Leading by example: Mpumalanga RSRC deputy speaker graduates

Carol Khoza's B Ed Foundation Phase degree negates the prevailing perception that student leaders want to prolong their university study tenure for as long as possible to continue accessing student leader benefits. The Deputy Speaker of the Mpumalanga Regional Student Representative Council (RSRC) was amongst the 960 graduates at the Unisa Autumn Graduations 2024, held in Mbombela.

Carol Khoza

"It is important that I lead by example. I don't want people viewing members of the SRC as people who hardly complete their qualifications," says Khoza. She adds that she hopes her performance will motivate and encourage other students to strive to perform better.

Asked how she balanced the demands of student leadership and her studies, she says: "It is all about believing in keeping your interest alive and looking at each challenge as an opportunity for growth and learning."

Regarding her study challenges, Khoza says she had to balance coursework and practical teaching while adapting to learners' different learning techniques and the administration of classroom dynamics. She thanked her mentors for their guidance and her family for their support.  

As a firstborn child and the first to obtain a university degree in her family, she says: "This qualification means a lot to me as it equips me with all the knowledge, skill, professionalism and excellence that is essential to work as a foundation phase educator."

She is currently registered for an honours degree, specialising in early childhood development education. Her message to Unisa students is that they should remember that education extends far beyond the classroom. "Stay curious, motivated and never underestimate the power of perseverance," she concludes.

*By Gilbert Mokwatedi, Communication and Marketing Manager, Unisa North Eastern Region