LWAMONDO - “I have taught so many professors, doctors, accountants and other high-profile figures. I asked myself what is wrong with me that I can’t also study further. I’m tired of becoming a bridge which every person uses to cross to the other side of the river. I told myself that it is also my turn to make things happen – and here I am today.”

This is a unique message of hope from a 61-year-old granny who silenced her critics when she finally graduated with a two-year National Professional Diploma in Education (NPDE) after 35 years of unbroken teaching service. Nkhumeleni Constance Nevondo became the centre of attention when she ascended the stage with her grey hair, to receive her certificate at a graduation ceremony of the University of Venda last month.

“Age is just a number. The most important thing is dedi-cation and hard work. I have always wanted to improve my education since I started teaching in 1970, but it was not easy – thank you to the University of Venda for giving me a chance to prove myself, although I’m about to retire,” said Nkhumeleni, who teaches at Maphuphe Primary School in Lwamondo-Matatani, outside Thohoyandou.

After completing her standard six, Nkhumeleni started teaching at Ngudza Primary School way back in 1970. She then studied hard to acquire her standard eight certificate through correspondence.

“I had that burning desire to pass my matric and I did not rest until I passed it in 1988, also through correspondence.”

Married to James, a retired prominent educationist, Nkhumeleli said reading broadens her mind and she also plans to further her studies next year. The couple has two grown children who are now independent. “I wish I were still young so that I could fully utilize the studying opportunity, but I thank God because I have at least managed to fulfill part of my dream. I will keep on studying until I lose my sight. I will keep myself busy by reading books, even when I retire. People should know that we do not read books for salary increments, but we read them to acquire more knowledge and to become well informed.”

She has a strong message of encouragement to other elders who think old age is a stumbling block to further studies. “As elders, we are capable of making a contribution in the development of education in our country. We have to compete against our youths in the class because age is against us. I call upon all elders, including pensioners, to get down to their books to improve their life skills for the benefit of our communities.”