MAKONDE – “It is possible for a school drop-out to obtain a university degree. You can be what you want to be, as long as you are hard working, motivated and disciplined. You have to aim high and persevere until you attain your goals. Manage your time effectively and never procrastinate, because procrastination is the thief of time.”

These are the wise words from Eric Nemukula (31) of Makonde Village, north of Thohoyandou, who only had Grade 10 when he joined the Department of Correctional Services as a Prison Warder in 1996. Two years later, he completed his Grade 12 via correspondence. As if that was not enough, he took everyone by surprise when he graduated with an LLB degree at the University of Venda two weeks ago.

Though he is a proud lawyer by profession, Nemukula still works as a prison warder at Thohoyandou Correctional Centre (Matatshe), but he dreams of pursuing a legal career one day, to make a significant contribution in the improvement of the judiciary system of his country.

“Many people drop out of school and never dream of improving their education. I want to prove the fact that being a high school drop-out does not mean that one is useless. This is the time to improve ourselves and to do something that will enhance our lives and also benefit our communities,” said Nemukula.

Before studying law, he tried his luck with Penology (the study of punishment of criminals and management of prisoners) and Correctional Services Management, but he changed his mind after realizing that he had taken a wrong career path. However, Nemukula admits that the road to his academic achievement was never easy, as he had to overcome many obstacles to be what he is today.

“I pass my special gratitude to the prison management who approved my request to work during the night so that I might attend classes at the University of Venda during the day. For the past four years, I reported for duty at 00:00 midnight until 08:00, but that was never a burden for me because I had a burning desire to achieve my goal of obtaining a law degree. Learning is a life-long process and I will continue to study, because my dream is to become an advocate.”

Nemukula, who is married to Catherine, with two kids, encourages those who are still young to pursue schooling before jumping into the job market, as it is not easy to cope with the employer’s expectations while at the same time continuing with studies.

When Mirror asked him how he strikes a balance between his job, family commitments, community involvement and studies, Nemuluka said: “Proper planning and effective time management are my only recipe for success.”

The Acting Commissioner of Thohoyandou Area Management, Mr Mbulaheni Sikhwivhilu, said the Department of Correctional Services is proud of Nemukula’s achievements and he believes that other employees will learn from Nemukula that it is possible to improve their educational qualifications while they are working.

“Nemukula has done a wonderful job which also promotes the image of our department, and we encourage other staff members to study further as provisions for bursaries and study loans are available in our department,” said Sikhwivhilu.