Making the transition from writing with pen and paper to a computer when he enrolled for tertiary education was a major challenge that Vuyokuhle Mbatha faced.
However, the KwaDukuza student persevered and quickly adapted to technology-integrated learning and recently graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from private higher education institution, MANCOSA.
Mbatha, 24, has travelled on the journey from humble beginnings in a rural KwaZulu-Natal North Coast town to the big city lights in Durban and in the process, he has attained an academic qualification that will help him in his employment.
He said although growing up had its fair share of ups and downs, his parents have always been his greatest support system.
After matriculating from Stanger High School where he coached basketball, he enrolled at MANCOSA. He recalled although he did not come from a privileged background, his parents had saved as much as they could so that he would be able to further his education.
He said nothing could have prepared him for his first year of tertiary studies after high school.
“I had only written on paper before and computer technology fazed me. I knew nothing about typing out assignments using a computer.
“Fortunately, my lecturers at MANCOSA were very understanding and I had the support of friends I had met on campus.
“Before long, I was able to use a computer properly and life became easier,” said Mbatha.
Another hurdle he faced was taking care of himself away from his mother.
“I lived in rented accommodation in Durban and had to learn to wake up on my own without my mother acting as my alarm clock. The city was daunting for me because I hailed from a small town.
“Then just when I thought that I had got the hang of things, COVID-19 struck and the new normal was a bothersome adjustment on its own.
“I quickly adapted to virtual studies despite network issues and ensured that I submitted all my work on time.
“Most encouraging for me was that my queries were always answered by academic and administrative staff at MANCOSA.
“The lecturers were most willing to make sure that students understood everything, even though we were in online mode.”
Mbatha said he has seen a big difference in the “Vuyokuhle who arrived in Durban from a small North Coast town”.
“With a BCom degree, I am now ready to face the world of work. I will ever be grateful to MANCOSA for shaping me into the person I have developed into,” he added.
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