Passion for her work shines through

IT is said that dynamite comes in small packages and the newly appointed Umfolozi College Student Support Services Assistant Director Nondumiso Mbatha is explosive, to say the least.

This passionate and bright-eyed 29-year-old has, in a short time, worked her way up to her current position.

‘I love my work and what I do with passion. I started off as a Student Liaison Officer for the College then moved to the Career Centre Manager position before landing in my current position. It is still unbelievable and heartening,’ said Mbatha.

Responsible for the compiling of reports and conducting counseling sessions, Mbatha also prides herself on planning student events and activities.

‘My work includes ensuring the objectives of the unit are met, providing guidance and support and addressing campus issues. It is quite a bit of work, but it depends on the demand and schedule plan of each month.,

‘I am fortunate I have dynamic students who have vision. They can be a handful at times because they are young and are bound to make mistakes.

‘There have been challenging moments where I felt like running away or locking myself in a room and crying my eyes out, but it is all worth it and I wouldn’t trade it for anything,’ said Mbatha.

Holding an Honours Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Zululand, Mbatha, after an unpleasant and long job hunt, only started working two years after graduating.

‘I never gave up. I grabbed all the opportunities that came my way. I volunteered and accepted temporary jobs until I landed myself a proper job at Umfolozi FET College. ‘It is so important to believe and be true to yourself. Know that you have something special to offer, and working with that mentality will carry you to your destiny.

‘The late Professor Humphrey Ngcobo has been a great role model to me throughout my career. When I was studying, he was the head of the Psychology Department and to this day, I feel privileged to have been lectured by him. He is someone I aim to emulate,’ she said.

Apart from her duties at the college, Mbatha enjoys playing a good game of tennis and well deserved shopping sprees.

In years to come, Mbatha hopes to leave a legacy in the Zululand community.

‘I plan to study toward my Masters and offer free counseling, support and guidance for NPO or NGOs that provide services to young, disadvantaged youth. We all have to, in some manner, reach out and help someone else,’ she said.