Rising Above the Odds: Ayanda’s Journey to Success

A Spark Ignited

In the heart of Tabayengwe Village, where hope often feels distant, 19-yearold Ayanda Ndlovu’s story shines as a symbol of courage and perseverance. Raised by her grandmother, Ayanda grew up knowing what it meant to struggle — not for lack of love, but because life had given them little to work with. “My grandmother worked hard just to make sure I went to school,” Ayanda recalls. “Sometimes I was sent back home for not paying school fees, and I would cry, but she always said, ‘Education is your way out, don’t give up.’”

When Ayanda was chosen to be a prefect in primary school, she thought her dream of becoming a leader had finally begun. But the joy was short-lived. “I remember the day I told my grandmother,” she says, her voice softening. “She smiled but looked worried. We didn’t have the money for the prefect’s uniform. That night, she told me, ‘My child, I may not have money, but one day you’ll wear something more important — success.’ Those words kept me going.”

Life was tough, but Ayanda’s determination never wavered. At 14, she joined the Sisonke Girls Club, a decision that changed everything. “Before Sisonke, I was quiet and didn’t believe in myself,” she admits. “But the club helped me find my voice. We learnt about self-esteem, leadership, and making good choices. It was like my mind opened for the first time.”

The lessons she gained at Sisonke became her anchor. “Some of my friends who weren’t part of the club got pregnant and dropped out of school,” she says sadly. “It was painful to watch. But Sisonke taught me to value my dreams. I told myself I wouldn’t stop until I achieved something.”

A Journey of Growth and Empowerment

As Ayanda grew older, she transitioned to the iThuba Club, where her confidence blossomed even more. “iThuba was a turning point,” she says with pride. “I learnt computer skills, professionalism, and entrepreneurship. It gave me the tools to believe I could work anywhere, even beyond my village.”

She remembers vividly the day she used a computer for the first time. “I opened my first email at iThuba,” she says with a laugh. “It might sound small, but to me, it meant freedom — a connection to the world beyond what I had known. It showed me that I belonged somewhere bigger.”

Local partners also played a huge role in inspiring her. “Palm Hospitality, New Dawn Africa, and Furusa Guest House didn’t just visit — they showed us that dreams are possible,” she explains. “They made me realize that success doesn’t depend on where you come from, but on what you do with what you have.”

Triumphant Steps into the Future

Ayanda’s next chapter began when she received a GSGC scholarship through iThuba to study Culinary Arts — a field that would open the door to her dream of entering the hospitality industry. “When I got that scholarship, I couldn’t stop crying,” she remembers. “It felt like all the nights of praying and hoping were finally answered. Culinary Arts wasn’t just about cooking for me, it was my way into the hospitality world.” She trained at Peniel Retreat Center, where she prepared for her Class 1 Trade Test. “Cooking became more than just something I loved,” she says proudly. “It became my future — a way to create, to serve, and to change my story.”

“I’m now preparing to start studying Hospitality Management,” she shares excitedly. “That has always been my ultimate dream, to understand the whole industry and grow into leadership. I believe this is just the beginning.”

Then one day, her mentor at iThuba called with unexpected news. “She told me there was an opening at Furusa Guest House as an administrator and that I should go for the interview,” Ayanda recalls. “I was nervous, but also ready. I prepared myself, went for the interview — and I got the job! I saw it as a door opening into my journey.”

Now, Ayanda works as the administrator at Furusa Guest House, where she oversees daily operations with grace and professionalism. “Every time I walk into work, I think about how far I’ve come,” she says with a smile. “From being the girl who couldn’t afford a uniform to a young woman overseeing a guest house — it feels like a dream come true.”

A Mentor’s Pride

“It warms my heart to see Ayanda climb so high,” says her mentor, Talent Muyambo. “She has shown other girls that it’s possible to rise above poverty and circumstance. She became the first in her family to go to college, thanks to the GSGC scholarship, and she continues to inspire others to keep going.”

Looking back, Ayanda’s journey is one of faith, persistence, and hope. “Poverty tried to stop me,” she says with quiet strength. “But through the support I received, I found my wings. I want every girl to know that it doesn’t matter how small your beginnings are, what matters is believing you can rise above them.”