Khanyisile Khabonina Mavundla (40) from the Emvunyane eSigodini area, Vryheid, reached a significant milestone on Wednesday, 7 May 2025 when she obtained her Bachelor of Education degree in Senior and Further Education and Training (Humanities and Social Sciences) from the University of Zululand (UNIZULU).
Her higher education journey commenced a decade after she matriculated from uQweqwe High School in 2002. Growing up in a rural setting, she was not privy to information regarding university application processes and financial aid – which subsequently derailed her pursuit of higher education. She describes herself as a warrior, hence she never lost hope that she would eventually become a professional teacher.
Mavundla’s path to higher education was notably influenced by a Mrs Hlela, an educator at Engali Secondary School. Recognising Mavundla’s potential within the community, Hlela took proactive steps to encourage her to pursue a higher education qualification.
“Everywhere I went, people were able to identify my teaching skills and they always asked me ‘Why are you not a teacher because you are a good teacher?’ But, I always put my trust in God to answer my prayer [to one day fulfil my dream to qualify as a teacher],” said Mavundla.
In 2020, when Mavundla was employed in housekeeping, she was again encouraged to further her studies by her employer Professor Makhosazana Vezi-Magigaba, Deputy Dean for Teaching and Learning at UNIZULU’s Faculty of Commerce, Administration and Law. Being associated with Prof Vezi-Magigaba – a goal-driven academic – served as inspiration for Mavundla who then applied to study at UNIZULU.
She encountered challenges during Covid-19 that dropped her academic performance as she was discouraged to study alone. This forced her to employ a new study strategy.
“I created my own library study timetable, and I attended all lectures,” she said, adding that she frequently consulted her lecturers on topics she had difficulty grasping. In retrospect, the graduate is pleased with how well she faired in her studies.
Coming from a disadvantaged background, she expected to face financial struggles throughout her academic journey. To make ends meet, she pursued various opportunities which included doing domestic work over weekends and selling health products as part of a network marketing business.
She extended her gratitude to Precious Shamase, Prof Vezi-Magigaba, Hloniphile Zwane and Ntandoyenkosi Shamase who contributed to making her dreams come true. She also applauded the government for providing financial aid to those coming from disadvantaged backgrounds like her. Ultimately, she thanked the Almighty for sending angels her way, to help cover all her graduation costs.
Family Background
Mavundla is the youngest child of Patrick Hobosha Mavundla and Eunice Ntombini MaButhelezi Mavundla. She is also a mother to two children, Tracy and Thandolwethu. As the first in her family to graduate, she has brought hope and light to her family. She comes from a traditional background where her father played a pivotal role as the head and breadwinner of the household, while her mother was the nurturer.
– Pamela Mlaba
Picture: Xolani Ncube
