Dr Lorna Maphuthuma and her Rinato Clinic are more than just advocates for health and well-being—they are a beacon of hope for those who need a little bit of compassion and a whole lot of support
Rinato Clinic in the mining town of Burgersfort, Limpopo was established by Dr Lorna Maphuthuma as a means to service the rural area with first-class medical care.
The clinic was rebranded from Maphuthuma Medical & Occupational Practice in November 2019 to better reflect Dr Maphuthuma’s holistic approach to healthcare, which incorporates a vision of providing comprehensive healthcare services that focus on both physical and mental well-being.
The services on offer include general healthcare, psychology, physiotherapy, gynae-oncology, podiatry, paediatric, radiology, psychiatric, orthotic and prosthetic, an ear clinic, a kidney dialysis clinic, occupational health assessments, and medical incapacity and insurance assessments for the mining and construction industries. Most mining and construction companies in Limpopo make use of Rinato Clinic.
“We aim to create a supportive environment for our patients, ensuring that they receive personalised care that addresses their unique needs,” Dr Maphuthuma explains.
“Our clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and our team of professionals is dedicated to delivering high-quality care for all.”
Dr Maphuthuma is a general practitioner specialising in mental and occupational health.
Her journey in medicine began thanks to a deep-rooted passion for helping others, which led her to pursue a degree in medicine from Wits Medical School, a diploma in Occupational Health and Medicine from the University of Pretoria, as well as a diploma in Mental Health, Psychiatrist from the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa.
She is also deeply committed to community service, particularly in empowering young girls, and serves as a business executive coach, focusing on leadership development and delivering motivational talks.
Protecting your well-being
Rinato Clinic understands the unique pressures that those in the modern world of work face, which is why they offer tailored health services that focus on both physical and mental health, recognising that these aspects are deeply interconnected.
Their mental health services include stress management, counselling, and wellness programmes designed to help workers and entrepreneurs maintain balance in their lives.
Additionally, they provide occupational health assessments to ensure that patients can sustain their work-life balance and remain productive in their ventures.
“We also offer executive coaching to businesses in our area. Additionally, our clinic provides IV drips to business owners and individuals who feel exhausted to perform their duties,” Dr Maphuthuma reveals.
“Furthermore, we have psychologists to support mental health for all people, especially business owners and their workers.”
Ideally, as a society, issues around mental health should not be stigmatised, but the sad reality is that we have not reached the point where everyone is comfortable enough to be open and honest about their feelings.
While Dr Maphuthuma believes we have seen progress in this regard when compared to generations past, she feels we still have a long way to go in being open about our struggles.
“Stigma and misconceptions often prevent people from seeking the help they need,” she reveals. ”As a society, we need to foster a culture of openness and support, where discussing mental and physical health challenges is normalised.
“Education and awareness campaigns can play a crucial role in breaking down these barriers and encouraging people to prioritise their well-being.”
So what advice does Dr Maphuthuma have for entrepreneurs, businesspeople, and workers when it comes to looking after their health?
Investing in executive coaching is her straightforward advice.
“It’s important to prioritise your health just as you prioritise your business. Entrepreneurs often overlook their health while pursuing their goals, but this can lead to burnout and long-term health issues,” she avers.
“It’s crucial to have regular check-ups, maintain a balanced diet, exercise, and manage stress. Setting boundaries and ensuring you have time to rest and recharge are also important. Your health is your most valuable asset, and taking care of it will ultimately contribute to your success.”
Support and an offer of help
Support structures are so important in modern times, not least when it comes to ensuring you live a healthy life, but it’s important to understand and acknowledge what kind of support you need.
A strong support system is crucial for any entrepreneur, as the journey can be extremely tough, and having people who truly get ‘it’ and are there for you can make all the difference.
Dr Maphuthuma’s advice is to surround yourself with a network of mentors, peers, and loved ones who can provide guidance, motivation, and perspective.
“What you may think is supportive could actually end up being detrimental. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when necessary, whether it’s professional guidance or emotional support. Developing and maintaining these relationships will help you navigate the challenges and successes of entrepreneurship,” she states.
Just as important as a support system is having coping mechanisms in place when it comes to stress.
Dr Maphuthuma, who studied for a master’s in Business and Executive Coaching at Wits Business School, believes in creating a safe environment for entrepreneurs to help them reflect while busy unlocking their potential. She is an advocate for techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, and regular physical activity to help manage stress.
Additionally, she believes that seeking professional help through counselling or therapy can provide valuable support.
“At Rinato Clinic, we offer stress management programmes tailored to individual needs, helping people develop strategies to cope with and reduce stress in their lives. Remember to stop, detach, breathe, and prioritise self-care,” she insists.
In terms of her long-term goals when it comes to the well-being of entrepreneurs and South Africans in general, Dr Maphuthuma has plans to continue expanding Rinato Clinic’s offerings to address the evolving healthcare needs of the community.
The clinic is currently working on initiatives aimed at promoting mental health awareness and providing accessible healthcare services to underserved populations.
“Additionally, we are exploring partnerships with other organisations to offer wellness programmes specifically designed for entrepreneurs. These programmes will focus on preventive care, stress management, and overall well-being, ensuring that individuals are equipped to lead healthy and fulfilling lives,” Dr. Maphuthuma adds.
Looking after herself and Rinato Clinic’s future
As a leader, Dr Maphuthuma admits that there have been times when the pressures of her responsibilities have affected her own well-being.
One particular instance, she recalls, was during the rebranding of Rinato Clinic, which involved a significant amount of work and decision-making.
She realised that she was pushing herself too hard and needed to step back.
“I addressed it by delegating tasks, seeking support from my team, and taking time to rest. It reminded me of the importance of self-care and the need to recognise when to ask for help. This experience reinforced my belief in the value of a strong support system and the importance of maintaining balance in life,” she explains.
Now that Rinato Clinic is firmly established, the next step on the journey is looking to the future and setting goals to work towards.
That future involves leaving a legacy to be proud of; grounded in compassion, innovation, and empowerment—three non-negotiables in the world of Dr Maphuthuma.
“My vision is for the clinic to be known not only for its exceptional healthcare services, but also for its commitment to the well-being of the community. I hope to inspire future generations of healthcare professionals to prioritise patient care and to continue advancing the field with new ideas and approaches,” she concludes.
“Ultimately, I want Rinato Clinic to be a place where everyone feels cared for, supported, and empowered to lead healthier lives.”
And we wish you all the very best of luck as you continue to look after the well-being of all those you assist.
