Unisa alumni share their journeys – Ncamisile Connie Ndlovu

Ncamisile Connie Ndlovu

Law graduate Ncamisile Ndlovu feels that one needs to use the time afforded by the Covid-19 lockdown to update one’s skills to match the future, or reinvent oneself – and this is exactly what she’s been doing.

Ncamisile Connie Ndlovu is the second-born from a family of four girls.  She grew up in Mpumalanga Township in Hammarsdale and attended the local primary schools, Entendeleni Junior Primary School and Okhozini High Primary. For senior secondary education, she attended Ntee High School, situated in KwaNdengezi Township near Pinetown.  The family lived in a government four-roomed house, as her father worked as a driver for the Refuse Collecting Company and her mother worked at Beier Footwear Company in Pinetown. Her parents weren’t highly educated and weren’t earning much, but they never went to bed without a meal. Both her parents are now retired.  Her older sister graduated as a nurse and she worked for St Aidan’s Hospital before she went to be with the Lord; may her soul rest in peace. Her younger sister is an educator and also a Unisa graduate, while her youngest sister took a gap year and will soon return to the education stream.

Ncamisile was inspired to become a lawyer by a gentleman in her neighbourhood, who worked at the Mpumalanga Township Magistrate Court.  She took notice of him, as he was different to everyone else she knew. He was physically challenged, and he could not walk fast because of the challenge with his legs. At a young age, she was moved by him, especially seeing him go to work. He was always in his black suit and white shirt, a black file on his hand, and a black robe (gown) in his arms and sometimes on his shoulders. He walked with PRIDE. His disability never posed a challenge to him. At that time she did not know what work he was doing.  All she knew was that she wanted to look as elegant as him and work in Mpumalanga Township Magistrate Court when she grew up. In later years, she learned that he was a magistrate. Unfortunately, he passed without knowing what role he had played in her study and career choice.

What she liked about studying at Unisa, was that it allowed her flexibility, freedom, and independence. She could study anywhere, anytime. At one stage she was supposed to go on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, in Israel. It has always been her wish to visit Jerusalem and this trip was sponsored, but it was scheduled close to her exams.  She just could not miss out on this opportunity. She decided to go on the 14-day trip and when other tourists had free time or went sightseeing, she went to her hotel room to study for her exams.  On the day of her return, Ncamisile arrived in Johannesburg at 08:00, caught the connecting flight to Durban, and wrote her first exam on the same day at 14:00.  She passed the exam with flying colours. She attributes this success to the fact that when she was growing up, she learned that in life one must face challenges with positivity, as time doesn’t wait for anybody. The world requires people with resilience, who are purpose-driven, have clear goals and take the necessary action to succeed. 

Ncamisile loved studying through Unisa. In her experience, the university had very supportive staff and whenever students were faced with academic challenges, the lecturers were always available to assist. To assist with administration matters, the regional staff were always visible, especially at the Durban office.  According to her, more people will have the opportunity to further their education and improve their lives as Unisa evolves and expands.  Ncamisile quotes the IsiZulu proverb "sithi akukho soka elingenasichi” (English translation “no one is perfect”) and explains that lately there have been some challenges with communication.  She is of the opinion that the youngsters employed by Unisa are not patient enough with students, unlike their older, more experienced colleagues.  They have completely forgotten that the students are their only customers, whom they should service. Students become frustrated and some end up quitting their studies.  She explains that this does not only contribute to the increasing number of people who will depend on the state, but will also increase the number of unemployable people in the labour market.

She was one of the first groups of students who took part in the Moot Court pilot project in Durban, and describes the experience as beautiful. The participating students were all on a learning curve. She attended the auditions and the participants were given the topic on the spot as they entered in pairs for the interviews. No two pairs of students were given similar topics and they were thrown into the proverbial deep end, having to swim. They had to use the knowledge they gained from their years of studies. Both Ncamilise and her partner were allowed to proceed to the next round, which was the actual Moot Court. They received intensive training from the Pretoria Unisa team and officials who ran their own practices in KwaZulu-Natal.  They gained real-life experience and regard it as the best experience of their lifetime. It prepared them to face the world with confidence as they serve their articles as candidate attorneys. Ncamilise's immediate plan is to serve her articles as candidate attorney with one of the law firms in KwaZulu-Natal, and her long-term dream is to set up her own law firm.  She wants to leave a legacy when she departs this earth to her next life.

Besides the negatives that come with the COVID-19 pandemic, people getting sick and others dying, she decided to focus on the positive side. She has used the opportunity of STAYING AT HOME to reflect on her life. This pandemic will lead to many changes in the way people do things and some existing skills will be deemed obsolete.  Ncamisile feels that one needs to use this time to update your skills to match the future, or reinvent yourself.  That is exactly what she’s been doing. She has made use of the free online courses or courses offered at reasonable rates, offered by Edx and Coursera.

She advises students during this pandemic that they must stay focused on their studies. They must stay away from the TV and news reports that give updates on how many people have died and been infected. They must keep busy with their normal tasks of doing their assignments and studying for the exams and follow the government guidelines on COVID-19: STAY AT HOME AND KEEP SAFE. The whole world is affected – not only South Africa.  If one is engulfed by fatigue and anxiety, then find something to do around the house, like working in the garden. Connect with friends and family and other students on social media such as WhatsApp, Instagram, etc. Play music on the SPOTIFY APP. This pandemic will soon be over and things will be normal again.

* By Jo Cossavella, Communications Officer, KwaZulu-Natal Region