In Conversation With Romanda Hombir- Audiologist/ Health advocate

As South Africa continues facing mounting pressure on its public healthcare system, growing conversations are emerging around the importance of preventative healthcare, early diagnosis, and women’s wellness — particularly among young people who often struggle accessing information, support, and treatment. Clinical audiologist and women’s health advocate Romanda Hombir says many health conditions affecting young South African women remain misunderstood, underdiagnosed, or silenced entirely due to stigma, lack of awareness, and healthcare inequalities. Hombir, who has openly shared her experiences with endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), has become increasingly vocal about the emotional, physical, and mental toll many women endure while navigating reproductive health challenges without adequate support or diagnosis. Healthcare experts have repeatedly warned that delayed intervention and poor access to preventative healthcare contribute significantly to long-term health complications, educational disruption, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life — especially among vulnerable communities. Beyond reproductive health, Hombir’s clinical work as an audiologist has also exposed her to broader developmental healthcare challenges affecting children and young people, including untreated hearing difficulties, delayed screenings, poor healthcare access, and barriers to educational development. Through her non-profit organisation Caring Purpose, she has led healthcare and wellness initiatives focused on preventative screenings, menstrual health awareness, nutrition support, literacy access, and child development support within underserved communities. The conversation comes at a time when younger South Africans are increasingly calling for more open discussions around mental health, reproductive health, wellness, self-care, and preventative healthcare — issues historically overlooked or treated as taboo in many communities. Health advocates argue that shifting healthcare conversations from treatment alone toward prevention, education, and early intervention could significantly improve long-term public health outcomes across the country. The discussion also raises broader questions around healthcare inequality, access to information, women’s dignity, and the importance of empowering young people to take ownership of their health before conditions become severe or life-altering. Instagram · Twitter