KaNyamazane woman sets the bar high in education
This achievement is evidence that your background does not determine your future. When perseverance and dedication are invested, any dream can be achieved.
A locally born genius, Dr Lombuso Precious Shabalala (36), continues to lift the name of the province high academically despite her background. 
She is one of the youngest academics at the University of Mpumalanga (UMP). On December 4, Shabalala received her doctorate in philosophy, conferred in the Faculty of Science at Wits University.
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Her thesis was entitled Perspectives on the Role of Cultural Heritage Tourism in Community Development in South Africa: A Study of Mapungubwe World Heritage Site in Limpopo Province. “The focus was on how local communities and heritage custodians can benefit from cultural heritage tourism in heritage sites as it remains a concern, including the realisation of social and economic development in its true sense.
“Through received support, today I am the first New Generation of Academics Programme (NGAP) scholar of UMP to finish and graduate with a PhD. I am the first of my family to acquire a PhD, too,” she said. Shabalala said her journey had been a worthwhile sacrifice. “It was not easy, but it was worth it and fulfilling. I am grateful to all the UMP colleagues for their support through this journey.
“Not forgetting my former Wits colleagues who never left my side, and my NGAP mentor, to name a few. A special thank you to Prof Ric Bernard. He literally walked this path with me; I always felt his support. To my fathers in academia, without whom this journey would not have been possible.
“I am also grateful to the Department of Higher Education and Training. It presented me with financial muscle and time that resulted in the realisation of my dream to become an academic. “Lastly, I am grateful to the local communities, the descendants of Mapungubwe royal families for welcoming me in their homes and for SANParks for granting me a permission to work in one of their protected areas, ” explained the alumni of Thembeka Secondary School.
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Shabalala encourages every young person to follow their dreams regardless of their background. “This achievement is evidence that your background does not determine your future. When perseverance and dedication are invested, any dream can be achieved.” She is inspired by the sound speeches of Chief Justice Moeng Moeng.
“On my graduation day, Prof Habib said, ‘Go be a pioneer, be a game changer who will bring innovation. The job begins.’ He was saying: we are counting on you, go make us proud. “My advice to young people and students: know who you are, stand up for what you believe in and most importantly, if it come down to ethics, choose ethics. “Do not be afraid of what is at stake because Jehovah is always there, He does not sleep and He does not slumber. Don’t forget that hard work and perseverance pay off,” she concluded.
