Meet Dr. Hunadi Molabe: Dedication to Dignity, Compassion, and Change

Dr. Hunadi Molabe is a breast and endocrine surgeon at Groote Schuur Hospital. She shares more about what inspired her to join Project Flamingo, a cause close to her heart. From life-changing patient moments to the electric team spirit on surgery days, Dr. Molabe reflects on the profound impact volunteering has had on both her personal and professional life.

Dr. Hunadi Molabe

1. What inspired you to get involved with Project Flamingo? As a breast and endocrine surgeon working in the public sector, I saw firsthand how delays in surgery impact both outcomes and dignity. Project Flamingo offered a way to bridge the gap between what’s needed and what’s possible, with compassion, urgency, and excellence. It aligns with everything I believe about equitable care.

2. What does ‘making a difference’ mean to you in the context of volunteering here? It means restoring hope where there has been waiting and uncertainty. It’s not just about removing a tumour, it’s about showing up with empathy, professionalism, and teamwork to give each woman the care she deserves, regardless of her background or postcode. At Groote Schuur Hospital, the waiting time for surgery can sometimes be lengthy; we are fortunate to have an NGO like Flamingo that can assist. We don’t mind giving up our Saturdays to contribute to this greater good.

Was there a specific moment or Flamingo story that stuck with you? A patient once looked at me post-op and said, “I can finally breathe again.” It reminded me that sometimes the biggest difference we make isn’t just medical, it’s emotional relief, human connection, and restoring a sense of control. The amusing part is when the same patients you saw at your MDT (multi-disciplinary team) end up on the Project list and are happy or surprised that it is still the same team of doctors. The relief on the faces is priceless.

4. How does being part of this mission impact you professionally or personally? It has deepened my sense of purpose. As someone who trains future surgeons, chairs MDTs, and works on healthcare policy, Project Flamingo grounds me, reminding me why I started. Personally, it fills my cup. Professionally, it sharpens my commitment to ethical, accessible care.
   

5. In one word, how would you describe the team spirit on surgery day? Why that word? Electric. There’s this palpable energy, driven by shared purpose and a “let’s get it done” attitude. Everyone is in sync, from nursing staff to surgeons, anaesthetists, students, and porters, doing more with less, but with heart.

6. What has volunteering here taught you about healthcare in South Africa? That we have brilliance in our people, clinicians, nurses, and admin, but we need better systems to let that brilliance shine. Volunteering here has shown me how creativity, collaboration, and commitment can drive real change even in under-resourced settings. The dichotomy of healthcare in SA is so varied, we need to find a middle ground for those who do not have. Thanks to everybody who is trying to re-imagine a better health care system.
   

7. If you could change one thing about the public perception of breast cancer care, what would it be? That it’s hopeless or a death sentence. With timely, coordinated care, like what Flamingo helps make possible, outcomes can be excellent. Every woman deserves to believe in her recovery. Any woman with a breast lump, non-healing wound, or bloody nipple discharge needs to seek help. The earlier the diagnosis, the better the outcome.
   

8. What gives you hope in the face of the challenges we see in the public healthcare system? The people. From registrars arriving at 7 am to scrub in, to nurses going the extra mile, to initiatives like Flamingo, hope lives in the hands and hearts of those who keep showing up. And if we harness that well, we can build something better.
   

9. What are you most grateful for in your life? The chance to serve. To work in a field that marries science, humanity, and impact, and to be surrounded by teams who remind me daily of what’s possible when we care deeply and act bravely. Quick Fire Questions • Tea or coffee on surgery day? Protein coffee. No compromise. • Best snack between cases? Mixed nuts and dried cranberries— high energy, no fuss. • What’s always in your pocket? A pen and surgical tape — trust me, both will save your day at some point. • One song that sums up the Flamingo vibe? “Rise Up” by Andra Day — it’s the anthem of resilience and grace.