Losing her father, having her brother drop out from school in order to raise funds for her to further her education and then struggling to get financial aid, has motivated DUT’s Sthandiwe Madlala to excel in academics.

Ambitious and self-motivated, Madlala will receive the Deans Merit Award and graduate Cum Laude with her Bachelor of Technology Degree in Office Management Technology, on Tuesday (25 April 2017) during the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics graduation ceremony at the Indumiso Campus’s FJ Sithole Hall in Pietermaritzburg.
Through her bumpy adventure filled with personal heartaches along the way, including the sad death of her father during her first year of study and then, her brother stepping up to play the father role in her life, Madlala has always strongly believed that her education will be the master key that will unlock a world of opportunities for her.

“My father passed away towards the end of my first year, my brother decided to drop out from his studies so that I could continue my education and I will forever be grateful for that. Despite all the things that could have been my setbacks and with my background, I had to use the opportunities offered to me in the best way that would make my family proud,” she said.

Madlala comes from the impoverished rural area of Elandskop, outside Pietermaritzburg. She is the last born of five siblings. Her mother was unemployed and her late father was a bricklayer who did not earn much – so she had to rely on the assistance of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to complete and further her studies.
A breakthrough for Madlala occurred when she was appointed to work in the office of the Premier. However, this now meant that she had to juggle her studying with work and balancing her family needs. “Studying and working at the same time is very challenging, but with the support from my family, my vision to transform myself from that impoverished rural girl into a successful aspiring academic, needs dedication, passion and good time management, which I believe is what led to my current results,” she said.

Madlala reiterates that her belief in herself and with the guidance from God through her prayers has been instrumental in facing her journey. “When your back is against the wall and that small voice keeps whispering that you can’t do it, fight it, pray over it. Liaise with people with the same vision and who bring out the greatness in you. Never be proud to ask for help from others and invest as much as you can towards your education,” she added.
Madlala will in 2018, pursue her Master’s degree in Business Administration. Currently, her focus is on pursuing on Entrepreneurial Projects and her job.

Pictured: Sthandiwe Madlala obtained Cum laude and Deans Merit for her Bachelor of Technology degree in Office Management Technology

Noxolo Memela