Anything is possible for those who dream

Phumzile Maseko came from a broken home, but her dreams remained in tact. She achieved her life goals, despite the hardships of her past.

April 10, 2017

Elbi Dippenaar 2 minutes read

Phumzile Maseko (32), the first of four sisters, was born in Brondal. Her education came to a halt during her primary years due to domestic abuse. Her mother took her and her sisters and ran away from home, which resulted in her missing school.

Maseko explained what it meant growing up in that environment: “You hear threats and fights in other rooms. You see the violence, the aftermath; blood, bruises, tears, torn clothing and broken items. We were always on guard, watching and waiting for the next event to occur.”

She recalls watching other children go to school, and it being a painful experience she had to endure. She stayed home and took care of the younger children, and did household chores from an early age.

“To grow up in a disorganised family has robbed me of many opportunities in life. I finished school much later than my peers. It took hard work and dedication just to reach my dream and finish matric,” she said.

After obtaining her matric certificate, there was no money for tertiary enrolment. Maseko worked at a supermarket, and then as a petrol attendant for the next three years.

“I was reading the newspaper when I saw an advertisement from Childline Mpumalanga. They were looking for Crisisline Volunteers. I applied for the volunteer training and went for an interview. I was chosen as one of 20 in August of 2008,” she reported.

She received training in working with children, to work with computers and capturing calls on the database. “In 2010 I was hired by Childline Mpumalanga as a permanent staff member in the Crisisline, and I realised that my journey had begun.

Through the training that Childline offered me, I felt that it would be fair for me to help other children like myself. I decided to pursue my training in becoming a social worker,” she said.

Maseko enrolled at the University of South Africa, and studied part-time while working as a Crisisline counsellor at Childline.

“I am proud to say I am doing my fourth year in social work, and doing my practical at Childline Mpumalanga. I would like to thank (the organisation) for their support over the years. Words cannot express my feelings, nor my thanks for all the help.”

Childline director, Dr Benita Nel would like to invite the public to apply for two voluntary positions at Childline in fund-raising and secretarial work. Send your CV to benita@childlinempu.org.za or contact her on 013-752-2770 or 083-331-6961.