From factory packer to qualified KZN teacher
A 52-year-old grandmother who started as a factory packer recently graduated and is now a qualified teacher with a degree. MZOBE STARTED AS A PACKER OF A LARGE FACTORY, WORKING LONG HOURS The 52-year-old Halala Zanele Mzobe obtained her degree from SANTS, Private Higher Education Institution. This leading distance learning institution recently hosted its ceremony […]
A 52-year-old grandmother who started as a factory packer recently graduated and is now a qualified teacher with a degree.
MZOBE STARTED AS A PACKER OF A LARGE FACTORY, WORKING LONG HOURS
The 52-year-old Halala Zanele Mzobe obtained her degree from SANTS, Private Higher Education Institution. This leading distance learning institution recently hosted its ceremony for the Class of 2022 in Empangeni, KwaZulu Natal.
According to SANTS spokesperson Nonkululeko Maringa, Mzobe started her career as a packer at a large factory, working long hours and struggling to make ends meet.
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IN 2016 SHE DECIDED TO FURTHER HER EDUCATION AND FOLLOW HER DREAMS OF BECOMING A TEACHER
“Despite the challenges, Mzobe deeply desired to further her education and improve her life.
“In 2016, she learned about SANTS from a friend who was an educator and immediately applied for admission into the Diploma in Grade R Teaching programme.”
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MZOBE IS A MOTHER OF TWO DAUGHTERS AND A GRANDMOTHER OF THREE GRANDCHILDREN
For this dedicated mother of two daughters and now grandmother of three grandchildren, juggling work, motherhood, and studying was not easy.
She said she faced financial struggles and had to take out a loan to finance her studies.
“I could not stop working because I was a breadwinner at home, so many people looked up to me, and I had to make sure that they were well-fed and also set an example.
“Financially, my salary would not allow me to pay my fees, so I managed to secure a loan to finance my studies.”
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HER DAUGHTER CAME TO HER RESCUE AND HELPED OUT
She said the loan simply added additional problems to what I already had.
“For that reason, I even had to supplement some of my examinations. I’m grateful that my daughter came to the rescue and helped me financially. Three months after completing my Diploma, I secured a contract as an educator.”
Mzobe love for education did not end there. She enrolled in the Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching and continued her studies while working as a teacher.
‘BECAUSE OF MY LOVE FOR EDUCATION AND SELF-DEVELOPMENT, I ENROLLED FOR THE DEGREE’
“Because of my love for education and self-development, I enrolled for the degree. I am happy that I am living my dream and will finally be a degree holder. The patient team at SANTS supported me.
“My life has changed drastically, and I now earn a decent living. I can do the things I want to do and improve the life of my family, which makes me happy. Aspiring teachers, always trust your instincts and act on your passions. Don’t fear taking risks, and keep moving forward, even in adversity. By setting a positive example.”
Halala Zanele Mzobe
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Mzobe was one of 694 students who recently graduated with an accredited, recognized teaching qualification.