From working in a butchery over weekends earning just R74, and her countless applications to study medicine rejected, a former Windvogel resident’s big dream has finally come true.
Earlier in April, Dr Jacqueline Matroos opened her own medical practice in Gqeberha.
Matroos, 43, who obtained her medical degree from Stellenbosch University after being rejected 12 times, has since completed her practical training and is now ready to hit the ground running, proving it is never too late to follow your dreams.
It was lucky number 13 for Matroos when she was finally accepted at Stellenbosch — and she did not let the opportunity go to waste as she made the most of her studies.
She said for as long as she could remember, she had always wanted to be a doctor.
“Growing up in Windvogel in the northern areas, things were tough at home.
“I attended Hillside High School in Bethelsdorp and from grade 9 I started working at a butchery over weekends, earning just R74.
“But I was grateful because the little money helped in the house.”
She matriculated in 1999, but returned to school in 2000 to better her maths and physics results so she could apply to study medicine.
“Every year after that I applied to study medicine.
“But every time my application returned having been rejected. It was disheartening being declined year after year,” she said this week.
“So, though it was not really what I wanted to do with my life, I decided to study Information Technology.”
While pursuing her BSc, she took on four jobs to sustain herself, all the while applying at different institutions to study medicine.
She received her BSc from the then-Vista University in 2013.
“But I never stopped applying to become a doctor during the years.”
Eventually, on January 22 2014, on her 32nd birthday, Matroos received the biggest gift she had been praying for — she finally got the long-awaited call that she had been accepted at Stellenbosch University.
“It was the biggest and best birthday present ever,” she beamed.
But Matroos said her years at medical school were tough and she faced more hardships as she struggled to get funding.
However, she finally secured a bursary from the Eastern Cape department of health. The bursary covered the last three years of her studies.
“You must work hard and be committed at all times.”
And that is exactly what she did.
She finished her studies in 2020, graduated via an online ceremony due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and was quick to return to her hometown to serve her community.
This was followed by internships at Livingstone, Dora Nginza and Uitenhage provincial hospitals.
In 2024, she received a diploma in obstetrics and gynaecology.
She then started working as a GP at the Meta Clinic in Cape Road, but in her heart she knew she wanted to run her own practice.
On April 7, her determination saw her open her own surgery at the Cleary Park Shopping Centre.
“I suddenly felt at home,” she said.
“I wouldn’t say I have achieved all my goals in life, but I am quite content with what I have achieved thus far. I am very grateful.”
She said she never walked her road alone, and put her perseverance down to her strong faith, and the support of her family, friends and community over the years.
Apart from her general work at the surgery, she also does home visits.
In her first week of opening her doors to the public, she attended to 24 patients.
“I feel so sorry for our children of today. Many of them have broken dreams because they can’t find placement at university and then just give up.
“I always encourage them and tell them the age-old saying that if the world gives you lemons, make lemonade.
“Our children need inspiration, and my advice to them is to never give up on their dreams.
“Perseverance is key. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
“My own son was also not accepted at university and he is now pursuing a course at Varsity College.”
Weekender
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