Kim Hickley - Graduating Class of 2008

I was born and raised in Cape Town and matriculated in 2004 but there was problem with study money as the education policy my Mommy took out when I was a baby will pay out only in 2010. Then my parents saw a TV show with Noleen with Taddy Blatcher about CIDA and TSiBA. They encouraged me to apply and I entered my foundation year with TSiBA in 2005. Now I’m in my second year BBA.

As students at TSiBA we have so many opportunities available to us – a better education, better values, better life (coaching & leadership skills, mentors etc). The hard part is the different system of education, not just studies but so much more required from us, but I know we will benefit in the end. We are thrown together with our different cultures and backgrounds which was not easy at first. I didn’t even open my mouth before I came to TSiBA - now have a voice, I’m not afraid to speak out. This system changes you into a whole person, a leader of the future, with the encouragement of the directors and tutors.

I am the youngest of four and have a sister and two brothers. TSiBA comes into our family life too. My father does freelance photography and is busy with a course on setting up small businesses. This is being run by TSiBA Entrepreneurs whose intention is to put the course fees back into TSiBA so that one day the Institute will be independent and not reliant on sponsorship. He was also a volunteer at TSiBA to try and pay it forward for what they have done for me – he did the maintenance work. My brother wants to set up a catering business and my other brother and sister-in-law want to set up a courier business – all with the assistance of TSiBA Entrepreneurs.

Mkhuseli Ngube - Graduating Class of 2009

I was born and bred in East London and matriculated in 1996. I enrolled for a three year marketing and business management course at Damelin College but had the money to complete only one year. In 1998 and 1999 I was doing nothing in East London so I decided to look for work in Cape Town and first joined a merchandising company in the Siltek group, then worked as a security guard at Cavendish Square for Securicor.

In 2004 I saw an article in a community newspaper about a new university offering free education. I thought, free? No, that could never be, must be a fly-by-night. But the next year, I saw it advertised again and this time I decided to investigate. I went to TSiBA, spoke to the receptionist, filled in the application form and, as they say, the rest is history!

In 2006 I enrolled for my foundation year and in 2007 began my official first year of the Bachelor of Business Administation degree. I expect to graduate in 2009 provided I keep on passing. But I must tell you it is difficult to fail with the support we receive as TSiBA gives us theoretical and practical studies.

Recently I read in the Sunday Times about graduates who enter the job market unprepared, with just their certificates and no practical ability. At TSiBA we get a good grounding in leadership, self-development and career direction. I will be doing an internship for six months which will prepare me for my chosen work place and I’m confident I will be fully prepared.(which will happen in the last year)

When I applied to TSiBA I was working in a coffee shop and management agreed I could begin full-time studies and work weekends. It is quite tough, a seven-day week, but while others are struggling to pay for accommodation and food, I am earning just enough money to cover my basic living costs. I hope I will be able to stay on the ball but as long as I am studying at TSiBA, I am living my dream.

Thobela Mfeti - Graduating Class of 2010

I was born in Cape Town and attended school in Cape Town and the Transkei where I lived with my sister, young brother and grandmother. When I was in Grade 9 my father wanted us to change the medium of instruction – he believed in a good education – and my sister and I joined my parents in Cape Town. My father enrolled me in Brackenfell High School as I was happy with the challenges of a white school and I learned to stand up for myself and be independent.

In February 2003 my father was killed in a car accident, just a month before my mother left her job. After the funeral in the Transkei we returned to Cape Town with my brother. Back at school I went to the principal because we had no money for fees. He advised me to apply for a fee discount to remain in school. My mother’s siblings supported us with expenses, food and transport. Then in 2005 my mother found a job as a domestic worker and one year later she opened her own restaurant. I helped out before and after school and in 2006 I began studying for Matric. My mother closed the business for a R300 a week job in a restaurant/bar – long hours but they provided transport. I was busy applying for bursaries and studying hard and I managed to pass Matric. Then my mother had to quit her job.

I heard about TSiBA from a friend in 2005 and my teacher in late 2006 but I thought it was too late to apply. Then a guy who was studying at TSiBA said applications were still being accepted. In a great rush I completed my enrolment form and it was handed in on 1 December 2006. Being so late I didn’t believe I would get in and to my surprise TSiBA called me in for a briefing. The test was very difficult and when I heard I had made it, I screamed!

TSiBA wants people with potential – if you have that and meet all the requirements, you are accepted. There is no age limit – no personal limit. If a person is a breadwinner, and can find other ways to maintain the family, TSiBA will accept them. Some people do casual work at weekends to support themselves. My mother is supporting me.

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