Growing up physically challenged did not shatter Nonkululeko Nhlengethwa’s dreams of academic success – this week she graduated with an Honours Degree in Business Administration from private higher education institution, MANCOSA.
Born in Nongoma in KwaZulu-Natal, Nhlengethwa contracted tuberculosis of the spine at the age of 12 and could only move with the aid of crutches or a wheelchair.
Nhlengethwa was fortunate to have great support from friends to help her get around primary school as the school lacked the necessary infrastructure for children with disabilities. She subsequently matriculated from Mlokothwa High School.
The 36-year-old holds a Diploma in Office Management and Technology. She served as a Training and Development Administrator at the Engen Oil Refinery for seven years and now works at Transnet as a Senior Administration Officer in the legal and compliance department.
Nhlengethwa stated that MANCOSA has paid attention to the small details that she needed and has catered well for physically challenged students.
“I hope that people with physical disabilities can be inspired by my story; that being in a wheelchair does not define who I am. I can still strive for greatness and achieve my goals just like any other person. I wish to be a beacon of hope and inspiration to many people living with physical disabilities in different communities,” she said.
One of the major challenges that Nhlengethwa has faced in her lifetime was stepping out of her comfort zone when she resigned to join a new job while also being a single mother.
She was inspired by her mother, who raised seven children and pursued a career as a nurse.
“The lessons I have learnt in life are to never give up and to be able to stand up against all odds. My message of support to aspiring youth is to have goals in place and to live by what Nelson Mandela once said, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world’,” she said.
Nhlengethwa plans to complete her Master’s degree with MANCOSA and to be counted amongst the pioneers in the corporate industry.
She is working towards having her own foundation that will help to address the needs of the physically challenged people in communities in the future.
Professor Magnate Ntombela, principal of MANCOSA said: “Nonkululeko’s story confirms, in a heart-warming manner, the seriousness with which MANCOSA pursues its vision, namely: Education for a better world for all.
“An inclusive approach demands that MANCOSA makes reasonable accommodation when students with disabilities register to study at the institution.
“The determination showed by Nonkululeko, is an inspiration to all of us since it reminds us that being differently-abled is not an insurmountable barrier, especially when the necessary support is provided.”
ENDS
ABOUT MANCOSA
MANCOSA, a leading provider of management programmes through supported distance learning in Southern Africa, is renowned for its MBA offering, which is ranked among the 10 of the best MBAs in Africa. A member of Honoris United Universities – the first Pan-African private higher education network focused on nurturing the next generation of African leaders and professionals. MANCOSA serves as an innovation hub for undergraduate and postgraduate management, offering 50 accredited programmes. A selection of Executive Education Short Learning Programmes is also offered to meet the requirements of professionals in both the private and public sectors. See: www.mancosa.co.za
For queries or additional information call 031 300 7200, email [email protected] or visit https://www.mancosa.co.za/.
About Honoris United Universities
Honoris United Universities is the first and largest Pan-African private higher education network committed to educating the next generation of African leaders and professionals able to impact regionally in a globalised world. Collaborative intelligence, cultural agility and mobile mind-sets and skills are at the heart of Honoris’ vision of higher education. Honoris United Universities joins the expertise of its member institutions to develop world-class African Human capital that is competitive in today’s fast-paced, demanding and increasingly digitised labour and start-up markets.
Honoris United Universities gathers a community of 57,000 students on 70 campuses, learning centres and via on-line, in 10 countries and 32 cities. The network counts 14 institutions: multidisciplinary universities, specialised schools, technical and vocational institutes, contact, distance, and online institutions. Students have an opportunity to experience exclusive partnerships and exchange programs in more than 85 universities across Europe and the United States. Over 300 degrees are offered in Health Sciences, Engineering, IT, Business, Law, Architecture, Creative Arts and Design, Media, Political Science and Education.
Honoris United Universities. Education for Impact. www.honoris.net
Issued by:
Yogin Devan
Meropa Communications
(031) 201 0550 / 083 326 3962
On behalf of:
Honoris United Universities
Durban