Having the right attitude is key to success

Studying part-time while holding down a full-time job can be quite stressful, however having the correct mindset and strong determination to achieve your goals can make all the difference.

This is the first-hand advice offered by MANCOSA alumnus Dianne Govender, a mother of one who works in human resources.

“Winners never quit, and quitters never win, so take the risk,” said Govender, 33, who graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce Honours degree from private higher education institution, MANCOSA.

Owing to financial difficulties, she began working upon completing her schooling. After seven years, she got a bursary from the company where she worked and enrolled for a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Human Resource Management at MANCOSA.

“This was the best decision I ever made. My degree has helped me to advance in my career. This just proves that Irrespective of your background or circumstances, you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it,” said Govender.

She believes it is important to empower people with leadership skills, particularly those from historically-disadvantaged communities. She helps unemployed people by drafting their CVs without charging a fee.

“Empowering people can help eradicate poverty because those who have been empowered will become self-reliant and can take better care of their families.

“There are many different ways to donate your time to help others. There are volunteer opportunities for people of every age, profession and physical ability,” she said.

She also believes it is important to have faith when times are hard.

“You must have faith that right will win. Faith that the sun will rise and life will move on and things will be okay in some way, somehow, even when it doesn’t seem like it at the time.”

Govender said there are ample opportunities for people in South Africa to advance themselves.

“Training programmes are intended to alleviate skills shortages in the economy. They are aimed at enhancing productivity and employability of participants and enhancing human capital by improving skills, while simultaneously fulfilling the needs of labour demand.”

Some lessons Govender has learnt through life are that “nothing is permanent in this life; it is good to stay humble always; do not work only for money; and always take care of yourself”.

Her advice to graduates or students is to “keep standing up for what is right because the truth always wins”.

“Stay true to your beliefs. You are creating a positive advancement for the future generations,” she said.

Govender spends her spare time listening to music, exercising, travelling and watching online documentaries.

ENDS