Breaking barriers

Busisiwe Decosta, a Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching graduate, says her journey at Unisa has been a remarkable adventure filled with challenges, triumphs and invaluable lessons. She majored in English, isiXhosa and Social Sciences because she has a deep passion for teaching languages and a keen interest in learning new ones. This choice was not just about her love for languages but also about preparing herself to teach a diverse range of students who speak different languages. During her teaching practice, she met wonderful colleagues and students who fuelled her passion for education and her commitment to bridging gaps for her learners.

Busisiwe Decosta

Studying at Unisa made her feel like a superstar. In this age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, navigating online resources and honing computer skills became essential. These skills, which she developed at Unisa, are particularly crucial in open-distance learning, where students must manage their studies independently. Despite the challenges that tried to disrupt her academic journey, her goal was always to strive for excellence.

One of the biggest hurdles she faced was financial instability. Coming from a disadvantaged background, her mother's income from selling fruits and chips was barely enough to cover their daily needs, let alone her tuition fees. At one point, she considered dropping out to find work, but she held onto the belief that "education is the key to success." She secured a temporary construction job that allowed her to save enough money to continue her studies. Balancing work daily from 07:00 to 18:00 with her academic responsibilities was challenging, but her passion for learning and determination to be her family's first graduate kept her going. Even when she fell ill during her final exams, she refused to give up and managed to pass despite the odds.

Overcoming these challenges was possible thanks to the unwavering support of her family, friends and fellow students. Their encouragement and determination to succeed pushed her through tough times. She constantly reminded herself that she is not a failure and that the sky is the limit.

Through her programme at Unisa, Decosta gained numerous valuable skills. Initially, she was not very talkative, but her time at Unisa improved her communication skills significantly. She also became proficient with computers, an essential skill since she had no prior experience with technology before her studies. Access to the library and various learning resources helped her develop leadership skills and enhanced her ability to conduct research.

Unisa played a crucial role in her academic and career achievements.

She says to current and future Unisa students: "Perseverance brings rewards. Being a Unisa student requires discipline and self-motivation. Take full advantage of the online resources, workshops and forums. Manage your time well and stay focused on your goals. Unisa is an outstanding institution that provides a supportive environment for achieving academic excellence."

*By Jo Cossavella, Communications Officer, KwaZulu-Natal Region