Magagula was recently appointed as an Associate Lecturer under the Academic Talent Stewardship Programme (ATSP. She is grateful for the opportunities the university provided her with and wishes that other students could do the same – use opportunities to their advantage.
“I acknowledge the role that UMP played in my journey. When I recognized that education is a privilege, I seized every chance to learn and grow, actively participating in academic and extracurricular activities to broaden my horizons. I desire to give back, ensuring that others also benefit from the transformative power of education," she says.
Amongst many other avenues to success, Magagula was presented with a transformative study abroad experience in Austria for six months where she embraced global perspectives.
“I was excited to have had the chance to learn foreign cultures, broaden my perspectives, and embrace diverse ideas. This cross-cultural exposure instilled in me a deep appreciation for diversity, fostering empathy and understanding as I seek to make a positive impact in an interconnected world,” she says.
Magagula's tenacity and leadership qualities propelled her incredible achievements. Her strong spirit made her the first female president of the University of Mpumalanga.
“One of the primary challenges I faced as the first female president was combating gender bias and stereotypes. In a society where gender roles and expectations still persist, it was disheartening to witness the subtle scepticism and doubts regarding my leadership capabilities solely because I'm a woman," she adds.
"Breaking through these barriers required me to consistently prove my worth and competence, demonstrating that my gender does not define my ability to lead effectively. By setting a strong example, I aimed to dismantle these stereotypes and inspire others to look beyond gender when evaluating leadership potential."
Overcoming obstacles
Magagula's unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of excellence have propelled her to extraordinary heights. Through her journey, she has shattered barriers, embraced opportunities, and emerged as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring female leaders at UMP.
"My presidency was marked by inclusivity, visionary leadership, and a steadfast commitment to nurturing an environment conducive to growth and academic excellence. My tenure as the first SRC president has shattered traditional gender stereotypes and empowered countless young women to dream big."
For her master's degree, Magagula is researching the Sustainability of Women-owned Home-based Businesses in the era of Load shedding. She chose the research topic because it addresses a pressing issue affecting women entrepreneurs and contributes to the broader goals of sustainability and gender equality.
"This topic holds great significance and relevance in today's world, where sustainability and gender equality are critical issues that need our attention. By understanding the challenges faced by these businesses during power outages and developing strategies to support their sustainability, we can create an enabling environment that fosters their growth, empowers women economically, and promotes a more sustainable and inclusive society.”
Like many South African students, Magagula says her family background presented numerous obstacles but she refused to allow those circumstances to define her future.
"I refused to allow all the challenges to define my future; instead, I transformed the negatives to fuel for my drive," she says.
@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.