Sandiso Ncube: A Fountain of Knowledge

Sandiso Sakhile Gift Ncube, one of the top five achievers of the Faculty of Education, decided to be an educator because of how he values knowledge and knowledge construction.

Ncube was conferred with a Bachelor of Education (Further Education and Training) degree at the University of Zululand’s (UNIZULU) KwaDlangezwa Campus on Tuesday, 14 May 2019.

He admitted that studying at UNIZULU has taught him responsibility, hard work and teamwork. Though the four years spent at the institution were not a smooth-sailing experience, the life lessons he learnt through the counsel of his lecturers far exceeds the challenges he was faced with.

Ncube was brought up by an unemployed single mother following the demise of his father while he was young. Being cognisant of the dire financial state at home, it became apparent to the young man that only through hard work and dedication towards his studies would he be able to improve his family’s livelihood.

One of Ncube’s highlights during his time at UNIZULU is presenting his very first paper during the 2018 Teaching and Learning Conference which was held at the uMfolozi Casino in Empangeni. He was motivated by his colleagues at the UNIZULU Writing Centre to write and submit an abstract. It took hours of extensive preparation, in between studying for his end-of-year exams, before he was finally able to submit his abstract titled “African Ways of Knowing in Academic Literacies”.

“I successfully prepared for my paper and presented it well at the uMfolozi Casino. It was a wonderful experience. I realised that where there is passion and guidance, there is a way, come whatever may,” Ncube said.

The graduate’s go-getter demeanour did not go unnoticed. He received heaps of praise from one of his lecturers who is “exceptionally proud of his achievements” throughout the years that she has known him.

“Sandiso Ncube is not only a diligent and conscientious scholar but also an avid reader. His dedication and extensive knowledge of the world acquired through reading widely has resulted in his outstanding academic achievement. He is an astute student who is goal-oriented and always strives for success. He also possesses an excellent work ethic and has deep passion for his profession,” described Zandile Hlatshwayo, a lecturer in the Faculty of Education, adding that Ncube’s achievement is well-deserved.

For Ncube, obtaining his degree would not have been possible without the financial support of his paternal great-aunt, Mrs Dube. Were it not for her confidence in him, the graduate cannot even imagine how his life would have turned out to be.

– Precious Shamase

Caption

Bachelor of Education (Intermediate and Senior Phase) graduate Sandiso Ncube is well on his way to changing his family’s financial struggles.