The first young black podiatrist in KaNyamazane: Felicia Sandlane

Being the first podiatrist in her community and one of the few in all of Nsikazi, Dr Felicia Sandlane is one of Mpumalanga’s shining stars.
Sandlane, a qualified podiatrist, is hailed by her community as a true example of black excellence following her rise to fame.

According to the 27-year-old, being one of the few young black women to have completed a course in podiatry is something out of the ordinary and a clear indication that women can make it in this scarce field.

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Podiatrists provide medical and surgical care for people with foot, ankle and lower leg problems. They diagnose illnesses, treat injuries and perform surgery involving the lower extremities.

Sandlane completed her BSc in podiatry at the University of Johannesburg, the only institution in all of Africa that offers the programme.
She finds it exciting to be one of only 50 students chosen to enrol in this programme.
“The podiatry programme is extremely difficult and rigorous. Students from all over the African continent compete for spots to study, thus there is a lot of competition to enrol in the course,” she said with a smile.

Seeing some of her family members battle with issues with their legs and feet, made her fall in love with podiatry and inspired her to pursue a career in it.
“When I was in my first year of a BSc in biology and experiencing what I would refer to as an ‘after-varsity-life crisis’, I found out about podiatry. At the time I had considered becoming a general practitioner, but hated the course. My aunt contacted me during a family funeral and told me about podiatry.

I then looked into it. I was astounded by the need for it around me as I observed my uncle, who had diabetes and his legs needed medical attention, and my grandmother, who was unable to walk due to difficulties with her feet. I made the decision to apply,” she continued.
Sandlane added that podiatry is a rare skill and that there are currently 515 registered podiatrists in South Africa, with only roughly 300 practising for a population of 53 million.

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“Beginning a practice after studying requires significant financial resources. This expertise is in high demand and is occasionally referred to as a field for those with funding and resources. Despite having a valuable expertise that is in demand all around the world, I am currently unemployed, but planning on opening my own surgery.

“I have already applied for funding through the premier’s office and the National Youth Development Agency, and I’m hoping to acquire it so I can get the necessary equipment possible to ensure that I can provide my patients quality care. I want to practise in KaNyamazane so that locals won’t have to travel to Mbombela or even Gauteng, and can have access to a professional locally,” she pointed out.