After 12 years of helping others, a 32-year-old housemaid receives a scholarship and earns a university degree.
Ntombizodwa Merriam Mahlangu, a 32-year-old housemaid, received support from her job and earned her degree from the University of South Africa.
Ntombizodwa Just nine years after working as a domestic worker, Merriam Mahlangu graduated with an exceptional Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Public Administration and Communication Facilitation from the University of South Africa.
She had always wanted to have a degree in education since she was a small child. She lost both of her parents when she was a child, and her growth was halted by a lack of resources and development in rural areas, a subpar educational system, financial difficulties, and an unintended pregnancy.
“While my parents were in Gauteng attempting to make a life, I grew up on a farm with my grandparents and three siblings. Without a water supply, electricity, or a school, it was a harsh environment, according to Ntombizodwa.
Ntombizodwa became pregnant when she was 19 and had to care for her unborn child. After graduating from high school, she was scheduled to attend Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria, South Africa.
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She was forced to drop out of college due to the pregnancy and focus on earning a living in order to care for her new baby. She began working as a domestic servant in South Africa in 2007 and was hired by advocate A.J.A. Cornelius, a kind man, in 2018.
In addition to offering her a job, advocate Cornelius adopted her as his own daughter. After working with Advocate Cornelius’s family for four years, she eventually became a receptionist after learning how to drive and operate a computer and Microsoft Office.
Ntombizodwa was able to enroll at the University of South Africa (UNISA) to further her academic goals with Advocate Cornelius’ assistance. Finally, in 2018, Ntombizodwa graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communication Facilitation and Public Administration.
She referred to Advocate Cornelius as her father and shared her accomplishment on social media, stating that he has been incredibly giving to her along her journey.
Adv A.J.A. Cornelius, my father, is the reason I’m staying. I was parenting his daughter while working for him as a domestic helper, which is how our connection began. He also unofficially adopted me as one of his daughters. “I can’t express all that he has done for me on this platform,” she remarked.
During my studies, I lost both of my parents. On my graduation day, he was the only parent I had. When I ask my uncles to keep his share of my “lobola,” I think they will understand,” she continued.
