Unisa Protection Services staff graduates with BA Information Sciences degree

As a permanent Unisa staff member, Masinga enjoys several benefits, including study benefits. Shortly after the insourcing, she took the study benefit and enrolled for a Higher Certificate in Archives and Records Management (at Unisa). At the recent  Unisa Autumn Graduations 2024, held in Polokwane, she graduated with a BA Information Sciences degree.

Gloria Masinga's next target is a BA Honours in Archives and Records Management.

She shares her excitement: "I am happy because after completing my matric many years back, I couldn't afford to further my studies because of my family's financial background. However, after being employed permanently, I managed to further my studies at Unisa, and today I received this qualification."

Sharing how she balanced her professional, academic and social life, Masinga says:  "It wasn't easy because I had to work hard to balance my work, single parenting, and my studies. I planned my study timetable and created a study space to focus on my studies without interruption. I also used my vacation leave to work on my studies."

Members of management congratulated Protection Services Officer Gloria Masinga

Her mother, Rosina Masinga, also a single parent, supported her throughout her studies. Her support included sleeping on the mattress beside her while working on her two-day portfolio examination so she was not alone.

Masinga is grateful for the support she received from the Unisa staff at the Polokwane Campus Library, mentioning Mmamanong Maruma and Sarah Mashego, as well as her line manager, Titus Matsoati.

Gloria Masinga is grateful for the support she received from her line managers, Titus Matsoati (left) and Makondelele Sithuga (right).

Her next target is to enrol in a BA Honours Archives And Records Management program.

"Studying is healthy for the mind, and my goal is to establish myself on my chosen career path and continue learning and growing professionally," she concludes.

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