Maj Mathobela Pioneering Excellence in Pharmacology and Research
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here are only two sorts of scientists: those who practice with their brains and those who practice with their tongue. Major Kwena Mathobela embodies both. Pharmacy Manager at Area Military Health Unit Limpopo in Makhado from 2017 to date, Major Kwena Mathobela has an impressive trajectory. As a mere village boy from Setupulane Village in Polokwane, he always envisioned himself making an impact not only in his community but nationwide through medicine. He embodies all the qualities of a rare gem, limited in quantity and very valuable, as the only Pharmacologist in the South African National Defence Force. His journey soared upon the completion of his degree in pharmacy, whereby he joined the Department of Health at Mankweng Hospital, later integrating into the Department of Defence in August 2011 as a Pharmacist at 1 Military Hospital. As a healthcare professional that specialized in the preparation, dispensing and management of medication to ensure safe and effective use, while also providing medication counselling and guidance to patients and healthcare providers to improve the quality of life, his passion led him to further pursue his studies at the University of Limpopo, where he obtained his Masters Degree in Pharmacology in 2015 and later worked as a part-time Pharmacology lecturer from 2015 – 2020 at the institute.
In 2017, he relocated back to Limpopo Province, where he doubled as a pharmacy manager and researcher dedicating his focus to the effects of drugs and other chemical substances on cells, animals, humans and the environment. Furthermore, transforming and advancing medication optimisation through research within the South African Military Health Service (SAMHS), therefore thriving towards military health excellence. He further polished his acumen by obtaining certificates on short courses in antimicrobial stewardship and managing antimicrobial resistance (University of Dundee) and The British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy in 2015, Drug Origin (University of Birmingham) and Ethics Discovery Patients Research in Abdomen Anatomy (University of Leeds) in 2016. As a man of many accomplishments, his academic path continues to serve him well professionally as he was selected as the most worthy recipient for the Best Research Thesis at the Surgeon General’s Academic Days Symposium in September 2023, hosted by the Surgeon General of South African National Defence Force, Lieutenant General Peter Ntshavheni Maphaha in Pretoria, whereby he presented his research based on the role of SAMHS on Antimicrobial Resistance, Antimicrobial Stewardship, Zoonosis (focusing on chickens) and One Health.
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The objective of his research was to determine the severity of antimicrobial resistance in military health centers and to identify steps which SAMHS can take to establish an effective antimicrobial stewardship to prevent and control the emergence and spread of zoonotic disease. A highly trained researcher and final stage PhD candidate who continually expresses his love for his work through research, he hopes to educate and raise indepth awareness in the military organization, health and agriculture organizations and communities on how medication works and interact with living organisms on a molecular level and systematic level. Major Kwena Mathobela’s journey to greatness has undoubtedly established him as a formidable force in his field.
Article by Cpl Nontlantla Xuba Photograph by Sgt Jonathan Mogano
