From cleaning offices to obtaining her master’s degree in sustainable agriculture, Busisiwe Nokwe is proof that perseverance will sow seeds of success.
Nokwe, who graduated on Thursday, said her academic journey had been far from easy.
She used to be cleaner at the department of agriculture in Bhisho when she was 22, and had also been a domestic worker in Butterworth and East London.
While working as a cleaner, she registered with the department of education and obtained her matric certificate in 2011.
In 2013, she was one of four cleaners with matric to be given a bursary to further their studies at the Fort Cox College of Agriculture and Forestry.
Nokwe, who lives in Qonce, obtained a diploma in crop production and graduated in 2016.
She then registered with the Tshwane University of Technology for a B-tech in crop production, and graduated in 2018.
In 2019, she was promoted and appointed as an agricultural adviser in the Amathole and Amahlathi municipalities.
Despite her success in her field, she remained determined to further empower herself.
She continued her studies in 2021, when she registered with the University of Fort Hare through the Institute for Development Assistance Management (IDAM) to do a postgraduate diploma in development assistance management.
She graduated in 2022.
The programme was funded by the national department of agriculture, land reform and rural development.
Driven by a hunger for knowledge, in 2024 she registered with the University of the Free State to do her master’s in sustainable agriculture.
“It was not an easy journey. I covered all the fees at UFS on my own, and by God’s grace I made it through,” Nokwe said.
“I juggled long working hours, financial constraints and the challenges of returning to education as an adult learner, staying up late to study while still fulfilling my work duties. But every challenge was met with resolve.”
Reminiscing about her journey, she said in 2000 she had worked as a hair stylist at Nonqaba hair salon in Dimbaza.
In 2007, she was appointed as a cleaner with only grade 11.
She had been unable to get matric as the school was far away and her parents could not afford to pay rent and groceries for her.
However, she was determined to seek out other opportunities in a bid to create a better future for herself.
Nokwe expressed her gratitude to the department of agriculture for funding her studies.
She said without their assistance she would not have been able to achieve her academic goals.
“I am truly thankful for the opportunity and the trust [they] have placed in me.
“My hope is that this qualification will help open more doors for me to contribute to the upliftment of the standard of agriculture in the Eastern Cape.
“My journey proves that it is never too late to change your path with perseverance, dedication, sacrifice and a commitment to lifelong learning.
“Anyone can rise above any circumstances and create a brighter future.
“My success story serves as a reminder that no matter when and where you start, you can achieve greatness,” Nokwe said.
The Herald
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