From small north coast town to big city lights and a BCom Degree

Making the transition from writing with pen and paper to a computer when he enrolled for tertiary education was a major challenge that Vuyokuhle Mbatha faced.

However, the KwaDukuza student persevered and quickly adapted to technology-integrated learning and recently graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from private higher education institution, MANCOSA.

Mbatha, 24, has travelled on the journey from humble beginnings in a rural KwaZulu-Natal North Coast town to the big city lights in Durban and in the process, he has attained an academic qualification that will help him in his employment.

He said although growing up had its fair share of ups and downs, his parents have always been his greatest support system.

After matriculating from Stanger High School where he coached basketball, he enrolled at MANCOSA. He recalled although he did not come from a privileged background, his parents had saved as much as they could so that he would be able to further his education.

He said nothing could have prepared him for his first year of tertiary studies after high school.

“I had only written on paper before and computer technology fazed me. I knew nothing about typing out assignments using a computer.
“Fortunately, my lecturers at MANCOSA were very understanding and I had the support of friends I had met on campus.
“Before long, I was able to use a computer properly and life became easier,” said Mbatha.

Another hurdle he faced was taking care of himself away from his mother.

“I lived in rented accommodation in Durban and had to learn to wake up on my own without my mother acting as my alarm clock. The city was daunting for me because I hailed from a small town.
“Then just when I thought that I had got the hang of things, COVID-19 struck and the new normal was a bothersome adjustment on its own.
“I quickly adapted to virtual studies despite network issues and ensured that I submitted all my work on time.
“Most encouraging for me was that my queries were always answered by academic and administrative staff at MANCOSA.
“The lecturers were most willing to make sure that students understood everything, even though we were in online mode.”
Mbatha said he has seen a big difference in the “Vuyokuhle who arrived in Durban from a small North Coast town”.
“With a BCom degree, I am now ready to face the world of work. I will ever be grateful to MANCOSA for shaping me into the person I have developed into,” he added.

ENDS