Being taught by an excellent teacher in high school was the one of the reasons behind University of Zululand (UNIZULU) graduate Ayanda Mbatha’s decision to pursue a career in education.
Mbatha graduated with a Bachelor of Education (Further Education and Training) at the King Bhekuzulu Hall today (Monday, 13 May 2019). Not only was the 22-year-old from Osizweni, Newcastle reaching an important milestone in her life, today also marked the day the graduate shook the hand of the UNIZULU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Xoliswa Mtose, who presented her with a brand new laptop as she is among five students who have attained outstanding results in the Faculty of Education.
According to her, she was inspired to become a teacher when she was in high school. “My Mathematical Literacy teacher, Ms Nkosi, was really good at getting her point across to us during class. We (were able to grasp) what she taught us. She inspired me to pursue a career in education,’ Mbatha said.
A helpful person by nature, Mbatha committed herself to assisting her fellow classmates with their school work in high school. With her guidance, they would fare well in their grades.
Realising her love for teaching, Mbatha decided to apply to study at UNIZULU, where she eventually registered in 2015. Here, she was surrounded by people from diverse backgrounds with whom she engaged through intellectually stimulating discussions regarding student matters. She holds these interactions as her fondest memories on campus.
In hindsight, Mbatha has no regrets about her decision as she has now secured temporary employment at a high school in her hometown (Newcastle) where she lives her true passion, teaching isiZulu and Creative Arts. She has always wanted to teach isiZulu because she wants to preserve her heritage and instill in youth a sense of pride in their language and culture.
Mbatha’s ultimate dream is to assist and provide for her grandmother who raised and supported her from primary school. “I was fortunate to have a grandmother who loves me so much. A grandmother who protected me, clothed me, fed me and who coddles me when I am in doubt of myself. I would not be the Ayanda I am if it weren’t for her love. I dedicate my degree to her,’ she said.
In her spare time, Mbatha enjoys singing whilst cooking and at church. Her favourite song is “Ngicela ukudumisa iNkosi njengo’lwandle” because it awakens her spirit.
Her advice to current students is that they need to have a realistic plan and a list of goals so that they won’t be deterred from their destination in life.
– Hlumelo Nyikana
Caption
Newly qualified teacher Ayanda Mbatha dedicates her bachelor degree to her grandmother, by whom she was raised.
