Thokozile Phakathi is the first isiZulu-speaking occupational therapist to have a permanent post at Mosvold Hospital. She treats patients with conditions as varied as premature birth to strokes or cerebrovascular accidents, spinal cord injuries and fractures, and more.

“Understanding patients and their context makes a significant difference when it comes to explaining treatment and getting patients’ buy-in. We need parents to understand why they have to bring a child back to therapy repeatedly and carry out the home programmes we prescribe. This increases adherence to our programmes.”