Former Taxi Driver Celebrates As He Graduates Despite Numerous Challenges

Cursory: Nkazimulo Khumalo, a Johannesburg taxi driver, earned an Education degree from the University of South Africa. Khumalo’s daily routine included three hours of study during downtime. His passion for teaching was realized after graduating, and the Ivory Park Taxi Association supported him. He hopes his journey encourages African youth to pursue dreams with a positive mindset.

Nkazimulo Khumalo operates as a taxi driver, plying the route connecting Sunninghill and Ivory Park in Midrand, Johannesburg. He successfully earned his Education degree from the University of South Africa.

Khumalo revealed that realizing his aspiration of acquiring a degree and becoming a teacher was a lifelong dream, and he expressed his satisfaction in reaching this accomplishment.

Balancing his responsibilities as both a taxi driver and a student, Khumalo shared that he directed the income he earned from his daily taxi ventures towards covering his tuition expenses.

He emphasized his unwavering focus and dedication, even in the face of the challenges posed by his demanding work.

“I enrolled at Unisa in 2015 and I had to take care of my siblings as well. I only managed to study when I was ‘binding’ (waiting for his turn to load passengers). I would dedicate three hours a day to study and it was not difficult at all because I am a focused person,” he said.

Having become the primary provider for his family at a young age, Khumalo entered the taxi sector to support his household. As the eldest member of his family, he recognized the need to contribute to their well-being.

In his words:

“I am the eldest at home and had to do something to take care of my family. It was not easy being a taxi driver as I have been shouted at many times and even told that I was useless by some passengers, but that never changed the person that I am,” he said.

After completing his degree, Khumalo received a teaching position at Ebony Primary School in Tembisa, South Africa, which fulfilled his long-standing ambition of becoming an educator.

He recalled developing a passion for teaching during his ninth-grade year, inspired by observing his creative arts teacher’s engaging lessons.

“He loved what he was doing and one could see he was doing it from the bottom of his heart. He inspired and guided me through my high school years and he always told me that nothing is impossible as long as you have positive mindset,” he said.

During his time at the University of South Africa, Khumalo received a reimbursement of his tuition fees from the Ivory Park Taxi Association (IPTA), of which he is an engaged participant.

He expressed his aspirations to utilize his educational journey as a narrative to inspire young individuals across Africa, encouraging them to pursue their aspirations.

“I knew that the same person shouting at me would have their children being taught by me one day, I have lived my life with a positive mindset, which is why I have managed to push through, irrespective of the challenges,” Khumalo said.

Source: Scholarshipregion

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