Young guard has eyes set on law
After securing a job as a security guard, it is then he had enough money for registration.
NELSPRUIT – Someone once said when mediocrity becomes the accepted norm, excellence dies a painful death.
For 36-year-old Ishmael Phiri, a security guard working for a local company, just being good enough has never been an aspiration.
Growing up, Phiri says his dream was to become an advocate, but after passing matric in 1997, he could not further his studies because his parents could not afford to send him to university.
He then started doing odd jobs to help him save money so that he could register for a law degree, but it was not easy because he also had his parents to support.
After securing a job as a security guard, it is then he had enough money for registration.
“I registered for an LLB with Unisa in 2003 and I am now in my second year and have only managed to pass 21 modules since then,” he said.
Phiri’s delay to obtaining his degree is due to a lack of funds.
He said he approached many companies who told him they were not interested in funding law students.
“At some stage I approached the department of justice, but I was told that they only fund their employees,” said the frustrated Phiri. His desire is to contribute meaningfully to the country and he chose law because he likes to see justice done to everyone.
The ambitious Phiri believes that against all odds, he will eventually make it and appeals to anyone who can, to help him complete his studies so that he can improve his life and change many more lives through it.
