After many years of hard labour, perseverance and helpful hands from previous employers who identified his potential, former gardener Mr Patrick Malesu graduated with a National Diploma in Electrical Engineering from the University of South Africa (UNISA) in June 2019.
Mr Malesu, who is from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, says that he never gave up on his dream of getting a university qualification. “I realised that it was the key to acquiring a better life. Growing up, I was taught that education is the only sustainable way to get out of poverty,” he told the Times Live.
Mr Malesu still sends help to his siblings in DRC, and unfortunately, his mother did not live long enough to see his dream come true. She passed away last year.
He says what drove him was the unity of purpose that came to him as he saw all the struggles around him.
“My story is not unique but I hope that through me those who fought hard to change their lives will be encouraged. Many Unisa students are fighters. We are here for a reason, and we have a story to tell. What kept me motivated along the way was the knowledge that if I didn’t complete my studies, my children might endure the same as I did – having no hope to access a better life.” he adds.
Mr Malesu’s journey starts in Waterkloof, an opulent Tshwane suburb. “I went door to door looking for any job that could change my situation. I was finally employed by an Italian woman who taught me how to operate a lawn-mower, and I became her full-time gardener,” he says.
He also says he struggled to adjust from mainly speaking French as had been the case in DRC, to now learning English; a language that is widely spoken in South Africa.
To learn the language, he bought an English lexicon and registered with Unisa to study part-time.
He says he refused to succumb to excuses of not finding time to study, learning to be creative and work under sheer pressure.
Mr Malesu’s captivating character and perseverance touched many of his employers’ hearts, and some helped to pay education fees.
“Every module you pass is a step closer to your graduation. My positive attitude caused many people to help me along the way.” He says.
He also worked as a part-time gardener for Unisa academics Emeritus Professor Jopie Pretorius and his daughter Dr Antoinette Pretorius, a senior lecturer in the English department. This he says changed his perception of education and class.
“I was impressed by Prof Pretorius, who trusted me and was comfortable enough to leave his house keys with me,” says Mr Malesu.
“His daughter, Dr Pretorius did not treat me differently, as most employers do. She is young and her example gave me hope that one day I could be called Dr Patrick Malesu if I work hard.” He adds.
“It is not often that one meets someone who changes his life the way Professor Pretorius has changed mine,” he says.
Praising his former employee, Prof Pretorius says he also learnt alot from Mr Malesu. “We had many conversations in which he expressed his admiration for what I have achieved academically. I reminded him repeatedly that my journey has been a lot smoother and easier than his as I was born into a life of privilege. These were humbling moments for me.” He says.
According to Prof Pretorius, Malesu’s academic success is due to his relentless pursuit. “He worked as a full-time gardener six days a week, and yet he still found time to study through lecture notes over earphones. This creative approach to problem-solving is characteristic of his personality, as is his passion for his studies, his future and his determination to achieve success in life, against tremendous odds.” He adds.
Prof Bhekie Mamba, executive dean of Unisa’s College of Science, Engineering and Technology said “Patrick Malesu’s success story should serve as an example to other students that nothing can stand up against hard labor and determination in achieving one’s academic ambition and career goals.
“It also shows that the quality of learning materials, lecturers’ inputs and student support provided by the college ensured that an enabling environment for Malesu to learn was in place,” He says.
For Malesu, the journey is just beginning, how he hopes to keep rising in the academic sphere, maybe one, we will be here talking about a Prof Malesu who walked from DR Congo to success.
