From Cleaner to Professor: How One Woman Worked Her Way to the Top
News Summary
Prof Puseletso Mofokeng started at the University of Qwaqwa as a cleaner who washed lab glass. Today she is an associate professor and leads a research centre at the same university.
Originally reported by Sowetan.
Why It Matters
This story matters because it shows that your first job does not have to be your last job. Prof Mofokeng started as a cleaner in a chemistry lab in 1999. She was 19 years old. She did not have much money. She could not even pay R750 to go to a computer college. But she stayed close to the work she wanted, watched, learned, and studied part-time. Years later, she earned a Master of Science degree and became a professor.
What This Means for Job Seekers
Many people in South Africa feel stuck. They think that if they start small, they will stay small forever. This story proves that is not true. Employers often promote people who are already inside the company because they know the work, they show up on time, and they keep learning. This means entry-level jobs are not a dead end. They can be the door you walk through.
- Starting as a cleaner, cashier, or general worker can still lead to growth.
- Studying while you work is possible, even if it is slow.
- Being curious and helpful at work can open new tasks and new roles.
- Skills you learn on the job can count as much as a certificate.
Fields That Are Growing
The centre she now leads looks at water, energy, climate change, and how communities cope with hard times. These are growing areas in South Africa. Universities, government, and private companies all need people who understand science, research, and community needs. You do not need to be a professor to enter these fields. Lab assistants, field workers, data capturers, and community coordinators are also needed.
The biggest lesson is simple: your starting point is not your finish line. If you take every chance to learn, ask questions, and work hard, you can move up step by step. It may take years, but it is possible.
Skills In Demand
From Live Job DatabaseCareer Tip
"If you are working in a job below your dreams, treat it like a training ground. Ask your manager if you can help with extra tasks in the area you want to grow in, like helping in the lab, capturing data, or assisting with admin. At the same time, look for part-time or distance learning courses you can do while you work. Write down one new skill you learned each month. When a better role opens up, that list becomes proof that you are ready for more."
