College of Education
Unisan climbs the academic ladder from cleaner to aspiring educator
Rodo Mbendane, Unisa staff member and alumna
Rodo Mbendane, a mother of three, is living proof that determination, hard work and the right support can transform lives. Currently, a team leader in the Department of University Estates under Cleaning Services at Unisa, Mbendane’s story is one of perseverance and the powerful role education can play in changing one’s future. She graduated at Unisa on 2 June 2025 with a Bachelor of Education in the Intermediate Phase.
Her journey with Unisa began in 2014 when she worked for the then-contracted cleaning company, Fedics. In 2018, she was among the employees successfully insourced by Unisa. This turning point opened doors to personal and professional development, including a policy-driven training and development initiative championed by the university for qualifying employees.
By 2023, her leadership abilities were formally recognised with her appointment as a team leader, a role she continues to embrace with pride and commitment. Determined to reach even greater heights, Mbendane enrolled for a Bachelor of Education in the Intermediate Phase at Unisa, taking advantage of the university’s unique position as an employer that actively supports its staff's academic growth and development. Her goal was clear: to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a qualified teacher.
"Unisa didn’t just offer me a job, they gave me a future," Mbendane says. "They made it possible for me to work and study simultaneously."
Unisa stands out as one of South Africa’s leading employers by providing comprehensive study benefits to staff. The university supported Mbendane with financial assistance for her studies, allocated 25 days annually over four years to allow her to complete her practical teaching requirements, and helped her navigate the online learning environment. Whether it was for understanding course material, accessing online learning resources, or engaging with fellow students and lecturers through discussion forums, Unisa ensured she was not walking her academic journey alone.
Coming from a background where financial constraints made university education impossible after matric, Mbendane’s story reflects the critical role Unisa plays in bridging opportunity gaps. She initially completed short courses to improve her qualifications, but the chance to earn a degree came only when Unisa absorbed her into the institution. Her gratitude to Unisa management is heartfelt.
"Without Unisa, my dream would have remained just a dream," she says. "I’m now pursuing my honours degree, and I still have more I want to achieve." She encourages fellow employees to take full advantage of the opportunities available to them at Unisa. "This institution gives us the tools; we just need to be brave enough to use them," she articulates.
Mbendane’s story is more than a personal success; it reflects Unisa’s commitment to investing in its people. It further showcases what’s possible when an employee values education, career advancement and lifelong learning, irrespective of their position or rank within the university. Her journey from cleaner to aspiring educator serves as a powerful symbol of hope and inspiration not only for Unisa staff but for anyone determined to change their life through the power of education.
* By Freddy Abilio Mlambo, Acting Communication and Marketing Specialist, College of Education
Publish date: 2025-07-15 00:00:00.0
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