People’s OPINIONS and what was said about her because she was older than her classmates at university did not stop Mrs. Bongekile Mngomezulu from achieving her dream of getting a higher education degree.
Mrs Mngomezulu (51) is one of the students who have graduated from various fields, who are currently studying at the University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, Mpangeni, – graduating with a BCOM in Economics on Monday.
This “ngothovu” who hails from Banjeni, Mthunzini, revealed that her educational journey was not easy especially as beyond education – she was faced with the daily work of being a wife and raising her children, while also studying at university full time.
“I remember that there were people who always said that I was too old to still be studying, and they believed that I should be staying at home, raising my children alone. They were also asking how studying will help me when I am so old.
“There were times when I thought of throwing in the towel, and I began to doubt that I could end up at the stage I am in now, however, by striving and knowing that this was already my dream – it finally came true,” he said.
Continuing, she said that one of the things that helped her the most was the support of her husband and children, as well as those who taught her at the university who did not discriminate against her, but respected her like other students.
“My teachers played a big role in my success in my education as they made sure that I was not discriminated against by other students and encouraged me to persevere from the beginning to the end, so this degree belongs to everyone who has played a role in my educational journey,” said Mrs. Mngomezulu.
He said that because he used to be passionate about becoming a teacher when he was growing up, he is now looking to use these qualifications to continue his studies – to do a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) next year to help him achieve his dream of becoming a teacher.
“Education is not conceived, so I wish other people who come after me to be motivated to achieve their dreams and the good they wish for through education,” he said.