Siyanda Nxumalo is now employed
A graduate from the University of South Africa (UNISA) who spent months job hunting without success, is now employed - thanks to the Diary Series of Deaf People.
Siyanda Nxumalo (32) from Stanger in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa graduated with a Bachelor of Education (Intermediate and Senior Phase) at UNISA early this year. Although he registered with the South African Council for Educators he was struggling to find a job.
On August 10, this publication published a story about the challenges that Nxumalo encountered before his graduation at UNISA and how he managed to graduate against all odds.
Ten days after the Diary Series of Deaf People published an article about his plight, he was offered a job at Sive Special School for the Deaf in the EasternCape.
On why he chose Sive Special School for the Deaf, he said: “They were the first to approach me. Sive Special School for the Deaf knew my teaching skills because I [did my] teaching practicals [there] two years ago. They wanted me [to work with them] because they needed a [competent] Deaf educator to teach English. After my story was published, they were the first to approach me.”
Asked how he intends to help Deaf learners at the school to achieve their goals, Nxumalo said: “I want to impact them positively as a role model so that they can succeed. I will teach them South African Sign Language (SASL) and break down language barriers. I will also help Deaf learners to learn the difference between SASL and English.”
“I will ensure that learners visit different workplaces that can help them choose their interests [regarding] a future career. I will be actively involved in their lives and experiences, both within and outside the classroom.”
Still basking in the euphoria of securing employment, Nxumalo has words of commendation and recommendation to the Diary Series of Deaf People for its impactful, solution-oriented journalism:
Within a short space of its launch, the publication has through its stories and investigative pieces brought solutions, inspiration and hope to persons with disabilities in South Africa. These testimonies are published in its Testimonial page.
The editor-in-chief of the publication, Vicky Abraham said, "Our stories aren't hyped but driven by truth to pursue solutions for marginalised voices of the Deaf and other people in South Africa and beyond."
