“Youth Month is a reminder of the responsibility one has to carry on from where the previous generation left off and to make a difference in the lives of others,” says Dr Lufuno Sadiki of the Department of Social Work and Criminology, who tells Tukkievaria more about herself and the values she holds dear.

Dr Lufuno Sadiki of the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Department of Social Work and Criminology is someone who counts her blessings and keeps her values close to her heart. She talks about those values, her upbringing and what Youth Month means to her.

Tell us about yourself.

I am a bubbly, friendly, kind person. I get along well with people. And I think because I am a first-born, to my own detriment, I love being there for people, putting others first and being kind to people. Most importantly, I am family-oriented and value friendships. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for my family, especially my nephew and niece, Tondani and Funanani.

What was your childhood like?

I was raised by my maternal grandmother in a small village called Makahlule in Limpopo. That was for the first eight years of my life. I was practically my grandmother’s last-born – that means I was super spoiled and surrounded by so much love. I would go with my uncle and aunt to school whenever I was bored. As a result, I started my primary school learning quite early. When I was about eight, I started staying with my parents, which meant moving to yet another small town, Louis Trichardt, also in Limpopo in the Vhembe District. That is where I went to primary and high school. My childhood was filled with so much adventure and fun, and lots of learning.

What is your favourite childhood memory?

One of my favourite memories is making tea for anyone and everyone who passed by my grandmother’s place. Someone would be walking by and my grandmother would ask if she could offer them tea. Tea time was always an adventure as a result of my grandmother’s generosity.

My other favourite childhood memory is coming home from school and playing. Growing up, I was surrounded by people and kids. There was a game called “fashion” that we used to play. We’d divide into teams of two and played against each other. One day, almost all my aunts, uncles and cousins and the neighbours came out to play the game. I remember being surrounded by so much love, laughter and joy. I guess that’s why this memory stands out for me. When I look back, I am reminded of how a childhood is supposed to be. It's supposed to be carefree, fun and filled with joy, laughter and no worries.

What does your role as a senior lecturer entail and how long have you been at UP?

It entails postgraduate supervision; teaching and learning; conducting research; attending conferences, where I get to share my expertise with like-minded scholars; forming research collaborations; and providing expert information for media interviews.

Prior to being a staff member at UP, I was a student at the University. In fact, I obtained all my degrees from UP. After completing my honours in Criminology, I worked as a Criminology lecturer at the University of Venda for two years while being registering for a master’s degree in the same discipline. I then worked at TopicWorx as an information analyst for another two years before joining UP in 2017.

I ended up at UP because I had always wanted to do my PhD here. I guess I have always known that I would one day end up in academia. I have always been someone who's very determined. And if I set my heart on something, I go for it. Wanting to pursue my doctoral degree set in motion my career in academia.

As a child, what did you want to be one day?

I wanted to be a doctor, yet I can’t even stand blood!

What is the best career advice you have ever received? 

My mentor, Prof Francois Steyn, loves saying: “Lufuno, you must always keep your eye on the prize.” That helped me focus on getting my PhD done in record time, and being promoted in such a short time from lecturer to senior lecturer.

What does Youth Month mean to you?

It’s important to acknowledge our history and where we come from, and when I think about my maternal grandmother, I am reminded that she was denied a lot of things based on her race and gender. She didn't have a lot of opportunities. That's why for me, it is important that I seize all the opportunities that come my way, as a black person but also as a woman.

There was a time that people with my skin colour and of my gender could not do certain work or could not be in certain spaces. So for me, it means seizing those opportunities, taking up those spaces, but also making a difference for the next generation. It’s about the generation before me, but also the generation behind me – what am I leaving for the next generation and me trying to build a legacy. Therefore, Youth Month is a reminder of the responsibility one has to carry on from where the previous generation left off and to make a difference in the lives of others

Is there a piece of advice that you have for young people?

You’re never too young and never too old to go after your dreams and do what you love. Also, most importantly, always be kind to others. Kindness is everything and we must never lose the essence of our humanity.

I would also urge youth to work hard and be consistent, because talent can take you so far. You still need to put in the work and always give 100%. And lastly, seize all the opportunities that come your way as you never know which will lead you to your destiny. Don’t be too proud to learn or to ask questions.

What’s your favourite quote?

It’s a Bible verse – Psalm 27:13: “I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”

Favourites:

Food: I love Greek salad (weird, right?)

Music: Afro beats, gospel and old R&B

Author/book: My favourite book is Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi and my favourite author is Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Artist: Currently Asake (his song ‘Organise’ has been on repeat since its release).