Aug 2020 - Bloem

Originally from KwaZulu-Natal, virologist Dr Sabeehah
Vawda plays a significant role in the University of the
Free State COVID-19 Task Team. “I find it fascinating that
viruses, these super tiny organisms that aren’t even
visualised with a light microscope, can do so much to the
human body. And even bring the entire world to a halt!”
Sabeehah is a medical doctor who specialised in
virology. After completing her postgraduate studies
in Bloemfontein, she stayed on and is currently a
pathologist in Virology at the National Health Laboratory
Services, Universitas, and Senior Lecturer in the Division
of Virology at the University of the Free State.
Being yourself, is Sabeehah’s best advice for young
academic women. Also, to give your best and remain
humble and respectful towards all. “In my work, I am very
punctual and particular about everything I do, putting my
full effort into tasks. Beginning organised and prepared
helps me to stay on top of things, and I always try to find
ways to work smart.”
Her mother is a tremendous inspiration. “She is always
motivated, seeing the ‘bright side’ of dreary matters, and
encourages both my sister and myself to do the same. My
dad tragically passed away when I was 18 and my mum
very courageously took on her double role, encouraged
my sister and I to pursue our dreams, and with the
Almighty’s mercy got us both through medical school.
My mum remains my ‘go-to-person’ and we must chat
every day, sometimes multiple times!”
Although being more introverted, Sabeehah uses her
‘me time’ to be with her family, or to travel and explore
different cultures. Her beauty routine is the basic cleanse,
moisturise, and sunscreen, because “I’ve got relatively
good skin – from my
mum!”
Dr Sabeehah
Vawda
getitmagazine.co.za/bloemfontein
Burneline
Kaars
Burneline Kaars starts her day at 05:00 with a lemon
wedge in a glass of water, oatmeal, and fresh green
juice. After some quiet time in her study while her family
is still asleep, she is ready for another day as Head of
Organisational Development and Employee Wellness at
the University of the Free State.
Although she dreamed of becoming an air hostess, she
found her passion by participating in community projects
as a teenager. “I went to study Social Work in Wellington
but had to quit, due to financial constraints.” After many
years of sacrifice and hard work, she is currently doing her
dream job and is pursuing a master’s degree in Industrial
Psychology to help her positively impact people’s lives.
She advises young women to choose courage over fear
when chasing their dreams. “Make choices that will expand
your possibilities, such as education or exposure to new
things. And don’t let your life revolve around your work
alone. Find other experiences outside of work to maintain a
healthy work-life integration.”
Burneline is inspired by her mother who instilled deeprooted
values in six children as a single parent. “She never
wanted us to settle for second best.” Despite being stuck
in a destructive relationship at some point, Burneline says
her best decision was to marry her now husband. “We make
a great team!” The two of them are the founders of the
‘Reach Our Community Foundation’ that serves orphan and
vulnerable children.
“I do not regret my past relationship with an obsessive
and jealous person. We are allowed to make mistakes but
should not let our mistakes define our identity. Embrace
tough times and rise above anything that may bring you
down or make you feel inferior.”
She credits her own success to her drive and
determination to work harder, to keep going, and to try
new things.
August 2020 Get It Bloemfontein 31