‘The diploma will assist me with how to deal with clients, stakeholders, colleagues, and academics, applying skills that I have learnt throughout the course such as customer care and organisational skills,’ said Mthembu.

During her final year of study, she fell pregnant with her third child. ‘It was difficult to attend lectures after work especially during my third trimester. I was due on 28 November and my final paper was on 8 November. The pregnancy made it difficult to study and to concentrate as I was tired and exhausted. I even wrote my exam at the Disability Unit because I was scared and nervous. I wanted to start early and finish earlier, so that I could go home and rest,’ explained Mthembu.

However, she managed to strike a balance between being a full-time employee, wife, mother and student: ‘I made sure that on the days that I was not attending, I would come home to cook and assist my daughters with homework. I worked during the day and attended lectures thereafter.’

Mthembu praised the support received from her family and friends, especially her husband. ‘He was really supportive throughout my studies. He looked after our two daughters and assisted them with homework while I was attending evening lectures.’

She plans to pursue a Master of Commerce but at the moment is content to dote on her new-born son.