Juanita grew up in Bonteheuwel on the Cape Flats and has been working within the public health system in the Western Cape for 32 years. She currently works as the Chief Director: Emergency & Clinical Services Support.

“Growing up in the Apartheid era, with often limited opportunities, as we all know, it takes a village,” she recalls. “This creates a strong sense of community and motivates me to continue doing my best for the people I am privileged to serve.”

Juanita took on increasing levels of public health management responsibility, broadening her experience and deepening her understanding of the complexity of managing people, programmes and services, and the infrastructural and financial resources at the frontline.