Mr Magala Erick Mashamba from Mukondeni village has received his doctorate in social work from the University of South Africa (Unisa). The graduation ceremony was held at the Ranch Hotel in Polokwane on 5 October.

Mashamba, a former social worker, is currently a lecturer at Univen. He began his education at Lotsha Primary School in Tshikhuthula and completed his matric at Nahakwe Secondary School. He then studied at the University of the North, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in social work. Following that, he completed his master's diploma in human resource management at the then Rand Afrikaans University and earned his master’s degree in social work at Unisa.

In an interview, Mashamba stated that he believed we are living in a world full of possibilities. “Don’t use your poor background as an excuse for not going to school and not aiming for a brighter future,” he said. He noted that he, too, came from a poor family but used bursaries to further his education.

Mashamba added that he did not stop studying, so he could be a role model in his career. “I have to lead from the front and be a good example that with education, we can achieve great things,” he said.

His advice to young people facing challenges is to “dream, be patient, and have a vision, no matter how difficult or impossible life seems. Concentrate on your studies and stay focused. There will be many detractors along the way, and instant gratification is tempting. Vision takes longer to achieve but is wonderful once realised.”

Mashamba expressed his appreciation to his family for their support throughout his achievements. “Growing up in a disadvantaged family background was not easy, but I am happy that I made it,” he said.