From Cleaner to Honours Graduate

BY: .

A cleaner at UKZN, Ms Sithembile Mngwengwe, has graduated with a BCom Honours degree in Human Resources Management.

Mngwengwe completed her matric in 1998 at Albini High School in Durban but did not have the opportunity or resources to further her studies until 20 years later when she enrolled for a Bachelor of Social Science degree at UKZN. ‘I was so excited to be a university student even though it was very difficult in my first year,’ she said.

She was motivated to continue studying by her daughter, Sindiswa, whom she was keen to be a great example for. ‘I became a mom at very young age,’ she said. ‘I wanted my daughter to be able to look up to me. I wanted to motivate her to go to university and for her to look within our household for a role model instead of having to look outside. She makes sure I keep going - she’s my biggest cheerleader.’

Proud of being a mother and a cleaner she wanted to achieve even more than that in life. ‘It was not easy to balance everything which made it very stressful. Sometimes I could not submit my work on time. I struggled with writing assignments and referencing but later got assistance from a friend. I also had to wake up early to go to work but throughout all those difficulties I was always reminded that if you work hard and pray God will help you achieve what you want.’

Curious to see how far she can advance in life, Mngwengwe dreams of being a PhD graduate. ‘I plan to get a better job when opportunities arise, earn a better salary and build a beautiful house for my parents,’ she said.

Mngwengwe says working for the University benefits her as she now has resources to help her in her studies. ‘I am lucky I am permanently employed by UKZN and qualify for remission of fees.’

She thanked Ms Nqobile Molefe for assisting her as well as her supervisor Dr Ashika Maharaj for believing in her and always being supportive.

Mngwengwe lives by these words: ‘Education is the key to success. No matter how old you are, if you want to fulfil your dreams, Black child, go for it!’

Words and photograph: Sphesihle Duze