South African Twins Defy the Odds to Achieve Their Dream of Becoming Doctors

Wandile and Wanele Ganya are not just twins, they are also both medical doctors who graduated from Stellenbosch University in 2015. Their story is one of resilience, perseverance and determination to overcome the odds that were stacked against them.

The Ganya twins grew up in Khayelitsha, a township in Cape Town, where they faced many challenges such as poverty, crime and poor education. Their mother, Sylvia, worked as a domestic worker and supported six children on her meagre income. Their father was absent for most of their lives.

Despite these hardships, the twins excelled academically and developed a passion for science and medicine. They attended the Centre of Science and Technology, a school that offers quality education to disadvantaged learners. They also received scholarships from the Student Sponsorship Programme, which enabled them to pursue their dream of becoming doctors.

The twins enrolled at Stellenbosch University in 2010 and faced a new set of challenges such as language barriers, cultural differences and academic pressure. They had to adapt to a different environment and learn Afrikaans, the main language of instruction at the university. They also had to cope with the stigma and stereotypes that some people had about township students.

However, the twins did not let these obstacles deter them from their goal. They worked hard, studied together and supported each other throughout their studies. They also received mentorship and guidance from the university’s Rector’s Award Programme, which recognises students who excel in the face of adversity.