Maikeleng Ledimo: Mom, Nurse, Founder, Changemaker, and Africa Month Hero
May is Africa Month! Established in 1963 to mark the founding of the Organisation of African Unity, Africa Month is a time to honour unity and collaboration across African nations. We sat down with Maikeleng Ledimo – entrepreneur and founder of Leruo Nursing Services and also a mother – to chat about her journey, her drive, and the advice she has for others who dream of making a difference by making Africa a better place.
Maikeleng embodies the spirit of Africa Month with her invitation to aspiring entrepreneurs in Africa to take action and be the change they want to see in the world. She emphasizes that successful entrepreneurs don’t wait for others to solve issues, they just start. Even though she has a day-job and is a parent to a young child, she carves out time to dedicate towards her part-time venture in pursuit of her dream of becoming the go-to person in medical emergencies and to raise a child that will make a positive impact in the world.
Finding Passion: Journey from Rural Clinic to City Success
Maikeleng’s path to nursing wasn’t entirely straightforward. Although her initial aspiration was to become a doctor, she ultimately enrolled in nursing school. Surrounded by ambitious classmates, the seed of starting her own practice was sown. In 2023 that dream became a reality with the founding of Leruo Nursing Services – offering quick, tailored health solutions at your doorstep.
When asked how she manages to balance so many hats – being a mother, founder, and entrepreneur – she emphasizes the importance of following your passion, the ability to be flexible, and trusting the process.
While her initial job at a public health care clinic in a semi-rural township left her feeling unfulfilled, now, in the heart of the bustling city, she embraces longer hours in pursuit of a more meaningful vocation. Fueled by the ambition to be the ultimate crisis responder, Maikeleng found herself at the 2024 Forbes Under 30 Summit Africa.
Building a Stronger Africa at the Forbes Summit
Coinciding with Africa Month, the ForbesBLK Masterclass at the Forbes Summit tackled the continent’s potential and challenges for economic growth. A network of people of color, the workshop consisted of panelists sharing their insights on how to leverage being African in business. Here are the key takeaways from the masterclass:
Challenges Faced by African Entrepreneurs
In the masterclass, participants from a range of African countries spent time brainstorming the biggest challenges as well as strategies for success for economic growth in Africa. Amongst the biggest hurdles facing Africans today were bureaucracy and resistance to change in government, as well as restrictive laws which can act as a chokehold on African entrepreneurship.
Other common entrepreneurial challenges included young talent being overlooked and excluded due to their age, access to funding, and talented individuals leaving Africa for better opportunities elsewhere.
Strategies for Success
Despite these struggles, the masterclass offered rays of hope. Maikeleng’s key takeaway being that success often hinges on aligning your goals with the needs of investors and governments. Whatever you do, strive for excellence and demonstrate a clear understanding of the bigger picture.
Nurses: The Backbone of the Healthcare System
The Masterclass reinforced Maikeleng’s vision for Leruo Nursing Services which extends far beyond quality patient care. Her goal isn’t just building a business, she’s building a bridge to a brighter future for Africa. She aspires to transform her venture into a powerful vehicle that tackles youth unemployment, another critical issue across Africa. “I want to employ as many people as possible,” she says.
When asked about the importance of nurses and the role they play in strengthening healthcare systems in Africa she emphasises that nurses are the backbone of the system. Yet, nurses are often excluded from policy making, despite their deep understanding of patient needs. While the doctors are crucial in diagnosing treatments, the nurses are equally important, yet often overlooked when it comes to decision making. It is the nurses who best understand the practical challenges, impact, and outcomes of treatments and facilities. Empowering the nurses is essentially strengthening the healthcare system.
Starting Strong, Failing Forward
Maikeleng’s biggest success to date? Simply starting. In a world where procrastination and fear can be crippling, her message is simple. Don’t be afraid to take that first step. Even if you fail, just “fail forward”. Learn from your mistakes and keep moving forward.
A strong support system is also a vital part of her success. For Maikeleng, this means her husband, family, and a network of mentors who guide her on her various paths.
Maikeleng Ledimo is an inspiration to us all and a worthy African Month ambassador. She’s a shining example of how dedication and passion can empower you to achieve anything you set your mind to. Let’s raise a cup (of African coffee, of course!) to Maikeleng and all those who are making a difference on the African continent!