Don’t give up just yet

Life after matric is not easy. Many students have to overcome so many obstacles from finances to their health that they are much older and wiser when they finally make it to university. Here are a few stories that might give you the motivation that you’re looking for. 

Mothusi Mere from Klerksdorp, 28, a third-year student studying BCom Marketing Science with Communication Management, is a man who believes it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. Mere completed matric in 2010, but was unable to further his studies because his parents refused to sign his bursary application forms, forcing him to let go of his dreams. 

Although this was a setback for him, he never allowed himself to give up. He struggled to find work and after some time he was employed at McDonald’s in Klerksdorp in 2013. He was later dismissed in 2014 but that very year, he was employed as a cashier at Pick n Pay. During this time he kept applying to various bursaries and trying to keep himself busy. 

In 2016, he applied to study BA Communication at North-West University (NWU) Potchefstroom campus and in 2017, his NSFAS application was successful. “When I look back, God didn’t stop me from achieving things but He was rather preparing me for this season,” Mere said.  

Reminiscing about his journey to where he is today, Mere said it was difficult to adjust to the environment. “God kept me going because I knew that he would keep his promises to me and I have a very good friend who kept me motivated throughout my journey. Trust in God’s timing and don’t compare your journey to others,” he said.  

Mere is currently a member of the Golden Key Society and serves on the ASA, Commercia. He would like to do his honours next year in entrepreneurial marketing and work to give back to students who face similar issues. 

Fatima Khota, 42, is currently a first-year student studying dietetics. In grade 9, Khota started experiencing health problems that many healthcare professionals could not find a cure to.

After 10 long years, she finally came across a cure for her debilitating health condition and the secret to it was dietary changes. However, through those years she continued to fight and completed her matric with good marks. Khota completed her BSc degree at the NWU Vaal but didn’t see its purpose as the course had a variety of modules that she was not interested in.  

Through the years she faced health complications and said that what kept her going was the desire to empower others. “I just want people to feel amazing every day,” she said. 

Khota chose to study dietetics because she said, “I am cured by food and this makes me want to share my knowledge and secrets with the world.” 

Khota would like to go as far as completing a master’s degree as there are a few elements that she would like to add to the field of dietetics like how it can cure and assist people if it is understood clearly.