From Manenberg to Harvard: UCT's Dr Marvin Jansen breaking generational barriers
Reflecting on his journey, Jansen says that having a roof over his head, food on the table, and a loving family made him feel fortunate, never seeing himself as someone who faced adversity.
Dr Marvin Jansen, Head of Clinical Skills Centre at UCT / Instagram: @_marvinjansen
Clarence Ford interviews Dr Marvin Jansen, Head of Clinical Skills Centre at the University of Cape Town (UCT).
Listen below.
Dr. Marvin Jansen, head of the Clinical Skills Centre at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and a native of Manenberg on the Cape Flats, has been honoured with the prestigious Harvard South Africa Fellowship for 2025.
Reflecting on his journey, he says that having a roof over his head, food on the table, and a loving family made him feel fortunate, never seeing himself as someone who faced adversity.
For those who might feel differently, he emphasises the importance of recognising that, even if you have less than others, you still have "more than enough."
"When you have that mindset, opportunities come your way."
- Marvin Jansen, Head of Clinical Skills Centre – University of Cape Town
Before his tenure at UCT, Jansen served as an Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedic in both public and private sectors.
His experience as a paramedic lecturer ignited his passion for healthcare education, leading him to found and lead the African Simulation Network, an initiative dedicated to enhancing healthcare simulation across Africa.
Jansen says that this initiative creates a safe environment where students can make mistakes and learn from them without fear.
"I always knew that I should make the most of the opportunities that presents itself to me, which was education."
- Marvin Jansen, Head of Clinical Skills Centre – University of Cape Town
In addition to his professional commitments, Jansen engages a broader audience, particularly high school students, through his TikTok account, where he shares valuable educational content.
He also co-founded SilverStream Tutoring, an in-person mathematics tutoring programme in Heideveld, alongside his friend Kevin Martin.
Jansen emphasises the importance of continually striving for growth, both within and beyond traditional learning environments.
He believes that the process of learning is incredibly powerful and essential for personal development.
"It takes lots of hard work, lots of dedication and lots of sacrifice."
- Marvin Jansen, Head of Clinical Skills Centre – University of Cape Town
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.