Two Central University of Technology general workers, Ms Aletta Mhambi and Bafedile Ruth Mothae, are a true reflection of ‘humble beginnings to great endings.’ The duo started as humble general workers with only a dream, desire, and enthusiasm to turn their livelihoods around and stand a better chance of qualifying for better jobs. Today they stand out as proud graduates with a qualification in their hands.

Through the support and opportunity presented to them by the university to develop and grow personally and professionally, they made their life-changing decision and enrolled for the Diploma: Office Management and Technology. On 09 May 2022, their dreams were realised when they were amongst the 3 798 graduates who ascended the stage at the 2022 Autumn Graduations.

Ms Mothae started working for CUT as a cleaner in 2010 and later moved to the Grounds and Gardens unit. Today, the 49-year-old is working as an acting Supervisor: Grounds and Gardens. “All my heart’s desires of becoming a graduate have finally come to life! I am also grateful for the CUT’s staff developmental programme and the financial support the institution provides to its staff members who, like me, want to develop their personal and professional skills. I am overwhelmed with joy,” she said proudly.

Mme Bahedile said she is the first General Assistant: Grounds and Gardens to have studied up to this level and wishes to see more of her peers take advantage of existing study opportunities available at the university. “I am proud of myself. It has always been my dream to study further. When the university absorbed us, I saw it as a perfect opportunity to fulfil my career dream. In 2016, I gathered all my courage and enrolled for a Diploma in Office Management and Technology. This was a giant step in my life. I was terrified and intimidated due to my lack of confidence, but through God and the support I got, I am graduating.” She is currently enrolled for Advanced Diploma: Monitoring and Evaluation and plans to study further and obtain a PhD. “In five years, I want to see myself as Doctor Mothae,” she added.

Another general worker, Ms Thieka Aletta Mhambi, also expressed her excitement to finally see the fruits of her labour. In 2018, she put a spark in her future and decided to enrol for a Diploma in Office Management and Technology.

Ms Thieka joined CUT in 2012 as a cleaner under a private company, and in 2017, she was permanently employed by the institution. “This was the beginning of my career journey. I am highly motivated, grateful, and excited to receive such an opportunity, and I am proud that I executed this opportunity well. I am a graduate!” 

Growing up, life was challenging. “We struggled to access anything and everything. I am thankful for my perseverance and a will to carry on. I managed to pass my matric against all odds. Post matric, I had to look for a job to help put food on the table and assist my siblings in furthering their studies. At that time, I also had a burning desire to further my studies, but I could not afford it. Little did I know that God has other plans for me, and here I am today,” she smiled proudly.

She said that she gathered her strength from friends and family, who always supported and motivated her to push further. “My goal is to study further and one day become a Logistics manager here at CUT.”

Her advice to colleagues is to focus, work hard, and be determined “because it is the only way to succeed. “Challenges make you stronger. All you need is determination and hunger for success,” she added.

Captions

1: From left: The two graduates, Mme Aletta Mhambi, CUT cleaner who obtained her Diploma in Office Management and Technology and Mme Ruth Mothae, former general worker, grounds and gardens and a proud Office Management and Technology diploma holder.

2: Ms Ruth Mothae performing her duties as a general worker, grounds and gardens.

3: Mme Aletta Mhambi performing her daily chores as a cleaner.