First-year Student en route to Fulfilling Her Dream of Working in Commerce

“When education is made available to females like me, the sky is no longer the limit for us.”

The latter was a remark made by Aletha Cela, a first-time entering student who registered for a BCom Management Information System degree at the University of Zululand’s (UNIZULU) KwaDlangezwa Campus.

Cela comes from Mtwalume, a small rural settlement in Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal. She matriculated from Adams College, in Durban, with three distinctions in isiZulu, accounting and business studies. She attained a staggering total of 39 points.

She acknowledged that she was not alone on her matric journey, as she had the full support of her family, particularly her mother. “My mother [provided] the best emotional, psychological, and monetary support I could [have ever asked] for. She believed that I was capable of achieving every goal that I [had], and for that I will always be grateful to her,” the first-year student said.

Cela has always had an interest in commerce. She knew she wanted to follow a career in this sector; therefore, she spent her entire teenage life sharpening herself academically. She believes that through her chosen career, she can contribute to South Africa’s economic prosperity.

“I knew there was nothing insurmountable if I believed and trusted in myself. I believe that I can be the greatest in the world if only I don’t think [lowly of myself] and expect to hear from others about my strength,” she mentioned.

Aside from her mother’s backing, Cela also received a lot of encouragement from her class teacher. 

• Nomvelo Xulu

Picture: Xolani Ncube