As part of its 60th-anniversary celebrations, the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences is introducing 60 future healthcare professionals who are currently in their first year. Meet Cathanja Slabbert.
Cathanja Slabbert believes that more people should live with gusto and warns adults not to dampen the youth’s lust for life. “If they’re excited about something, let them be excited! Don’t make them feel negative about our country’s future – negative people won’t make a difference.”
Slabbert, a first-year MB,ChB student at Stellenbosch University, sees herself as someone with heaps of energy and doesn’t believe in living an unhappy or ungrateful life. “Smile, because life is good,” is one of her mottos.
Slabbert was head girl of Bloemhof High School in Stellenbosch and also earned Western Province colours in athletics during her school career. She is still very active and says she exercises almost every day. “If you find your rhythm, it’s easy to stick to it.”
Sport has also taught her the value of dedication. “Hard work trumps talent every time.”
Did you know…
- After qualifying, she would like to explore the world by working on a cruise ship as their onboard doctor. “After that I would like to work in Africa before returning to South Africa.”
- She loves ice cream and biltong.
- Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber are her favourite artists.
- Her dad, who is a Matie-alumni and doctor, taught her the importance of good planning and she believes in also leaving room in her schedule for unexpected events, such as someone popping in for quick cup of tea.
