The transformative power of coaching: One journey, many milestones

For Molebogeng Touto, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Honours in Geography is more than an academic achievement. It is the culmination of a journey shaped by determination, leadership and a commitment to helping other students succeed.

In 2025, Touto joined Unisa’s Student Retention Unit (SRU) through the Student Success Coaching (SSC) Programme. Selected as a Student Success Coach because of her strong academic record as a Unisa graduate, she supported first-year and first-generation students as they navigated the transition to university and the demands of open distance e-learning (ODeL).

At the same time, she was beginning her own postgraduate journey, pursuing a Bachelor of Science Honours in Geography.

Balancing her studies with the demands of coaching was not always easy. There were moments when the pressure made her question whether she could continue.

“There were times I felt like I can’t do this,” she recalls. “But I remembered the students who looked up to me. Dropping out would mean I wasn’t practising what I preached and stood for.”

Her students became part of what kept her going. As she encouraged them to persevere, remain committed and overcome the challenges of university life, she was applying those same lessons to her own journey.

Her honours studies also opened doors beyond the classroom. In May 2026, she and her co-authors presented a paper titled “Transforming distance learning through student coaching: strengthening resilience, equity and retention” at Unisa’s 3rd International Higher Education Conference.

The following month, she presented a co-authored poster, “Scaling student support for inclusive success: lessons from an SSC pilot coaching model”, at the Siyaphumelela Conference.

Her commitment to student success was also recognised within the university. Towards the end of 2025, she was promoted to Administrator within the SSC Programme. The new responsibilities added another layer to an already demanding journey, but Touto remained committed to completing her studies.

She did just that, completing her honours qualification while continuing to contribute to the work of supporting other students.

Touto’s story reflects the vision of the Student Retention Unit: to empower students not only to succeed in their own academic journeys, but also to become role models who help others find their way to success.

Her journey is a reminder that student success is not only measured by the qualifications students earn. It can also be seen in the lives they influence along the way.

Sithi halala, Molebogeng! We are proud of your achievement. Siyaziqhenya ngawe!

* By Ntokozo Sigwane and Mpho Masingi, Student Success Practitioners, Student Retention Unit, DTSFL