Monday, 5 May 2025 was a special day for Amanda Phakamile Zulu, who was born and bred in a little township situated in Ladysmith. Not only did she receive her Bachelor of Laws degree, but she also got one step closer to fulfilling her dream of becoming a law lecturer.
The plan is simple for the law graduate: “focus on academia” first and work on being admitted as an attorney at a later stage.
“I first registered during the year 2021, when South Africa was still under lockdown due to Covid-19. It was a very challenging time to transition from being a high school learner to a university student, considering that I had to adapt to the use of technology in order to be able to attend my online classes,” she recalled.
Notwithstanding these initial challenges, as soon as Zulu got settled, everything went by smoothly. Taking a moment to reflect on her journey, she said that 2023 took a sharp curve as she was a regular patient at the UNIZULU Campus Clinic. She was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis which limited her movement. She could not walk long distances, climb stairs or even participate in other activities. Her eyesight kept on deteriorating. She also had several unknown ear infections.
“My health started to deteriorate, and I could not attend classes anymore but despite having all these issues, I was able to exceptionally pass all my modules. It cannot be regarded as a journey without challenges,” the lawyer remembered.
She is grateful to her family and friends who showed her emotional and financial support throughout her academic journey. She always knew that she could rely on them. Sharing her words of advice to fellow students she urged: “Always get on your knees and pray. Before you start doing something, pray about it. Let God know about your plans. Be patient, your journey might not be similar to mine or to somebody else’s, but it is your journey so, once you have started it, make it your mission to complete it. Ukuzigcina kwentombi is solely your decision and nobody else’s.”
Zulu boasts being raised by two powerhouses: her mother and grandmother. This has moulded her into a well-rounded virtuous young lady. While pursuing her studies, she was fortunate enough to meet a special group of young ladies through Ubuhle Besizwe Society which is a maiden society. “I found a home, a mother and sisters whom I was able to freely talk to about any of my problems. Even at my lowest, they gave me immense support,” she fondly mentioned.
Being a part of the maiden society has taught Zulu leadership and listening skills, while also giving her the ability to understand team dynamics. In addition, she learned about the importance of being around people of the “same caliber as you because you get to discipline one another”.
She highly recommends being a part of any registered society in the University as one gets to develop new friendships.
– Sbahle Dumakude
Picture: Xolani Ncube
