Tip-toeing her way to success
Being the first to pass matric in her family was a dream she was willing to achieve against all odds.
SHE used to walk backwards every night as she left her father’s house to attend study sessions.
That way, when her strict father checked the yard the next morning, there would be no clue someone had left the house at night.
Nkosingiphile Rose Thwala (31) from the rural heart of eMthekwini Reserve in Hluhluwe, repeated this cycle every night during her matric year.
‘I had to wait for everyone to go to bed before I could leave,’ said Nkosingiphile.
However, tip-toeing her way out was almost mission impossible, especially with her father married to six wives, with 22 children and all living under the same roof.
But for Nkosingiphile, being the first to pass matric in her family was a dream she was willing to achieve against all odds.
‘My father was induna and an inyanga – very traditional. Girls had to be at home; that way he could protect them.
‘He actually refused for me to attend any night sessions, but I knew it will take me breaking a few rules to achieve my dream,’ said Nkosingiphile.
Through all that dedication, Nkosingiphile passed her Grade 12 with flying colours.
Further hurdles
However, it was a beginning of another battle as her father refused to allow her to get any tertiary education.
But she soon escaped her home to work as a cleaner at Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT) in 2005.
‘People made fun of me but I didn’t care. All I wanted was to earn a living and make my parents happy.’
In 2007 she received training within the company and was promoted to maintenance assistant.
Owing to her hard work and people skills, she was soon elected as a shop steward for the company, a representative for all employees.
Later she received another promotion to become a boilermaker assistant, the only woman in this position within the engineering department.
Her aim is to motivate young women to stay true to themselves, and encourage them to work hard to achieve their dreams.
‘I’m telling my story to make sure young girls learn that nothing is for free and that hard work is what will get you the life you want.’
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