Fighting For Change
Bona|September 2017

Associate professor Katijah Khoza-Shangase (42) is the only black South African to be awarded a PhD in speech pathology and audiology. She chats to us about her mission to make universities inclusive.

Fundiswa Nkwanyana
Fighting For Change

My early childhood memories include reading books.

I come from a poor family. Growing up I didn’t have toys and we had no TV, so I spent most of my time reading books. This unlocked my imagination and made me see a world beyond our little farm in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal.

Receiving a scholarship in grade 10 enriched my life.

I was able to attend St Luke’s Senior College, a private school in Johannesburg. This exposed me to good-quality education, in a multilingual and multicultural school. During matric, I did a career assessment test, which showed that I could excel in speech pathology and audiology. I researched this career path and was shocked when I found out that there was a lack of black professionals in the sector and none on an academic level. This motivated me to enrol at Wits University to study towards a degree in speech pathology and audiology. I excelled in my studies until I got to PhD level because I was determined to change the status quo.

This story is from the September 2017 edition of Bona.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September 2017 edition of Bona.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BONAView All
Damage At Work: Who Pays?
Bona

Damage At Work: Who Pays?

What happens when you damage company property or property that belongs to your employer? Are you liable for the costs?

time-read
5 mins  |
June 2020
Safety Tips When Driving With Kids
Bona

Safety Tips When Driving With Kids

The roads we drive on can be quite treacherous. Car safety is not only limited to you as a driver, but also your passengers including your children. Vuyi Mpofu gives us six safety tips that you must abide by.

time-read
3 mins  |
June 2020
The Impact Of The Coronavirus
Bona

The Impact Of The Coronavirus

When COVID-19 hit South Africa, it came as no surprise that the virus would impact vulnerable communities such as townships and rural areas the hardest. The frequently asked questions since then have been whether the government has given enough information and resources to the people in disadvantaged areas or not. Everson Luhanga investigates further.

time-read
5 mins  |
June 2020
Financially Surviving Covid-19
Bona

Financially Surviving Covid-19

Our finance guru, Sinesipho Maninjwa, shares advice on how you can navigate and survive the financial impact of the coronavirus.

time-read
9 mins  |
June 2020
All I Want Is A Baby
Bona

All I Want Is A Baby

Trying to conceive with no success, and undergoing fertility treatment can take its toll on your relationship. This is the reality for many couples, and yet it remains a taboo subject.

time-read
4 mins  |
June 2020
THE TRUTH ABOUT - feminine hygiene products
Bona

THE TRUTH ABOUT - feminine hygiene products

Despite numerous attempts by medical professionals to debunk the need for feminine hygiene products, numerous women still use them. Lethabo Nxumalo finds out why and if they are truly putting you at risk.

time-read
4 mins  |
June 2020
THREE GENERATIONS OF MTOBA women
Bona

THREE GENERATIONS OF MTOBA women

Linda Mtoba (27) is a mom, and she’s extremely happy about it. She chats to Amanda Mtuli about her pregnancy and what motherhood has taught her thus far. She also introduces us to her beautiful daughter, Bean. We are lucky to have the matriarch of the family, Linda’s mother Celiwe Mtoba (47), present during the interview. She lovingly gushes over her first grandchild while giving us insight into what it was like raising Linda.

time-read
9 mins  |
June 2020
THE OLDER SIBLING Blues
Bona

THE OLDER SIBLING Blues

Expecting the arrival of your bundle of joy may be exciting for you and your partner, but might not be so thrilling for your older child. Experts say kids sometimes struggle to accept the changes that a newborn brings. Fundiswa Nkwanyana spoke to some of them to help you prepare your firstborn for the new family member.

time-read
4 mins  |
June 2020
Owning THE SPOTLIGHT
Bona

Owning THE SPOTLIGHT

Film and TV star Fulu Mugovhani (29), currently graces our screens as Noli on the M-Net series, Still Breathing. The former Scandal! actress talks about getting into showbiz and lessons learnt on and off the stage.

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2020
Life After losing a child
Bona

Life After losing a child

A parent’s worst fear is the death of a child. And, when that fear becomes a reality, grief becomes unbearable and acceptance seems impossible. Four readers share intimate details of their journeys.

time-read
8 mins  |
June 2020