Tekano-Mafoko Phomane

Mafoko Phomane

Mafoko Phomane, I identify as a woman. I work as a Projects Coordinator for the Rural Health Advocacy Project, and we are based in Johannesburg in Rosebank. We advocate for access to quality health services for rural communities across South Africa. I lead in various research and training projects, related to human resources for health, rural health financing as well as monitoring health policy implementation.

   I am particularly passionate and energized by “The Voice Project”, which is a training and support intervention where we equip healthcare workers on how to become change agents and patient advocates by reporting health care challenges, in order to strengthen our health system. The Voice Project for me embodies what health activism is. I also coordinate the Rural Mental Health Campaign, an alliance of organizations advocating for rural people’s access to mental health care at primary health care level.

I have been with the organization since 2014. I hold a BA Honours in Psychology, a Postgraduate Diploma in Management HR and I am currently in the final year of completing a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Rural Health at the University of the Witwatersrand. I originate from Lesotho where I worked for the Ministry of Health in the field of District Health Management, HIV Prevention and Psychosocial Support.