Public-sector doctor Sivuyile Madikana has been making waves on social media for using various platforms to influence and educate people on medical issues.
The young physician and fashionista was announced as one of GQ’s top 10 best-dressed South African men last year, and is listed as one of South Africa's top 200 young people.
When Madikana, popularly known as Dr Sivu, is not talking about medical matters or advocating a healthy lifestyle, he is modelling and bringing the heat on his Instagram page with more than 30000 followers.
His style has been dubbed as classy and sophisticated with a touch of bold African prints. We caught up with him to find out more.
Who is Dr Sivuyile Madikana?
Dr Sivu is a medical doctor first and foremost. He is a health advocate. A change agent. A digital media maven and fashion enthusiast.
What inspired your passion for public health in South Africa?
I fell in love with it. The ability to use one’s expertise to change the course of health for populations seemed so interesting. There are a lot of issues the South African public health system needs to fix.
Having recently completed your MBA, focused on using social media as a health-awareness tool, how can South Africans take advantage of social media?
The power of social media will soon become unparalleled. The tool has allowed us to reach places where traditional forms of media would take years to reach. I believe it's the next force we can use in the public-health arena to combat worldwide issues.
You were announced as one of the top 200 young influential South Africans, what does that mean to you?
It's an honour above all else. It means the work is not done, there is so much more to do.
You are the Gauteng regional representative of the Junior Doctors’ Association, how important is it to be part of such organisations, and what does this mean for junior doctors and senior medical students?
It represents the essence the medical professionals. We are there to stand up for those who do not have a voice, to lobby for real change affecting both medical professionals and patients.
In your research youth is your primary focus, why did you chose to focus on youth?
The decisions they make today affect their future in various ways. You became an ambassador for the Brothers for Life ‘Testa Boy’ campaign (HIV-testing initiative for men) in 2016, what was this journey like?
It was about impacting men’s live’s positively. It gave me a sense of purpose, something to fight for.
You were also named as one of GQ’s Top 10 Best Dressed Men in South Africa last year, describe your fashion sense?
I represent the proverbial gentleman. However I am not afraid to explore with casual wear, with print and colour.
Your last word?
You only have one life to live, do all that you want to do, never let a "no" stop you. Harness your energy to propel you forward, because no one else will do that for you.