UKZN Cleaner Striving for a Better Life

BY: .

Despite financial and time constraints and being a single mother, cleaning staff member on the Howard College campus, Ms Phumzile Ngobese, continues to strive for success both academically and personally. 

Ngobese (39) has enrolled for a four-year Bachelor of Education degree hoping to become a teacher at a primary school. She is a single mother of two girls and struggles to pay for her studies and to run her household. 

Despite these challenges, Ngobese is determined to give her family a better life. To earn extra money for her studies and to support her family she designs and makes dresses at her home in Umlazi. 

‘It is hard to make ends meet but I am trying. Education is important and I will complete my degree and become a teacher so that I can give my children a better life and put them through University,’ said Ngobese.  

She begins her day at 6.30am on campus, returning home late in the day to care for her children. She then studies late into the night. 

Professor Monique Marks of the School of Built Environment and Development Studies (BEDS) describes Ngobese as being positive, enthusiastic and always smiling.  

‘It would be wonderful if UKZN could establish some kind of support group and a bursary scheme for workers who are studying. Students could also volunteer to do tuition for those studying by correspondence,’ said Marks. 

Said Ngobese: ‘I know my children are proud of me and all I am doing for them. And I also know God has never failed me.’ 

To offer assistance please contact Mrs Meera Dalthaman at 031 260 7430 or e-mail: dalthamanm@ukzn.ac.za 

- Melissa Mungroo