About us

Elisa Konyama is a nurse-turned-entrepreneur whose work is transforming healthcare for underserved communities in South Africa. As the Founder and Director of Unjani Clinic Botshabelo, she has pioneered a holistic, accessible, and community-driven healthcare model that integrates maternal care, mental health support, HIV counselling, drug rehabilitation, and in-clinic pharmacies — serving hundreds of patients monthly, with numbers steadily growing under her leadership.

Her journey began with a Diploma in General Nursing, Community Nursing, Psychiatry and Midwifery from the Free State School of Nursing in 2009. Elisa later acquired professional certifications in antenatal care, immunization, neonatal resuscitation, obstetric emergency management, and medicine dispensing. These qualifications laid the groundwork for the highly effective and innovative services she offers today. Her clinical foundation is matched by her entrepreneurial mindset, shaped by intensive coaching that helped her grow from operating small mobile clinics to building a scalable health network.

Beyond healthcare delivery, Elisa is deeply committed to social impact. She leads educational outreach programs that tackle teenage pregnancy in partnership with the University of the Free State, hosts school wellness days, and runs debates, spelling bees, and dignity drives in rural areas. She has also partnered with international initiatives like TIN Soldiers to conduct musculoskeletal disorder screenings and brings essential mobile clinic services to remote communities.

Her spiritual leadership is equally significant. As Chairperson of the Christian Women’s League (URCSA), she supports women’s empowerment through Bible studies, relief efforts, and mental health workshops. Elisa is known in her church and community for her servant leadership — often seen preparing meals for bereaved families or guiding youth through moral and personal development.

She continues to mentor other nurses, creating employment and training opportunities in her clinics, while inspiring them to think beyond clinical roles toward entrepreneurship and community advocacy. Her approach blends healthcare, faith, and human dignity — and her leadership style is marked by empathy and courage.

Despite running a high-impact clinic, Elisa still occasionally joins the clinic floor, comforting patients, preparing equipment, and ensuring every person feels seen. She is also expanding her model into regions like Bloemfontein and ThabaNchu, proving that her vision knows no borders.

Recognized by platforms like the Sunday World Heroic Women Awards, the Umfiki Award (Best Newcomer Unjani Clinic), WIIA Business Bootcamp, and the She Awards across Johannesburg and Nairobi, Elisa stands out for her ability to drive real change not only in health outcomes, but in how people see themselves and their potential.