Bachelor of Commerce graduate, Ms Ntshiza is celebrating her academic milestone after surviving cervical cancer. In 2016, she was diagnosed while studying at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), which forced her to withdraw and return home to KwaZulu-Natal to focus on recovery.
In 2021, still on the road to healing and aged just 23, she made the courageous decision to resume her studies and pursue her long-held dream of becoming a lecturer.
“Despite all this, I chose not to give up. My passion for education never left me. I enrolled at UMP. Again, in 2022, I experienced complications related to my diagnosis,” she says. "I was frequently hospitalised, which took a toll on my mental health and academic progress, resulting in me failing most of my modules. I also lost my scholarship,” she explains. “I failed and came back the following year to repeat.”
In 2023, she returned to UMP, supported by friends who helped her register. She worked part-time jobs to fund her studies and completed her second year.
“That year, after receiving good grades, I applied for the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship – and I got it. The scholarship covered my tuition fees. I also received an allowance. that made me fully focus on my health and studies. It also included leadership development training.
Through the programme, I gained a better understanding of leadership, both in theory and through my personal experience. It helped me understand myself much better. I still refer to the booklets we received during the training.”
Her hard work paid off, and she progressed to the third year with strong results. “I am proud to have graduated with a BCom in Economics and Entrepreneurship.”
Ms Ntshiza was also actively involved in UMP ENACTUS, forming part of the 2021–2022 team that placed second in the National Competition.
“I was part of the ENACTUS executive for two years, but after I failed, I had to leave the team because I could no longer keep up with school activities—my part-time job was demanding.”
“My journey is a story of resilience – falling, rising, and never giving up. I am currently pursuing my Honours in Business Management. I’m truly grateful to the friends who helped me rebuild my life in 2023 and 2024. Their belief in me helped me believe in myself again.”
Story by Lisa Thabethe. Pictures supplied.