When Zenani Tshangela first arrived at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) six years ago, she was a wide-eyed young woman from Khayelitsha, Western Cape, apprehensive about what the future held.
Moving to a new city, not speaking the same language as many of her peers, and facing the unknown left her feeling uneasy.
“The transition was very difficult for me. I was in a completely different environment, fresh from high school, and I didn’t know how to make friends.”
However, choosing UJ was an easy decision—its Politics and International Relations degree aligned with her academic strengths.
“Initially, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I was advised to pursue politics because of the subjects I excelled in at school. My first two years were incredibly challenging because I struggled to grasp the content and didn’t dedicate enough time to my studies.”
It was only in her third year that Zenani changed her approach. She started engaging more with her coursework, conducting extra research, and immersing herself in her readings.
“It became so interesting to me because I was researching examples that helped the modules make sense. I tackled my studies with determination and focused on my readings and research.”
Academic growth and achievements
Although she completed her BA degree, Zenani did not get to walk across the graduation stage due to COVID-19 restrictions.
“I think that experience was a wake-up call. I had to retake a module, which delayed my graduation. When I applied for my Honours, I wasn’t sure I’d meet the requirements because of my average performance in my first two years, but my lecturers encouraged me to apply.”
Determined to succeed, she took full responsibility for her studies. Her perseverance paid off—she graduated cum laude, finally getting the moment to walk across the stage.
“I put in the work and ended up doing extremely well. I couldn’t believe I passed with distinction!”
Zenani shares key advice for students:
“Always keep up with your prescribed readings. Try to engage with your studies in a way that suits you. If you prefer YouTube, find channels that align with your coursework. If you’re in Humanities, stay informed about global affairs. Studying just to pass an exam won’t help—you need to develop a love for your field.”
Her hard work continued to bear fruit. On 6 March 2025, she once again walked across the Sanlam Auditorium stage—this time for her Master’s degree in Politics. Her dissertation, The Transformation of Africa-China Trade from Basic Goods Dependency to High-Tech: Mutually Beneficial or a Perpetuation of Africa’s Disadvantaged Economic Position?, allowed her to explore her growing passion for trade.
“I changed my entire lifestyle and dedicated every day to my studies. Even on days when I was exhausted, I ensured I spent at least two hours reading and researching.”
Now pursuing her PhD, Zenani is considering a thesis on national security and trade.
A future in academia
In addition to her studies, Zenani works at the Academic Development Centre’s Writing Centre, tutoring students in academic writing.
“I started tutoring in 2023, and I love being around students. This journey has allowed me to be like a sister to them. When I was younger, I didn’t have that support and didn’t feel comfortable seeking help. Now, I provide my students with that space, and seeing them improve brings me joy. I truly love teaching.”
Looking ahead, she plans to remain in academia, driven by her passion for research.
“I once thought I’d work in the field, but I love the flexibility of academia. It allows me to keep learning and working on projects that a 9-to-5 job wouldn’t. One day, I want to publish my own articles and books so others can learn from my work.”
As UJ’s graduation season unfolds, over 13,000 students will receive their qualifications at the Auckland Park Kingsway Campus, with Zenani’s remarkable journey serving as an inspiration to many.
