Cleaning staff member graduates with teaching degree
'Three years after being at the school I decided to go back and study, as my passion is teaching'
DEFYING all the odds to realise her life-long dream of becoming a teacher, Silindile Nxumalo (52) a cleaning staff member at Bay Primary School recently graduated with her Bachelor of Education degree.
The wife and mother of three decided to go ‘back to school’ in 2010 and began her studies at the University of South Africa on a part-time basis.
Completing her course of 40 modules with excellent results, Nxumalo is now looking forward to being employed in permanent teaching position.
For the 52-year-old, hard work, sacrifice and sheer commitment is nothing new because when she got married in her thirties, her husband encouraged her to go back to school and complete her matric.
‘I had left school in Grade 10, so when I went back to school many people laughed at me because of my age.
‘Owing to rioting at the schools in KwaMbonambi at the time I had to move to another school and that added additional delays.
‘After matriculating I completed a diploma in administration at Empangeni Commercial College but could not find a job.
‘After seven years at home, I began baking vetkoek and selling them at a local high school in eNseleni and also worked part time as a domestic keeper.’
She continued to apply for jobs and when interviews for 18 administrative posts fell through she applied for a cleaner’s position which was successful at Bay Primary School nine years ago.
‘I was happy with the benefits the department was offering and the salary was way more than my tuck-shop business at the schools.
‘Three years after being at the school I decided to go back and study, as my passion is teaching.
‘My principal, Mr V Moodley was supportive and encouraged me to take the bold step and together with the support of my family and the staff of Bay Primary I graduated.
‘It was not an easy road and towards the end, owing to financial constraints, I had to take many personal loans which I am still paying.’
Mr Moodley said he was extremely proud of Nxumalo as she did not allow obstacles to prevent her from achieving from what she set out for her life.
‘It was her hard work and commitment that saw her realise her dream and we hope that she will be employed soon and reap the fruits of her labour.’
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