Every student’s journey to graduation looks different, but for Siyanda Dlamini, a recent University of Johannesburg (UJ) graduate, the path was defined by heavy obstacles and invaluable second chances.
“I had an unshakeable belief that giving up was never an option. I’m sharing my story in the hope that it encourages anyone who feels their past has already written their future, because their current situation does not determine their future. It only determines the starting point, and your future is dictated by the decisions, actions, and mindset you choose today. Imfundo ayigugelwa [you are never too old to learn].”
Siyanda’s journey did not start with perfect grades or an easy high school career. Instead, it began with tough personal lessons. He lived a fast life and made poor choices.
“I was told that ‘a good character is ruined by bad company’.” I failed my grades four times. But those failures taught me my first vital lesson: you never give up. I turned to self-help books, which helped me grow mentally and take responsibility for my life. Then, in Grade 11, I got expelled. It felt like the end, but through mediation in a disciplinary hearing, I was given a second chance. That experience ignited something in me: I fell in love with law, with its power to offer fairness and a fresh start.”
Siyanda treated that fresh start as if it were his last and began his own spiritual journey to help ground him – going to church and Bible study- and never looking back.
After matriculating, lockdown closed the doors to full-time university study. Siyanda decided to enrol in a part-time Paralegal Diploma through UJ’s Continuing Education Programmes (CEPs) and began a long season of working while studying.
Over the years, he worked as a teacher’s assistant, spent two years in warehousing, balanced work and study, and earned distinctions.
“I also worked in various retail stores as a receiving administrator, a floor assistant, and a pharmacy sales assistant. Every job taught me resilience. In my second-last year, I hit another wall. I couldn’t afford my registration fees. I went to Student Finance, and the manager at the Faculty of Law CEP showed me grace. I was allowed to pay a portion of the fees and went on to pass that year with distinctions. I hope I made her proud.”
In his final year (2025), Siyanda began applying for jobs and going for interviews without success.
“But I kept going. After finishing my studies, I continued applying to every law firm around my area, this time with my completion letter and academic transcript. Early in 2026, I got an interview. It was successful. I started in February as a legal cost consultant – a specialised role that few in the country can fill because it requires skill and sharp attention to detail. I excelled within my first month. Then, in late March, I received an offer for a legal secretary position from one of the best law firms in Ekurhuleni. I started on 1 April, and I am thriving.
I want to thank the University of Johannesburg: CEP for changing my life, for giving me hope, and for opening doors I never thought possible.”
Siyanda’s learning hasn’t stopped. He is currently enrolled for an Advanced Diploma in Business Management, building on his business law major. His future aspirations include pursuing a BCom and eventually an MBA.
His advice to any student who is struggling is to never let their past define them.
“Every failure can be a stepping stone, every rejection can redirect you, and with persistence and the right support, you can build a future beyond what you imagined.”
