NMU honours woman who rose from cleaner to management

Nomhle Zako was only 21 when she walked through the doors of Nelson Mandela University to start working as a cleaner after she dropped out of school while in grade 10. 

But last week, the 61-year-old mother of four was one of the seven people who were honoured at the institution’s annual Alumni Awards for being inspirational to students after she registered with adult basic education and training and later attained her degree.

Zako, who now works as a residence manager, received a special award at the university's event on Thursday.

“I feel grateful, humbled and honoured to receive this award. It means a lot to me because it has never crossed my mind that one day I will be an alumni. I am grateful to the people who supported me in my journey,” she said.

Zako had to leave school during the 1976 student uprisings and she tried to go back in the early '80s.

“I have always wanted to get a university degree but then I was forced to go look for work. My dream was not to be a cleaner. I tried going back in 1994 and I registered at the Further Education and Training College but failed because that year my mother passed away. I then joined Abet [Adult basic education and training] in 1998 before registering at NMU in 2000 for a bachelor in administration,” she said.

Zako said it was not easy and she wanted to give up in the first semester.

“It was a lot of work and I had kids to look after. My husband was working out of town and I felt overwhelmed but I had to remind myself why I went back to school in the first place. I couldn’t submit my assignments on time. I had to help my children with their homework and also concentrate on my work. My family was a bit compromised and I ended up taking longer to complete my degree. However, I had to finish what I started and I eventually graduated in 2007," she said.  

Zako said it was the best decision she took as her life has since changed for the better.

“I am now financially independent and I advise people in my surroundings about the importance of saving and investing. I also assist a number of parents who would visit my house seeking advice on application and registration for their children,” she said.

Other recipients honoured with Alumni Achiever awards were New York-based school principal St Claire Adriaan and Canada-based Dr Theresia Ott, who is chief adviser for environment at one of the world’s largest mining companies, Rio Tinto. Four Rising Star Awards, honouring alumni aged 45 and under, were awarded to Dumisani Chauke, Siyabulela Mandela, Dr Sweta Patnaik and Conrad van Loggerenberg.