A Domestic Worker's Journey To Becoming A Graduate

• One LinkedIn user shared the remarkable story of Ntombizodwa Merriam Mahlangu, a former domestic worker who defied all odds to earn her degree.
• Ntombizodwa overcame significant challenges, including financial struggles and an unplanned pregnancy, to achieve her dreams.
• After graduating, she founded an organization aimed at empowering domestic workers to unlock their full potential.

Life can throw some pretty tough punches at us, but some people refuse to be knocked down. They rise above it all with sheer determination and grit. One such person is Ntombizodwa Merriam Mahlangu, whose story will inspire anyone who hears it. This incredible woman transformed her life from being a domestic worker to proudly graduating, proving that nothing is impossible if you have the right mindset.

A Journey Worth Sharing

Valentine Zoza, the founder and CEO of Women Power Africa, couldn’t help but share this powerful story on LinkedIn. He wanted to highlight the achievements of a woman who, despite growing up in tough circumstances, managed to carve out an extraordinary life for herself.

Ntombizodwa comes from the village of Tonteldoos in Mpumalanga, where she always dreamed of pursuing higher education. But life had other plans. Financial difficulties, a lack of resources, an underfunded education system in rural areas, and an unplanned pregnancy all seemed to conspire against her. Yet, none of these obstacles were enough to stop her.

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Growing up on a farm with her grandparents and three siblings, Ntombizodwa had a childhood that was far from easy. Her parents worked in Gauteng, leaving her and her siblings in the care of their grandparents. She described her environment as one without basic amenities like electricity or running water, and the journey to school was an arduous one. Despite these hardships, she managed to complete high school in 2003.

“It was a tough environment with no electricity, no water supply, and extremely far from school.”

After finishing school, Ntombizodwa moved into a shack in Mountain View to take care of her younger sister while her parents continued working in another province. Life seemed to take another turn when, at the age of 19, she became pregnant. This meant putting her dreams of studying at Tshwane University of Technology on hold. She began working as a domestic worker in Pretoria East in 2007, determined to provide for her daughter.

In 2008, Ntombizodwa started working for a family that would play a pivotal role in her future success. During her four years with them, she taught herself essential skills like using a computer and driving. Her hard work paid off when she was promoted to a receptionist position.

Breaking Barriers: From Domestic Worker to Graduate

In 2014, her employer supported her decision to pursue part-time studies. With their encouragement, Ntombizodwa enrolled at UNISA. Fast forward to 2018, at the age of 32, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and Communication Facilitation. Remarkably, she achieved this milestone while raising her daughter and coping with the loss of both her parents.

Today, Ntombizodwa is not only a graduate but also an author, entrepreneur, and advocate for young women's education. She founded Help One Helper, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering domestic workers to continue their education and achieve their full potential. Her work is a testament to her belief that education is the key to unlocking doors that might otherwise remain closed.

Inspiring Others: A Domestic Worker's Triumph

Last year, Briefly News reported another inspiring story of a domestic worker from KwaZulu-Natal who graduated with a Bachelor of Education from the University of South Africa. Mzansi celebrated her remarkable achievement, applauding her for her relentless pursuit of knowledge and encouraging others to follow in her footsteps.

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These stories remind us that no matter how tough things may seem, with perseverance and determination, we can overcome any challenge. Ntombizodwa Merriam Mahlangu’s journey is a powerful reminder that education is a powerful tool that can change lives and transform communities.