Question 1
Read the case study and answer the questions that follow.
Lindiwe’s career story
‘*My initial career goal was becoming a financial advisor. When I was in Grade 7 my class teacher
advised me to drop Mathematics. He argued that it would be difficult for an African person, let
alone an African woman to ever secure a position as a Financial Advisor. Now when I look back,
] realised that agreeing to that form of mentality was the worst mistake that I made in my life. In
the same year, my father ordered me out of school because he believed that educating a girl child
was a waste of money. He claimed that I would get married one day and make someone rich with
my education.
I was 11 years old and already living my worst nightmare. I had to go and work as a domestic
worker for a white family. My peers were in school and the embarrassment of being out of school
and working as a domestic worker almost killed me. I worked as a domestic worker for almost two
years when one of my aunts organized a job for me in a primary school where I also worked as
domestic worker. I do not recall how good the pay was because my father demanded it all. He
always wanted it in a sealed khaki envelope and did not give me even a cent. On my 16" birthday,
I secretly started buying and selling fruit and vegetables during my spare time as I needed to earn
money for myself.
I used the money I made to register for Grade 10 through correspondence. Doing hard manual
work from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm, was energy sapping and extremely strenuous. At that time,
however, I was very angry and determined to try anything that would liberate me from my dire
situation. It took me two years to acquire the famous Grade 10. My step mother would not let me
use house candles. I had to do most of my reading by moonlight, which is why I wear spectacles
today.
After obtaining my Grade 10 certificate, I applied for training at a nursing school. It was not
because I loved nursing, I wanted to escape from home. I was surprised when my application was
accepted. I trained as a nurse and somehow began to appreciate and love nursing. I obtained
distinctions all through my studies. The hard work opened my doors for me and I was then able to
progress much faster in my career. I later obtained a Matric certificate through correspondence and
went on to complete a BA (Honours) at the University of South Africa (UNISA). I was awarded a
couple of diplomas as well.
Now I work as a chief matron at a prominent medical institution. I still love working with figures
and I appreciate and enjoy my current career even though I initially opted for it out of frustration.
Most patients that I have come across have informed me that my personal approach makes them
feel that they are in capable hands. I must admit that this makes me get more motivated to make a
difference in people’s lives.