Hoping to turn her love of travelling, culture, and the SA countryside into a career

Prudence Motshweni, a Unisa student from Ekangala, a small town near Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng, is passionate about travel, culture and helping people create meaningful experiences. Her love for tourism began with a genuine love for the beautiful countryside and rich heritage of South Africa.

Prudence Motshweni

Motshweni turned this passion into reality when she completed a Diploma in Tourism Management at Unisa in 2024 through funding from the Motsepe Foundation.

The course, she said, gave her a comprehensive understanding of tourism operations, management, marketing, and the importance of sustainable tourism practice, offering the theoretical knowledge and practical skills relevant to the tourism sector.

“Because of how intrigued I have always been by how the tourism industry works and its role in boosting economic growth, my passion transformed into a career aspiration,” she explains. She wants to be part of an industry that sustainably champions local and international tourism.

Motshweni learned about Unisa during career guidance sessions at her former high school and through her online search. The distance learning model's flexibility is what intrigued her, as it would allow her to juggle her studies with other commitments. Unisa’s reputation as one of Africa’s top learning institutions boosted her confidence in the quality of the education she would receive.

Growing up, she was always captivated by the tales travellers shared and the thrill of uncovering new destinations. This sparked her interest in studying tourism. “I noticed how tourism could create jobs and uplift communities, especially in rural areas. This passion led me to pursue studies in tourism, aiming to make a meaningful difference in the industry,” she says.

Her family went through financial hardship, making it challenging to fund her studies. She applied for several bursaries and was fortunate to receive funding from the Motsepe Foundation. “Without that support, achieving my diploma would have been challenging,” she says.

The funding covered her tuition fees, study materials, and other academic costs. The bursary allowed her to concentrate on her studies without worrying about the financial strains. “I am genuinely thankful to the Motsepe Foundation for believing in my future,” concludes Motshweni.

* By Nthabiseng Majeng, Intern: Unisa Foundation and Alumni Relations