5 August 2024
Written by Milpark
Zamashenge Ginnie Buthelezi failed the postgraduate diploma in accounting (CTA/PGDA) twice at other institutions. She talks openly about how discouraged she became and that she needed to clear her mind and find her focus before trying again. But then, she joined Milpark Education and after her third stab at the course, she succeeded—thanks to the phenomenal support she received at Milpark.
When Zamashenge Ginnie Buthelezi was 15 years old, her mother passed away. It was a difficult time for the teenager, who was doing well at school and was close to her mother. Before her death, her mother had spoken to her about studying further, telling her that her good marks in economic management science (EMS) were signs that she should pursue a career in accounting.
As an accounting teacher herself, her mother knew what she was talking about and that was when Zamashenge started thinking about a future as a chartered accountant.
Growing up in Esikhawini, a small township outside Empangeni in KwaZulu-Natal, life was not easy. She won a Rural Education Access Program (REAP) bursary to study a BCom degree but took an extra year to complete her studies.
“When I battled, I would always remember my ‘why’,” says Zamashenge, who believes that even though her mother didn’t see her finishing school, graduating from university or preparing to qualify as a chartered accountant; she would be proud of her.
“She drove me to be the person I am today,” says Zamashenge, who is currently an Assistant Lecturer at Milpark Education (School of Professional Accounting). “I remember the talks I had with her when she was still alive, I didn’t understand it at the time because I was too young, but now they make sense.”
Read More: From Failing to Passing at Milpark: My Success Story
She admits that it was tough to do the PGDA for a third time. “I didn’t go home for Christmas or New Year’s that year because I needed to study!” But she says the support she received from Milpark lecturers, assistant lecturers, a mentor, Milpark’s social media, as well as her fellow students, motivated her to keep going. “We started a group called the 5am Study Group and we’d all get up early and study before going to work. It helped to know that I was not alone.”
Before enrolling with Milpark, she watched videos featuring former students. “Everyone was so positive about the school and after speaking to a few people I realised, Milpark could be my home, I just need to give it a try.”
She threw all of herself into this year of study and even though she had to write one supplementary exam, she was ecstatic when she found out she had passed. “That has been a life-changing event for me,” she says. “To be honest, Milpark has proven to be exactly what those alumni said it was. When it comes to support, they give so much more than any other institution I studied at. It is amazing.”
She wants to tell other students that if they are struggling now, to keep going and not give up. “You won’t struggle forever,” she says. “This will pass and later you will look back on this time of your life and know that it was all worth it.
Zamashenge Ginnie Buthelezi’s story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of support. Her journey from a small township in KwaZulu-Natal to becoming an Assistant Lecturer at Milpark Education demonstrates that perseverance can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
Her message to students is clear: no matter how tough the journey gets, stay focused, remember your 'why,' and seek out supportive environments that nurture your growth. In doing so, success will not just be a possibility but an eventual reality. Register with us today.