Education the key to success for KZN woman

FOR TRACY Nyongwana, success didn’t come by chance, but it was crafted through discipline, strategy and an unshakeable belief in the power of education.

- SIPHESIHLE BUTHELEZI

At just 23 years old, the process engineer in training at Sasol has completed two degrees in five years — a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Applied Chemistry Engineering degree at Wits University. But behind the milestones is a young woman who learned early that success demands intentional choices.

“I didn’t have to be the smartest,” Nyongwana said. “I just had to be willing to learn, ask questions, believe and keep showing up.”

Raised in a disadvantaged household in Verulam, north of Durban, Nyongwana made the decision in high school that she would change her life through education, even before knowing if she'd ever afford university.

Her turning point came in Grade 9, when she fought to qualify for a German-sponsored scholarship to attend school at Sacred Heart Secondary School.

This meant managing long days packed with chores like cooking, cleaning and caring for siblings, before she could sit down to study until 3am. “It was exhausting, but the scholarship opportunity motivated me to push through,” she said.