Footprints of Hope: From Rural Roots to Urban Success
Mhlengi Zindela
In the humble village of Nkandla; a boy named Mhlengi Zindela was born.
Nkandla was a place filled with rich traditions, but life was far from easy. The absence of electricity and running water was a constant reminder of the challenges that lay ahead during my early years. In the middle of adversity, I found solace in spending my weekends and holidays taking care of cattle, goats, and sheep, and learning the skills of a true herdsman from other herdsmen. With a strong sense of responsibility and perseverance, I ensured all these animals were well-fed and cared for, understanding the importance of their contribution to my family’s livelihood.
In the heart of the village stood three old mud houses where I lived with my great-grandmother. As a young boy, I found myself immersed in a routine that tested my resilience and responsibilities daily. Each day, I would journey down to the river, balancing heavy containers to ensure my family had water. My dedication to such chores was matched only by my commitment to gathering fallen branches, chopping wood, ensuring there was enough water for cooking, bathing, and everyday needs. These chores may have been burdensome for most; however, I saw them as an opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the simple joys of life.
My great-grandmother became my guiding light, instilling in me the values of compassion, humility, the importance of hard work, respect for the land, and the value of education. Though we lacked material wealth, the love and wisdom that emanated from our small home filled my heart with hope. Each night, my great-grandmother would share stories that will forever be etched into my heart.
During my early schooling years, I would walk almost an hour and experience aching muscles just so I could attend school. Back then, South Africa’s education system was poor, English was taught in isiZulu, my native language. Despite the language barrier, I felt a burning desire to conquer the world through knowledge. I immersed myself in every lesson, studying tirelessly and exceeding expectations with each passing grade. I completed primary school and ventured into high school. During the higher grades, I witnessed the winds of change sweeping through Nkandla. The government began to prioritize the development of rural areas, and slowly, electricity and tap water were introduced into my community. This transformation opened doors for me by enabling me to pursue my education more effectively. Equipped with newfound access to electricity, I would burn the midnight oil, trying to expand my knowledge. I could focus on my education and other pursuits, instead of spending hours chopping wood and fetching water. Since the development was slow, I encountered new challenges. While my dedication remained unwavering, I was confronted with the harsh reality of limited resources from my high school as we did not have computer and science labs. Books became prized possessions, and I embraced every opportunity to expand learning beyond the classroom walls.
After completing matric, I set my sights on attending university, but financial constraints threatened to shatter my dreams. I decided to take a gap year to explore the world outside of Nkandla. During that time, I met people from different walks of life and witnessed the transformative power of technology. I realised that having a solid foundation in computer literacy would open doors to endless opportunities and empower me to make a difference in my family.
In 2018, my dream became a reality when I secured a place at Mangosuthu University of Technology. Stepping onto the bustling campus, I had mixed emotions of excitement and trepidation. It was an unfamiliar environment, and I found myself surrounded by students who seemingly had more experience with computers than I did. Undeterred by my lack of familiarity, determination propelled me forward. I decided to seek support from the university’s computer lab, where friendly technicians patiently guided me through the basics of computer interaction. My eagerness to learn and ability to adapt quickly impressed my lecturers.
As time progressed, my passion for technology grew. I immersed myself in Information Technology courses, devoured knowledge from books and online resources, and participated in various coding competitions. I discovered a talent for programming and began creating innovative solutions that solved real-world problems. Following my hard-fought victory at university, I was fortunate to be accepted as part of a life-changing learnership programme to gain theoretical and practical experience at The Academy of Accelerated Technology Education, famous for providing excellent opportunities to aspiring IT professionals. This opportunity was a dream come true for me, as I had always aspired to work for an organisation that valued technological advancements. I was placed at an international banking group, an organisation known for its innovative use of technology and advancement in the digital realm. I also had unlimited access to the Udemy learning platform to further my knowledge and skills in my field of work.
I was determined to make the most of every opportunity that came my way. I dedicated myself to learning and improving my skills, going above and beyond what was expected of me. My mentors and colleagues noticed my commitment and enthusiasm, and I quickly earned their respect. Despite receiving a modest monthly stipend, I managed to rent a small room near my workplace. I was barely covering my needs because I had to send money home to my family every month. I understood the importance of supporting my loved ones who supported me throughout this journey.
My hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed. My exceptional performance during this learnership caught the attention of senior management in my department. As a result, I was offered full-time employment as a Software Engineer upon completing the learnership.
I have earned the professional designation ITCP(SA): Software Engineer, and I am a registered member of the Institute of Chartered Information Technology Professionals (ICITP). Over and above my professional designation, I now have a year’s IT experience, and work full time for the institution where I was once a learner. I hope my journey reminds people that irrespective of our circumstances, success is not defined by our origins, but by the enthusiastic pursuit of our dreams.
This story serves as a testament to the power of resilience, hard work, and unwavering determination. Despite the hardship of poverty, limited opportunities, and a lack of resources, I emerged triumphant.
I am Mhlengi Zindela, a full time Software Engineer at Investec Bank.