Former UKZN security guard graduates
A former UKZN security guard graduated with a social work degree from the university last week.
A FORMER UKZN security guard was thrilled to be graduating with his Bachelor of Social Work degree at UKZN’s Westville campus last week.
“I am so excited to be graduating. I still can’t believe it!” said 38-year-old Thulani Jama. He spent five years, including a year in the university access programme, to complete his degree.
Jama’s journey began when he became friends with former Student Representative Council (SRC) member Eketsang Diaho, who motivated Jama to pursue his degree. Assisting with the application and financial aid process, Diaho made sure that Jama was able to graduate with his degree.
“Jama had a family to take care of and we advised him to study. We could see that he was willing and able and had the potential to transform his life for the better,” said Diaho.
Jama took the advice of the SRC contingent and registered at the university. He even managed to secure funding and a bursary for both his fees and residence.
“I have five kids and a wife to support. I even sold airtime and some odd items to students to supplement my income. My wife, initially, wasn’t too happy about me studying as she felt I should have been contributing more of my time and finances to them, but after she saw how much getting this degree meant to me, she supported me fully,” said Jama.
Jama is a rolemodel to his children, constantly motivating them to do well in their studies and to pursue their dreams. “I want them to do well in life. With this degree, I hope to find employment as a social worker within government and then be able to send my children to university,” he said.
Jama said he was grateful to the SRC and UKZN for giving him a future that he could be proud of, and said he was confident that as a social worker, he will be able to change his community for the better and help them realise their individual dreams.
His message to other students and researchers is to demonstrate a desire to study, to be dedicated and to be disciplined. Jama hopes to one day complete a law degree and to attend the graduation ceremonies of his five children.
