Proud Unisa alumna bridges distance and fuels career growth

After struggling with depression and repeatedly registering and deregistering, Lindiwe Zamandaba Kati finally achieved her dream of obtaining a Bachelor of Information Science degree from Unisa.

Lindiwe Zamandaba Kati

“Each time I assisted a Unisa student, whether with textbook collection or registration, I was reminded that I, too, was a Unisa student,” says Kati. “Despite personal hardships, I was contributing to a bigger cause. I couldn't allow myself to fall short of Unisa’s mission of making information resources accessible, even in rural areas, so that students don’t feel disconnected from the institution.”

Her proactiveness and passion for library services started in grade 8 in 1998, after being chosen as Lusibalukhulu High School's library monitor. From that stage of her life, she knew she was destined for a profession that would allow her to work in an environment filled with books. “I never imagined the journey would be so difficult,” she says. “For six years, my family survived by selling mealies. But I held on to my dream of working in a public library.”

In 2008, Kati began working as a library computer assistant at the Dr Margaret Mncadi Library (known as Ixopo Public Library). Through her involvement in assisting Unisa students with applications, typing, and registrations, as well as keeping their study material when it was delivered, she was inspired to advance her career by applying and registering for a Bachelor of Information Science degree at Unisa. She obtained her degree on 12 June 2025 during the autumn graduations. “I’m proud to be an alumnus of Unisa, and I’m eternally grateful that I have an opportunity to contribute to making life easy for students who reside in the Ubuhlebezwe Local Municipality,” she says. “Truly, distance is not an obstacle to studying and thriving in one’s career.”

Because of Unisa’s initiative to make information resources available in public libraries, Kati believes that “Unisa is special”. “I take initiative,” she says. “Even before official opening hours, I find myself tempted to assist students, and many of them are convinced I’m employed by Unisa.”

As she advanced her studies while gaining hands-on experience in the library environment, her admiration for Unisa’s course content, particularly its relevance and reliability, grew. “The quality of the content incorporated in the modules, the study guides, the assessment style, and the structure of examinations prepares you for the corporate world. I was truly able to grow productively in my daily work,” she explains.

However, there are still challenges. Kati notes that the Dr Margaret Mncadi Library serves 14 wards, yet many community members still lack an understanding of the role of libraries. She believes more must be done to advance satisfaction of information needs in the community.

“To all students pursuing their studies through Unisa, I want to assure you that Unisa is the best institution,” she advises. “I made it against all odds. At some point during my studies, I had to navigate a complicated pregnancy. I had to maintain a healthy balance between being a mother and being a student and, above all, still had to go to work. The worst times were when I fainted; it happened more than once. The best time is now since I have obtained my degree. I believe that you can also make it. I wish you all the best in your studies and future endeavours.”

* By Mxolisi Phakeme Nxumalo, Communication and Marketing Intern,  KZN Region