Posted on August 09, 2021
NAS Women: Every day, I can do better than yesterday
Women's Month: Focus on Ms Mihloti Mkhatshwa
Q: Job title and in which department/research entity do you work?
A: Head of Student Administration Department
Q: What has been the highlight of your career?
A: Getting appointed as the Head of Student Administration at the age of 31. I always looked at the position as a 'retirement position'. So when a former colleague sent me the advert and insisted that I applied, I thought there was no way they would appoint someone my age. I did so as I was amazed that my colleague had faith in me and didn't want to disappoint her. When I got the job, I had to review my career goals as I knew there was no way I could stay in that same position for the next 29 years. Since then, my career goal post keeps on moving as I know that I can do better every day than yesterday.
Q: What inspires you?
A: Women achievements, big or small. From a cleaner who takes care of her family from the meagre wages, they are paid to our very own 'Trailblazer,' Professor Mantsae Diale, who does the most in a male-dominated space. It would be improper not to mention one of my many role models Professor Mamokgethi Pakheng the Vice-Chancellor at UCT, whose career I have followed since her time as the Convocation President at Wits University.
Q: What challenges have you experienced in your career?
A: I was naive to believe that women automatically supported each other in the place of work until I realised that it was women who challenged me the most in my career. I, however, embrace those experiences as they have made me the strong, resilient woman I am today.
Q: What message do you have for the youth of South Africa?
A: Procrastination is the thief of time. Do not wait for anyone to validate your dreams. "If you think about it, you can achieve it".
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