Esther Nkuna, affectionately known as “Mmane/Koko Esther” to those close to her, plays a pivotal role in ensuring students are accommodated in safe and clean spaces. Her life story is also one of resilience, dedication and the power of a supportive community, exemplifying her own strength and the University of Pretoria’s (UP’s) commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

As a Residence Coordinator for the Faculty of Veterinary Science, Nkuna’s daily responsibilities are integral to the smooth running of campus life. From coordinating and supervising residence services to managing housekeeping teams and ensuring compliance with hygiene and safety standards, her role is multifaceted and vital to the UP student community.

She also serves as the main point of contact for student support, ensuring effective communication and seamless operations. Her work involves everything from administering room keys and handling student departures to conducting building inspections and overseeing maintenance. Her contributions ensure that students live in a safe, supportive, hygienic and well-maintained environment.

“I am passionate about offering our students quality of life while living at our residences. While they’re here to obtain life-changing degrees and fulfil their dreams, I serve as a mother figure who listens to them and helps them feel safe,” she beams.

She has received numerous accolades during her career, including a Certificate of Service for 20 years at UP, and a nomination as the Best Performing Coordinator at the Health Sciences and Veterinary Science Campuses. These recognitions are a testament to her dedication and the positive impact she has had on the University community.

But Nkuna’s journey has not been without challenges, both at home and in the workplace.

“As the breadwinner for my family, including three adults and five grandchildren, I have to balance my demanding personal responsibilities with a professional career,” she says.

Her journey didn’t begin at TuksRes, though. She started her career in 1984 in the Dean’s office at UP’s Veterinary Science Faculty, and worked at the Tshwane Municipality for two years before returning to UP in 2006 at the Groenkloof Campus’s Residence Division, where she has since held various roles across different campuses.

In 2014, she was diagnosed with a disability that gradually impacted her mobility. Despite the challenges, she found immense support within the UP community. After transferring to the Health Sciences Campus in 2018, she received both emotional and practical support from her colleagues and the University’s healthcare resources. After knee replacement surgeries in 2022 and 2024, she received ongoing physiotherapy, enabling her to return to work stronger and more determined than ever.

She is grateful for the support UP has provided her throughout her diagnosis, but believes that more needs to be done to educate staff members about the resources available to them. “UP needs to increase awareness and offer more educational workshops on disabilities and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to the wider staff community. I was shocked by the support offered to me just by declaring my diagnosis. Practical support, such as ergonomic office equipment, is necessary to assist staff with physical disabilities in their daily work,” she emphasises.

With over 38 years in the residence management industry, and having been with the Faculty of Veterinary Science for 18 years, Nkuna remains committed to pushing boundaries and achieving her goals, even as she approaches retirement. Her advice to colleagues is simple yet profound: “Continue to learn and empower yourself through education, and invest in your future and your family’s well-being.”

Outside of work, she finds joy in the simple pleasures of life. A jazz enthusiast, she never misses a session on the radio or TV, and she loves spending time with her grandchildren, shopping, and engaging in community activities.

Nkuna’s journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of a supportive community. UP’s commitment to inclusivity has not only allowed her to thrive in her role, but has also enriched the broader university community, ensuring that everyone is catered for.