Introducing the future of general surgery at Mediclinic Newcastle

Welcoming three, new, highly qualified surgeons, Mediclinic Newcastle is proud to introduce the future of general surgery within the region, based right here in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal.

The arrival of Dr Reah Ndaku, Dr Ayanda Shabalala and Dr Luvuyo Dyasi will ensure that Newcastillians have access to a trio of specialists without having to leave the town’s borders.

Dr Reah Ndaku is a specialist general surgeon with proficiency in endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery, including trauma work. She has a special interest in thyroid and minimally invasive surgeries.

Recalling her decision to pursue a life in medicine, Dr Ndaku explained that she set her heart on a career in surgery at the age of just three years old, after her father passed away from cancer.

“His suffering affected me profoundly. I decided then that I wanted to become a doctor who could ‘take out’ cancer,” she recalled.

Making this decision at an extremely young age, determined to ensure other families did not have to endure the same trauma as she and her family, Dr Ndaku worked relentlessly to achieve her goal.

After qualifying with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBCh) degree from the University of the Free State (UFS) in 2011, she went on to obtain a Master of Medicine (MMed) in Surgery in 2019, followed by a Fellowship at the College of Medicine of South Africa: FCS(SA) in 2020.

Dr Ndaku’s professional history spans an internship at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Johannesburg, community service at Bongani Regional Hospital in Thabong, Welkom, and a registrarship at the UFS academic complex’s Department Of Surgery.

Looking at her devotion to surgery, Dr Ndaku explained, “One of the best things about surgery is that no two days are the same and it is truly rewarding. You can deal with an illness and see results almost immediately.”

In addition to this, Dr Ndaku highlighted that her passion for minimally invasive surgeries stemmed from her dedication to her patients’ healing.

“The less cutting there is, and the less invasive surgery is, the better a patient heals and recovers from their illness and surgery,” emphasised Dr Ndaku.

More recently, she was a consultant for the Limpopo Department of Health and in full-time private practice at Mediclinic Ermelo before joining Mediclinic Newcastle at the start of 2023. Here, the doctor says, she relishes working with the team of specialists and general practitioners at the only private hospital in north-western KwaZulu-Natal.

“There’s a truly multidisciplinary approach here and everyone is committed to delivering quality care,” she declared.

The doctor added that Mediclinic Newcastle was one of the most organised hospitals she has worked in, with everyone knowing the importance of their role.

While passionate about her career, outside work hours she enjoys reading fiction, English literature and philosophy as well as writing, including regular posts on a personal blog.

Dr Ayanda Shabalala is a specialist in general surgery. He is skilled in minimally invasive surgery and has a particular interest in the identification and treatment of colon cancer.

After qualifying with a Bachelor of Diagnostic Radiography (Brad) from the University of Pretoria in 2005 and working in the field for several years, Dr Shabalala expanded his expertise beyond diagnosis. As a result, he obtained a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBCh) degree from Medunsa, now Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, in Pretoria North, Gauteng.

Additionally, Dr Shabalala went on to obtain a Masters (MMED Surgery) degree and completed a fellowship from the College of Surgeons of South Africa: FCS(SA). This is while amassing a wealth of experience, most recently at Universitas Hospital where he was Registrar of Forensic Medicine between July 2016 and January 2017, and Registrar of General Surgery from February 2017.

According to the doctor, he was drawn to surgery by the hands-on aspects of the field.

“Surgery is more hands-on and you can see the impact of your work immediately, and the result just as quick. With cancer, for example, you’re able to identify pathology and remove it timeously,” said Dr Shabalala.

The doctor said that he is also excited about the possibilities of minimally invasive surgical techniques like laparoscopy.

Additionally, he explained that bariatric surgery can also assist patients to lose weight and prevent multiple other conditions.

Committed to his profession and one of the first doctors to come out of his community, Dr Shabalala highlighted that he decided to pursue a career in the medical field after growing up in the rural area of Uitval, where he witnessed how people suffered from cancer, diabetes and other serious medical conditions.

Having lost a number of people close to him and having the desire to help others, Dr Shabalala said he was determined to make a difference in Newcastillian’s lives.

Now at Mediclinic Newcastle, Dr Shabalala said that he looked forward to placing his skills and knowledge at the disposal of patients, forming part of the multidisciplinary team of specialists and general practitioners at the only private hospital in the region.

Complimenting Mediclinic Newcastle’s efficiency and instruments, Dr Shabalala stated that he is elated to be in Newcastle to assist the community.

Outside of the medical world, the doctor explained that as an avowed family man, he relished time spent with his wife, who is also a medical professional, and five children. He further said that he also enjoys reading, listening to music and following the fortunes of Kaizer Chiefs and Manchester United.

Dr Luvuyo Dyasi is a general surgeon with competencies in endoscopies, trauma surgery and a particular interest in hepato-biliary surgery.

After qualifying with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MMBCh) Degree from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, he went on to obtain a Master of Medicine (MMed) in General Surgery from the University of Pretoria and completed a Fellowship at the College of Surgeons of South Africa: (FC(SA), both in 2021.

Dr Dyasi has a wealth of practical experience, including a notable period when he served as Medical Registrar in General Surgery at the Steve Biko Academic, Kalafong Tertiary and Tembisa Provincial Hospitals from July 2016 until December 2021.

“During this time, I honed my skills in both laparoscopic and open surgery, excelling in all sub-specialities like hepato-biliary surgery, colorectal surgery, endocrine surgery such as breast and thyroid surgery, as well as vascular surgery,” he said.

Dr Dyasi also developed competencies in various forms of endoscopy, including gastroscopies, colonoscopies, laparoscopy and thoracoscopy, as well as teaching undergraduate medical students rotating in General Surgery during their senior years.

His most recent position was Fellowship in Gastroenterology at Wits Donal Gordon Medical Centre.

Now at Mediclinic Newcastle, Dr Dyasi said that his extensive expertise is at the disposal of local patients and the wider north-western KZN region.

“I have a real passion for hepato-biliary surgery and I’m excited to further explore its potential to treat diseases of the liver and pancreas,” he expressed.

Looking back, Dr Dyasi laughed and explained that he initially wanted to become an accountant.

“My father was a doctor and I saw him coming home, looking so fulfilled, and I realised I could not sit behind a desk all day. I wanted to be with people and decided to pursue medicine like my father.”

With Dr Dyasi now at the service of Newcastillians, he urged residents to never withhold pain and illness, self-medicating at home. Rather, he advised people need to obtain medical attention as soon as possible to avert the condition from becoming worse.

Married to a fellow medical professional with two children, Dr Dyasi said he enjoys watching sports, particularly rugby and cricket. He stated that he also loves spending time outdoors and looks forward to exploring the many natural and historic attractions of his new home and its surrounding region.

With Mediclinic Newcastle ever increasing its medical offerings, let’s welcome the three new surgeons in true Newcastillian fashion.

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