“Your Parents Must Be Proud”: Three Siblings Achieve Dream of Becoming Doctors
- Three South African siblings achieved a childhood dream by studying medicine together at the University of KwaZulu-Natal
- The story highlighted the importance of persistence, collaboration, and shared ambition in achieving competitive professional goals like medicine
- Social media users praised their dedication and celebrated the rare example of siblings achieving such a milestone together
- Briefly News spoke to Dr Zwide, whose online platform aims to inspire future doctors, and Dr Pretty, who recently qualified as a medical doctor, to unpack the realities behind the title
From childhood aspirations to white coats, these three South African siblings proved that family and determination can turn dreams into reality. Their story touched many, as they made education fashionable.
Source: TikTok
Three siblings fulfilled their childhood dream of becoming doctors. The snaps were posted by user @singazulu on 16 February 2026 in KZN. The before and after pictures showed a throwback photo of them as kids alongside a recent picture at the Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal. The siblings have been in medical school together, working towards the same professional goal from an early age.
The siblings’ story shows how determination can turn childhood aspirations into reality. Medical school is highly demanding, and having family members sharing the same goal can provide motivation and support. Their journey also highlights the importance of education and ambition in shaping South Africa’s future healthcare workforce.
Childhood dreams realised in medicine
The post by TikTok user @singazulu resonated strongly with viewers because it captured a rare example of siblings pursuing the same dream simultaneously. Many people expressed admiration for the family bond and the dedication required to succeed in such a competitive field. The video encouraged other students to chase their aspirations despite obstacles. It also reminded viewers that dreams can be achieved with careful planning and effort.
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Online users reacted with excitement and support, celebrating the siblings’ achievements. Many praised their parents for instilling values of education and perseverance. Others shared personal stories of siblings or friends achieving professional milestones. The post sparked conversation about ambition, family support, and the power of shared goals.
Dr Zwide explained to Briefly News that the challenges begin long before stepping into a lecture hall.
“The first hurdle is getting into medical school. The competition for space is intense. While a level 5 may be the minimum requirement, the reality is that you often need level 7 results to secure a place, especially for Black South Africans.”
He added that funding remains another major barrier.
“Outside of NSFAS, funding opportunities for medicine are limited, and medical school is expensive. That makes it difficult for many capable students to secure financial support.”
Academically and emotionally, the programme is relentless.
“It’s a high-paced environment where academic exclusion is real if you fail twice. There are weekly tests, exams and presentations. Emotionally, it can feel overwhelming because of the amount of information you need to grasp in a short time, especially during clinical years where sleep is limited. It’s easy to feel like you’re not smart enough.”
He stressed that family support makes a significant difference.
“Support with money for books, study aids and general wellbeing helps, but moral support is just as important, especially when performance drops.”
His advice to aspiring doctors is simple:
“It’s a long journey, but it’s worth it in the end. It’s fulfilling. Don’t listen to people who complain about the six years of study.”
Dr Pretty on other other hand echoed the intensity of the journey, describing it as both academically and emotionally demanding.
“The workload is intense and requires consistency, discipline and resilience. The volume of information is vast, assessments are rigorous, and clinical training exposes you to real-life responsibility early on. It can be rewarding but also overwhelming.”
She said the emotional weight can sometimes be heavier than the academic pressure.
“Students are exposed to suffering, loss and high-pressure environments. In South Africa, resource limitations in public healthcare settings add another layer of complexity. You have to learn to balance empathy with emotional strength.”
Family support, she said, can determine whether a student survives the toughest seasons.
“Having people who understand the long hours, missed events and exhaustion makes a big difference. Growing up as an orphan made my journey harder, but with support from other family members, I managed to push through.”
Her message to young people dreaming of medicine is rooted in perspective.
“It’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Focus on one step at a time instead of the entire journey. Seek mentorship, build strong study habits and remember your ‘why.’ Medicine is challenging, but it is deeply meaningful. With resilience and self-belief, it is achievable. If I did it, they can do it too.”
Source: TikTok
What did netizens say?
Constantine wrote:
“My 3 younger siblings are doctors. I'm the eldest and the only one who isn't; I'm an engineer.”
Oluhle Ngcobo wrote:
“I claim such for my kids. 🙏🏽”
Amandaba asked:
“Hi, please ask your parents what kind of prayer they said. 😭 I want to claim the same over my kids. ❤️”
Gaonempuang asked:
“What do your parents say when they pray!? 🙏🏾😭🥰”
Ziphozenkosi wrote:
“Blessed. 🙏”
Pabs wrote:
“Amazing! 🥰”
Zusakhe Liyema added:
"Oh my word."
Šěťhů Gâtšhěňî wrote:
“I know bafo wa III, we were playing rugby with him at Glenmore. Future doctors. 🫵🏽🔥”
Check out the TikTok video below:
3 Other Briefly News stories related to doctors
- A young doctor couldn't contain her excitement after she met President Cyril Ramaphosa; leaving netizens in stitches and also mesmerised by he respect she showed.
- A mother from KwaZulu-Natal has demanded that doctors be held accountable after her newborn sustained injuries, touching netizens with her story.
- A young medical student used costume day to honour her domestic worker mother by wearing a uniform, touching South Africans on social media.
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Source: Briefly News
