What happens when you step onto a netball court with no goalposts? You run around, tire yourself out and have nothing to show for your efforts.

It was this simple but powerful analogy that chartered accountant Ayanda Ndlovu used to capture the attention of her audience at UJ Academy’s inaugural high tea, reminding women and girls that success begins with knowing what you want to achieve.

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A former high school netball player, Ndlovu drew on her sporting experience to explain that clear goals give people direction. They help them understand what they need to do, where to focus their energy and who can help them along the way. Her own journey is proof of what can happen when determination meets opportunity.

Growing up in a rural area, Ndlovu watched her single mother work hard to educate her children. While her mother was committed to putting them through school, university seemed financially out of reach. But Ndlovu refused to let that become the end of her ambitions.

During high school, she was encouraged to pursue further studies and seek financial assistance. A friend eventually handed her a piece of paper with the address of the Thuthuka Bursary Fund.

Ndlovu wrote a letter explaining her goals, completed the application process and was accepted into the programme. Yet, as she reminded her audience, an opportunity is only the beginning. “The door can open, but are you going to walk through the door?” she asked.

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For Ndlovu, walking through that door meant hard work and discipline. She passed every module without repeating a single one, passed her qualifying examinations and secured a placement, becoming a chartered accountant in record time.
Today, she serves on the board of the very same Thuthuka Bursary Fund that helped make her dream possible.

Her message to the young women in the audience was clear: do not underestimate the value of the work you put in today.
She encouraged girls to embrace their responsibilities at home and at school, explaining that discipline and perseverance are skills that will serve them well long after they leave the classroom.

Drawing on her own upbringing, she recalled completing household chores, including cooking, washing and ironing, while raising her younger sisters and studying for matric.

She challenged young people not to take the support of their families for granted, urging them to recognise the sacrifices made by those who help them succeed. “Stop complaining about what you have to give today. Because what you will get tomorrow – it’s beautiful.”

For Ndlovu, the rewards of hard work have extended far beyond qualifying as an accountant. Having grown up in a rural area, she has travelled the world using her own money, an achievement she shared to show the girls that independence and financial freedom are attainable.

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She also encouraged mothers to play an active role in helping their daughters identify their ambitions. Writing down a dream, she explained, transforms an idea into something that can be planned for and worked towards.

A goal written in a diary gives families something tangible to support, allowing mothers to become the cheerleaders who encourage their daughters from the sidelines.

Ndlovu’s closing message was rooted in the life she has built through opportunity, determination and consistent effort.
“I am living proof that when opportunity meets determination, dreams can become a reality,” she said.

For the women and girls listening, her address was a reminder that reaching a goal starts with deciding where you want to go. The next step is to put a plan in place, stay disciplined and keep moving towards the goalposts.

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