Despite challenges Thabo Molongwana encountered along the way, he now has every reason to smile after completing a Master’s degree in Public Administration with five distinctions at Mancosa University.
Molongwana , who started working for the City in 2007 as a contractor and became permanently appointed in 2008 as a bookkeeper at the Housing Department, describes his journey towards obtaining his master’s degree as daunting, with lots of sacrifices along the way.
“I am a pastor. I had to take a six months sabbatical from church to focus solely on my studies. My family also had to do without me for more than a year. I was physically there in the house but my mind was always busy with assignments and preparing for examinations,” says the father of two daughters.
Excited to start with his studies in 2018, Molongwana experienced some financial challenges.
“After being accepted to study this degree, I didn’t know how I was going to fund my studies. I’m a breadwinner and have lots of people who depend on my salary. Paying for my studies wasn’t an option.
“Then I remembered that the City offers bursaries to its employees and I applied for one. To my relief, my application was successful and the City paid for my fees until I completed my degree,” a joyful Molongwana explains.
The 44-year-old from the Free State discovered his love for numbers and finance in high school. Since he knew he liked working with numbers, he decided early in his life that he wanted to study accounting.
“After I completed matric, I went to Vista University to study for a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting. That was followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management and a Certificate in Practical Municipal Accounting,” recalls Molongwana.
So, what kept Molongwana going despite obstacles along the way? “I have lots of people who believe in me and I don’t want to fail them. I also love challenging myself and I am always on a quest to learn new things and acquire new knowledge.”
Speaking of Molongwana’s achievement, Thapelo Ramashala, a colleague at Housing said: “We are very proud of Molongwana’s achievements. We know it wasn’t an easy journey for him but his passion for education saw him through. He even encouraged me to go back to university. I also completed a Master’s degree because of him.”
Molongwana says his sights are now set on occupying a management position and continuing to serve residents of Joburg.
When Molongwana isn’t balancing the books at Housing or studying, he enjoys going to the gym and leading a healthy lifestyle.
Written by Takalani Sioga
