Qualified Teacher Vows to End Cycle of Poverty in Family

In 2019, Lindelani Mpungose (25) from Umhlathuzana area in Eshowe enrolled for a Bachelor of Education (FET Phase- Geography and IsiZulu) in the University of Zululand’s (UNIZULU) Faculty of Education.

Mpungose was one of the candidates who were conferred degrees on Tuesday, 18 April 2023. This was a special moment for him as he completed his qualification with distinction.  

Academic excellence has become second nature for Mpungose, he acknowledged. He started to exhibit signs of being a bright learner while he was in secondary school. He attended a high school with teachers who expected only the best out of their learners. They instilled a great sense of responsibility and discipline in their pupils, which contributed to the hard-working individual Mpungose is.   

Throughout his higher education journey, he kept reassuring himself that nothing in life is permanent. “I remember in my first year, I did not have funding. It was difficult to survive with only R1000 per month for [rent and groceries]. I remember in some instances I would only [have a vetkoek for supper] and drink water in the morning  before going for a class,” he reminisced.

The unapologetic hard worker said he grew up in a family of seven, living with his hustling parents and four siblings. The family survived on earnings Mpungose’s parents received from working odd jobs. After matric, when he managed to register at UNIZULU through the assistance of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), Mpungose made a promise to himself that he would break the cycle of poverty in his home.

“I want my mother to stop working [for others]. I want her to get everything she wants and needs,” said the qualified teacher. He is forever grateful to his primary and secondary school teachers. For him, “Mr Ngobese” who taught him in grade six and seven at Mhlathuze Primary School was a role model as she was goal driven. He further extended his gratitude to his parents, siblings and a “Miss Magwaza” for the support they always gave him.

He concluded by sharing his mantra: “If they say it is impossible, it may be for them but not for you”.

– Mbuyiselo B. Mlaba

Picture by: James Thwala