Mafentile is passionate about nutrition

Kempton Park is home to the charismatic, driven and phenomenal Busisiwe Mafentile (36), who is passionate about nutrition and caring for those in need. Having studied BSC Dietetics at the University of the Western Cape, Mafentile holds a degree with honours in Dietetics.

“I knew from a young age that I wanted to be in a field where I could help care for those in need, so I guess dietetics chose me and I am happy it did,” said Mafentile.

Through the challenges she encounters, Mafentile still finds great joy in her work.

“I work in a township where majority of my patients are poverty stricken due to the rising unemployment rate, lack of education, social inequalities and other social ills on top of their health issues,” explained Mafentile.

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“However, I get a sense of purpose and fulfilment when I see improvement in my patients’ nutritional status and their general health and well-being, knowing that I contributed in restoring someone’s health. I thrive on the smiles I get at the end of it all.”

The local dietitian and mother of two told Express that Covid-19 has negatively impacted her work.

“Covid-19 has brought fear and uncertainty. We were never prepared for something like it,” expressed Mafentile.

“My challenge, especially working with sick children, is that mothers don’t want to bring their children for consultations due to fear of infection of Covid-19. The reluctance of bringing the children for consultations leads to them relapsing and therefore quickening the disease progression.

“The retrenchments and loss of income, due to the global pandemic, has forced many people to see me in need of supplements because of the lack of food at home. They are afraid of being ill or having micronutrient deficiencies.

“The other challenge is that people who suffer from obesity are now panicking as the condition is a risk factor when it comes to Covid-19 infection. This has caused them to want to lose weight at an impossible and unhealthy rate.”

Mafentile has vowed to continue to help and improve nutrition among her patients. She has been in the field for 12 years and her natural nurturing ability is attributed to her childhood.

“I was raised by a man, my late grandfather, so being the eldest and a girl among the grandchildren, I had to assume the role of being a mother at a young age and help nurture my young siblings.From that experience, being a nurturer and caring for others came naturally which I love. I believe being a woman means being a pillar of the family and the society at large.”

Dietetics is not only a profession for Mafentile, but also a lifestyle.

“Women must not forget to take care of themselves and their health while running their households and careers,” said Mafentile.

“It is important to lead a healthy lifestyle that includes healthy-eating, exercise, going for regular check-ups for weight, cholesterol levels, blood glucose levels, blood pressure, Pap smear and mental health.”

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