
Finding Gold in Ashes
Master of Laws graduate did not allow the obstacles she confronted during her studies to prevent her from obtaining her degree.
A social worker with 10 years’ experience, Ms Jabulisile Bhengu was awarded a Master's in Child Care and Protection for her study on the challenges experienced by children in child-headed households (CHH) for which she was supervised by Dr Victoria Balogun.
‘As a social worker, I realised that these vulnerable children in CHH experience so many challenges which have never been looked at closely and analysed to see what can be done to assist them. I wanted to explore these challenges and see how the law is protecting them and how the government is assisting them in their roles.’ she explained. She added that obtaining a Law qualification has equipped her with new strategies and methods as a social worker.
Bhengu noted that the shift from distance learning at the University of South Africa which she was used to, to studying at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) was difficult. Apart from finding a balance between work and studying, she needed trauma counselling after being hijacked at gunpoint, losing the father of her son as well as her own father, and coping with a broken engagement.
She said that she will be forever grateful to her supervisor who was always there for her and motivated her when she felt like quitting. Balogun said that she is very proud of Bhengu and what she has achieved despite the odds.
‘She did not give up. I encourage students to find gold in ashes and to achieve whatever they set out to achieve regardless of their circumstances. Many drop out or give up, and many don’t feel that additional qualifications are worth it, Jabu has proven that it’s worth it and is therefore a role model for those to come,’ said Balogun.
Words: Samukelisiwe Cele
Photograph: Supplied