Dr Samke J Ngcobo is a dynamic, driven and passionate medical professional who has a passion for issues related to mental health advocacy and mental health psychoeducation.

Samke is living with Bipolar Disorder since the age of 14 years old (for the past 21 years). I have a commendable work ethic and excellent interpersonal skills. She values purpose-driven living and creating a legacy that will benefit the greater good in the long-term through philanthropy.

CAREER BACKGROUND

• • A qualified medical doctor who has extensive years of work experience in the clinical field

• • She has 5 years of work experience of working in mental healthcare services in the department of psychiatry

• • Extensive work experience in working with a multi-disciplinary team of professionals namely psychologists, occupational therapists, dieticians, social workers and nursing staff. This level of engagement has enabled me to gain full context of a patients’ lived experiences and has broadened my understanding of an integrated approach towards wellness

Dr Samke J Ngcobo passionate about mental health advocacy and about the development of an empathetic and compassionate understanding about the lives of those who struggle with their mental health. Samke believes that the best advocate about mental illnesses is the individual who is living with it and experiencing it first hand.

Dr Samke J Ngcobo is an experienced keynote speaker who engages with the corporate community and community at large about mental health psycho-education through Vocal Mentality (Pty) Ltd.

The founder of Sisters For Mental Health which is an initiative that is focused on creating a safe environment to engage about mental health struggles and to collaborate with other organisations which advocate for mental health. The organisation seeks to serve as an outreach resource for communities which are in need of understanding mental health.

AUTHOR

Dr Samke J Ngcobo is the author of a book called Reflections Of A Convoluted Mind: A journey with my mental illness. It was inspired by my desire to create an awareness and understanding about the life of someone who is living with a mental illness. I felt that I could share valuable insights as someone who lives with a mental illness and as a doctor to individuals like myself. The intention is to humanise this journey through sharing my thoughts and reflections related to it.

PUBLIC SPEAKING

• • An experienced public speaker who has won numerous awards

• • A member of Toastmasters International and have garnered awards in the public speaking and evaluation contests

CORPORATE WELLNESS

• • IPassionate about engaging with the corporate sector about mental health through my company called Vocal Mentality (Pty) Ltd that is focused on psycho-education, breaking stigma and empowering the audience which I engage with regarding mental illness and mental health.

• • She has presented psycho-educational talks for various organisations such as Standard Chartered Bank, Avis, Rand Merchant Bank and Coca-Cola, Anglo-American to name a few.