In 2018, the same year she joined UMP, Mulamuleli was diagnosed with two chronic conditions: Syncope and Fibroadenoma.
Fibroadenoma is a tumour usually found in the breast, and Syncope is a shortage of oxygen to the brain that causes fainting and loss of consciousness. Both illnesses were diagnosed at the same time, which made it impossible for Mulamuleli to continue with her studies.
The tumour caused numbness in her arm, and the fainting episodes resulted in severe memory loss. It also caused pain to the side of her breast and a strange numb feeling constantly went down her right arm causing constant headaches.
To treat the Fibroadenoma, Mulamuleli successfully underwent surgery to remove the lump in her breast, causing her to miss almost a whole month of lectures.
“It was rather difficult to study due to the severe pain I experienced during my first and second year at varsity. Syncope caused temporary memory loss, which led to me forgetting almost everything I studied or even what the lecturers taught us. Syncope has physical and emotional consequences; I had physical bruises from falling and hurting myself during fainting episodes. My body was in pain,” she continues.
Determined to Succeed
Throughout all the challenges the Limpopo-born student persevered and continued to study. She is now graduating in Nature Conservation under the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences.
“I never gave up. No matter how much pain I was in, I continued studying. I always asked my classmates for notes when I was absent from lectures. Study groups assisted me a great deal, and I started recording lectures to be able to make my own notes afterwards,” she says.
“This graduation means I worked hard to achieve my first of many qualifications – even though it never came easy. It means my childhood dream of working with plants and animals is certainly coming to light,” she adds.
“If you put your mind to something that you love, you can achieve it – even in the midst of whatever obstacles you may be facing. It was all about hard work, dedication and not giving up. Going forward after a series of failed tests, quizzes and practicals, every time I felt like I should go back home, I just worked harder and forged ahead. I had to fight for my dream to become a reality.”
Mulamuleli is currently working as an administrator and finance officer at Dzashu Holdings, a producer of processed Serrano pickles and chillies.
“I am also mentoring students from different institutions in Water Resource Management, Geography, Soil Science and Botany.”
@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.