​By Tebogo Tladi
 
The Gauteng Department of Health's (GDoH) Deputy Director for Eye Care, Virginia Mawela has scored big at this year's Alliance of South African Independent Practitioners Association (ASAIPA) National Medical Awards, walking away with the Healthcare Leadership Award.
The National Medical Awards is a prestigious platform of honouring independent private and public health practitioners within South Africa by the ASAIAP, which is a leading professional organisation dedicated to supporting and representing healthcare professionals across South Africa.
Mawela's dedication to her work, particularly in eye care has earned her an award which recognises organisations, groups or individuals, who exemplifies the qualities of dedicated leadership, to inspire impactful solutions within South Africa's healthcare system that positively affect both patients and colleagues.
Mawela, who manages both Optometry and Ophthalmology services in the province was instrumental in the establishment of Primary Eye Health Services in Gauteng. She joined the GDoH 13 years ago when there was only one optometrist employed full-time in a primary healthcare setting.
"Today, we have more than 100 optometrists and 10 ophthalmic nurses employed full-time in the province, with most of these based in clinics where eye disease prevention is needed most.
"I have realised over time that the collaboration between primary eye health, hospitals and rehabilitative eye health services improve as more hospitals employ optometrists to work together with ophthalmologists at hospital level," said Mawela.
As much as she was thrilled to win the award, Mawela said that she was also reminded that her role and leadership are about serving the most vulnerable and deserving populations, such as learners, the elderly and persons living with disability.
"Our work extends beyond self and is fundamentally about serving our communities who are often from disadvantaged backgrounds and are desperately in need of our services," added Mawela.  
Takalani Mukheli, Chief Optometrist from Ekurhuleni District Health Services shared her experience of working with Mawela, stating that "she has shown exceptional leadership, significantly improving the recognition of eyecare in Gauteng's public health sector and increasing employment of optometrists to tackle avoidable blindness. I especially value her collaborative approach, as she consults with her team rather than making decisions unilaterally."
While Dr Kerry Alberto, Head of Ophthalmology at Helen Joseph Hospital, said that "Mawela is a seasoned and experienced leader with an impeccably ethical approach to all matters. She is a skilled problem solver with an approachable and friendly leadership style. Her kindness and caring nature make everyone feel comfortable in her presence."
In her experience, Mawela believes that a good leader is one who is reminded daily of the bigger goal of why they serve and can never disassociate from the very communities they answer to.
"We must never be too busy planning and reporting through documents and develop short-sightedness to the very outcomes of the things we do. In my profession, I hope one day as I leave this department, I will be able to narrate a few of the many beautiful stories of those who were blind but can now see."
"I have always sought excellence in whatever I undertake, guided by a personal motto to perform at my best or not to undertake the task at all. Managers should be proud of what they do instead of doing such for compliance," concluded the award-winning Mawela.