Dr Aobakwe Segwe: A journey from dreams to radiology excellence
Book Review
Dr Aobakwe Segwe was a top 10 finalist in the “Standard Bank Top Women Awards” in three different categories.
Image: Supplied
DREAMS do indeed come true, as evidenced by the life story of a little girl who grew up in Mahikeng in the North West.
At a young age, she dreamt of being a doctor. Not only did she achieve this, but after her maiden degree, she went on to specialise as a radiologist.
This week, Dr Aobakwe Segwe was a top 10 finalist in the “Standard Bank Top Women Awards” in three different categories.
She was nominated for the prestigious “Top Women Leader in Professional and Support Services”. Her medical practice, Centre of Medical Imaging SA, was nominated for “Top Woman Owned Business SMME” and “Top Women Business in Healthcare and Pharmaceutical”.
The glitzy awards were held at the Sandton Convention Centre. Dr Segwe and CMI SA were named amongst other multinational giant corporations that have a global footprint and decades of data.
Though she did not win first place, her journey is short-hand for the adage: it is the journey, not the destination that counts — hers is a story worth sharing.
CMI is based at Life Carstenhof Hospital in Midrand. It is a high-end establishment with intimidating medical contraptions that look like equipment out of a sci-fi movie. Just a few short years ago, they threw in R1.5 million upgrades, bringing the total investment upwards of R36m, Dr Segwe reveals.
Radiology plays a crucial role in healthcare. There’s no hospital that will function optimally without radiology, she says.
In her 25-strong team, there are doctors, radiographers, administrative staff, porters and cleaners.
We are excited to be at the heart of the radiology business with “MRI scans of the heart and breast”. She is so passionate about women’s health that when she’s not working, she’s out on the ground, in outreach programmes teaching women about breast cancer and mentoring students in STEM.
Radiology is the one field of medicine, among others, that has to really embrace technology, Dr Segwe says.
“We upgraded two machines,” she says of the capital outlay, “one CT & MRI cardiac and the other for MRI breast imaging.”
CT cardiac is used for patients with heart disease, mainly those at risk of a heart attack.
More comprehensively, the Centre of Medical Imaging SA offers the following medical services:
- MRI — commonly used in Neurology & Neurosurgery emergencies, ENT, Vascular, Paediatrics, Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology, Oncology.
- CT — popular in Trauma, Surgical Emergencies, Neurology, Pulmonology, Urology, Oncology, Angiography, Paediatrics, Orthopaedics, and Maxillofacial surgery.
- Flouroscopy — dynamic imaging during fertility workup, cystograms for bladder disorders, enemas and swallows for gastrointestinal conditions.
- Plain X-rays for Pulmonology, Orthopaedic injuries and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, surgical emergencies and paediatric use as guided by ALARA principles.
- Ultrasound, which is utilised for musculoskeletal system, abdomino-pelvic complaints, venous thrombosis, evaluation of soft tissue masses and in paediatric use, including neonatal cranial ultrasounds.
- Mammography, Breast Ultrasound and MRI — used in the evaluation and follow-up of breast pathology, including breast carcinoma.
- Bone Densitometry — for review of Bone Mineral Density and fracture risk classification in Osteoporosis.
She turned 40 just the other year. It must be her good genes that give her the model looks.
After her undergraduate medical degree from the University of Pretoria, Dr Segwe went on to acquire a Master’s degree in Medicine (MMed) from the University of the Witwatersrand and then a Radiology Fellowship from the College of Medicine South Africa (FCRadCMSA).
Even after her long stint in radiology, she still travels a lot honing her skills in radiology. She most recently attended a course in Valencia, Spain — with the European Society of Neuroradiology, Chicago, USA — Radiology Society of North America and was invited to a Regional IAEA Conference in Nairobi, Kenya.
Radiology uses a lot of very costly equipment. “Even as we speak, there are new machines being developed. Pity we don’t manufacture locally; we import this equipment. It is just a very capital-intensive field.”
What a journey!
A day after the awards function, she says to her team: “Thank you so much for coming through last night and sharing a wonderful evening with me.” This is not the sound of a loser!
She might not have walked away this time with a Standard Bank Women’s Award, but the simple fact that she was nominated out of hundreds of remarkable women-owned businesses already speaks volumes.
A staffer said: “To be recognised on that level means her work, her leadership, and her impact are truly seen — not just by those around her, but by an entire industry that knows excellence when it rises.”
Another said: “And award or no award, she remains the woman who stands at the very top of the Centre of Medical Imaging SA — not just in title, but in heart, dedication, and the way she pours herself into everything she does. She is the backbone, the strength, the quiet force keeping so much running smoothly, often without expecting anything in return.”
“Her influence goes beyond her role. She uplifts, encourages, supports, and shows up for everyone around her. A woman with a good heart is rare; one who leads with kindness, resilience, and purpose is even rarer.”
So even without the trophy, it is clear to see, Dr Segwe remains the kind of woman people admire, respect, and feel proud to stand behind. “She will always be number one in our eyes — the woman who inspires, who carries others, and who continues to shine in everything she does.”
Dr Segwe says: “We have built something that will continue to uplift the community, empower others, and create an impact that will outlive us. Thank you to each person who has been part of the fabric of CMI - past and present.”
“Last night we went toe to toe with the best in the industry - some were even JSE listed, giant multinationals with decades of data and a global footprint. All I know is that it’s been an honour to steer our strategic direction.”
“Now CMI is written in the annals of South African business history 2025!”
No doubt, it is.