College of Education

Determination, dedication and development: the three Ds that brought academic success

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At an age when many consider their careers to be firmly established, a 39-year-old former security guard, Justice Maluleka, donned a cap and gown to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, a milestone reached through sheer determination and an unshakable dedication to personal development.

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Justice Maluleka

Born and raised in Gandlanani Village outside Malamulele in Limpopo, Maluleka’s upbringing was shaped by the tender care of his mother, a disabled worker who took up domestic assistance duties to ensure her children had the same opportunities as any other child in the village. Due to financial limitations, growing up in a modest environment made being a student an unattainable dream.

In 2006, Maluleka entered the workforce straight out of high school. For a decade, he worked as a security guard, a role that provided stability but left little room for advancement. "I was motivated by the fact that I saw how difficult it was for me to get gainful employment with a decent salary that will enable me to take care of my family," he says. "I didn’t want to live on hand-outs from my siblings, hence I decided to go back to school."

Realising the challenges that came with work and studies, Maluleka quit his job and focused on his studies. Financial restraints became a significant hurdle. To support his family and his studies, he used part of the allowance he received from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) each year to start a small business. "After leaving my job, I bought dish washing soap, body lotion and floor polish. I was selling these products, and it is how I survived throughout the years I was studying. This small business made significant changes, I feel proud and do not regret my difficult decisions."

Recently graduated, Justice now has a promising future with better employment prospects that will enable him to provide for his family. "Graduating from Unisa is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life," he comments. "The university gave me an opportunity to further my studies and I can say that I am a different person to the one I was before."

Maluleka's journey highlights how important it is to always remember one's objectives. "I advise anyone who might be thinking that age is a barrier to education to never lose sight of their dreams," he says. "Never give up, always persevere, never lose hope, and always work towards your goal." Maluleka’s narrative is a powerful reminder that, with enough will power and the correct assistance, anyone can realise their dreams achieve their full potential.

With this degree, Maluleka honours his mother, who tragically died in 2021 after making enormous efforts for him and his sibling.

* By Rememberance Manganyi, Journalist Intern, Department of Institutional Advancement.

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Publish date: 2024/06/24

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