Overcoming all odds for an education
In spite of her experiences in battling for an education, Dr Mthembu cautioned current Protec students that personal struggles may not garner sympathy in a professional setting.
With a tissue in hand, Dr Sonto Mthembu sobbed with emotion as she recounted how Protec Tongaat helped her and other students.
The highly successful former student was the guest speaker at this year’s Protec awards, held at the Tongaat Secondary hall last Friday.
Dr Mthembu explained that she faced challenges during her school days. With little support at home and no encouragement for education, she even had to fight against being prevented from attending school.
Despite these obstacles, she worked hard to support herself financially through school. She expressed gratitude for finding support at Protec.
She described Protec as a place where people cared about her progress, offering encouragement when needed.
This support played a crucial role in her journey.
Today, she holds a PhD in Computer Sciences in Education and is a lecturer at North West University.
“Protec is the place where I found people who were interested in my schooling progress, something that I needed the most. I needed someone who looked at my results and said ‘you have done well’ or frowned at my result and encouraged me to do better,” said Dr Mthembu.
In spite of her experiences in battling for an education, Dr Mthembu cautioned current Protec students that personal struggles may not garner sympathy in a professional setting.
“Hard work and dedication are what truly matter.”
She encouraged pupils to find their passion and work diligently towards their goals.
At the awards ceremony, Owami Mbewa was the overall top achiever in Grade 10 with 84%, Khayelihle Moyo in Grade 11 with 80%, and Andile Xaba in Grade 12 with 88%.
Protec is a non-profit organisation that focuses on providing extra-curricular, high-quality education and career support programmes in mathematics, science, technology, English, and life skills training for the world of work.
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