At the upcoming Vastly Sage Men’s Breakfast, a curated gathering that explores modern manhood beyond titles and status, Professor Shingai Mutambirwa will take the stage to share his insights on resilience, leadership, and the battles men often fight alone.
We spoke with the Head of Urology at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital and Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University to discuss the moments that shaped him, the people who carried him through, and what it truly means to be strong.
YLA: Looking back at a tough season you have been through, what was the one mindset shift or small daily habit that helped you keep going when you felt like quitting?
Prof. Shingai: I think the most important thing is always to be positive, to know that everything is happening for a purpose. So even the so-called bad things are also good things in their own way. If you do that and just make sure that you keep a positive mindset, I think that’s more than enough to stop you from quitting.
YLA: Who was someone, perhaps unexpectedly, who showed up for you during a difficult time, and what did they do that actually helped?
Prof. Shingai: Again, I feel we are surrounded by angels. I would say everyone is helping us. The people who came to my help have been my friends, and even when they’re going through troubles, they helped me understand that as well. So it makes my life relatively simple.
YLA: What is a time when you had to redefine what strength looked like for you, when being strong meant admitting you were struggling?
Prof. Shingai: I think strength is within yourself. So the important thing is not to be worried about whether outside things are causing the problem. And being strong is about making sure that you’re also strong for other people. So once you do that, I don’t think you’ll be having any struggles.
YLA: When things fall apart, some men isolate while others reach out. What has helped you know the difference between needing space and needing connection?
Prof. Shingai: It boils down to your understanding of what your previous situation is, because the important thing is that you need to take care of yourself first. And then, if you need space and you’re the one who’s asking for it, then that’s perfect. But connection is also very important. Again, it depends on what you’re feeling. So I think you have to look within and make sure that you understand what your reasoning is and what you need to do.
YLA: If you could go back and give one piece of advice to your younger self after a major failure or loss, what would it be, and why do you think you would not have listened to it back then?
Prof. Shingai: I think the most important thing, again, is to accept that these things are happening for a purpose. And I think, for me, I would say, ‘Listen, the situation might be tough, but you must always be positive.’ I think since I started medical school, I pretty much held on to that discussion and felt that way since the beginning.
