Mature graduate wants to be an agent of change
JOHANNESBURG – Balancing work, family and studies took much manoeuvring.
After years of dedication that saw him juggling studies with a full-time job and family commitments, Johannesburg resident Tinyiko ‘Lucky’ Maluleke (42) is set to make the career move from security guard to a qualified social worker.
Maluleka joined Rand Aid’s security team in August 2007.
It took the Rand Aid Association employee eight years to achieve his Bachelor of Social Work degree through Unisa. Although the novel coronavirus lockdown prevented his graduation ceremony from going ahead as planned, he and his colleagues celebrated their success through emails of congratulations.
His degree did not come easily. Maluleke enrolled for the course in 2010 but did not finish as quickly as planned because of a host of challenges. In his first year, he discovered that he had taken incorrect modules. “This has taught me that I have to do massive research before I engage in any project,” he said.
Family problems forced him to take a gap year in 2012 , in 2016, the agreement with the organisation where he would do for his practical work fell through, and as a full-time security guard, he was constantly under pressure to complete his practical modules on time.
“The theory aspects of my studies presented far fewer challenges,” said Maluleke.
“In 2018, I managed to complete at least two practical modules and de-registered one due to time constraints. In 2019, I succeeded in completing the remaining practical module. I had to pay the full amount for any de-registered modules which added to my financial burdens.”
Balancing work, family and studies took much manoeuvring. “Fresh from night shift, I would have to either attend Unisa supervision sessions, report for my practical work at the placement organisation or attend Unisa workshops.
“These activities needed thorough preparation before attendance. I never had enough time to do that because I had to work through the night. Often, I went without sleep. I also did not see as much of my family as I would have liked to. Consequently, I have learned that time is a scarce and very precious commodity and I have to use it wisely.”
Details: cathy@allycats.co.za
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