Hardworking Postgraduate Student Defies the Odds

BY: .

From a car guard to a UKZN Masters student in Population Studies is the success in the face of adversity story of Mr Eleazar Banyambona.

The young man, who is in fact busy with his second masters degree, worked as a car guard at shopping centres in Durban and Pinetown to finance his studies.

With hard graft and determination he earned a degree in Cultural Heritage and Tourism and French and today holds honours and masters degrees in Social Sciences (Community Development).

‘It was a challenge to put myself through university because of the language barrier but with the support from Professor Jack Kearney of the English Department at UKZN, I managed to do it,’ said Banyambona. ‘I wanted to create a better life for myself and for my family and the only way I could do it was by studying.’

Banyambona was a promising Medical student, but was forced to flee his native country Burundi during the civil war, leaving his mother and family behind. He came to South Africa as a refugee and hoped to create a life for himself here.

‘Whatever money I was getting from being a car guard, I sent it back home for my mother. And with that money, I was able to support her and build a two-room house for her in Burundi. As soon as my mom was financially secure, I was then able to focus on my studies from 2005.’

Initially, it was a challenge for Banyambona to study. He failed his first semester in 2004 as he had trouble grasping the English language. After completing an English course in 2004 with Mr Roy Dace, he pursued his degree from 2005.

He was given financial aid by the National Student Financial Scheme (NSFAS) but it was not enough and he continued to work as a car guard during the weekends until the end of July 2009.

Banyambona was offered an internship as a tour operator in one of the tour and taxis companies in Umhlanga and continues to work there on night shift as a driver, devoting his spare time to his second masters degree in Population studies.  He is also a tutor and mentor to Community Development students.

In 2012 he was offered a fellowship programme with the Foundation for Professional Development (PEPFAR-USAID) to Child Welfare South Africa (North West Province). He also hopes to find employment in government as a public servant and to contribute to community development.

His advice to students is: ‘Have a desire in life. Strive for a better life. Always work hard and never give up. Never lose hope and be happy in all that you do as happiness is a way of coping.’

Melissa Mungroo