fall through the cracks of the healthcare system. But it hasn’t been without challenges.

“Audiology is very technology dependent. For example, without calibrated equipment, we simply can’t screen patients effectively,” he said. At times, the team struggled to run clinics due to lack of equipment or funding. However, thanks to advocacy efforts led by Makhanya and his team, SHAWCO was able to secure much-needed support and resources from its partners.

“This work is personal. It’s about dignity, equity, and ensuring that every South African, regardless of where they live, has access to the care they deserve.”

Makhanya believes one of the biggest issues in community health is a general lack of awareness, both among the public and other healthcare professionals. “Sometimes, even doctors don’t realise that a patient’s dizziness, for example, could be an audiological issue,” he said. To address this, he and his colleagues have initiated cross-disciplinary workshops to educate medical, physiotherapy, speech therapy and audiology students on how to work together for more holistic patient care.

“A lot of hearing-related conditions go untreated simply because people don’t know who to turn to,” he said. “That’s why public education is such a key part of what we do.”

He hopes to continue championing hearing health and pushing for audiology to become more visible in South Africa’s public health system. His key message to communities is simple but powerful: “Speak openly with your healthcare provider. If something doesn’t feel right, say it. That’s the only way we can guide you to the right care.”

Despite being the first in his family to pursue a career in health sciences, Makhanya has no plans of stopping here. “This work is personal. It’s about dignity, equity, and ensuring that every South African, regardless of where they live, has access to the care they deserve.”

As he looks to the future, his vision is clear: to amplify the voice of audiology and help communities hear – and be heard.