In 2021, Funani Sibiya set herself the goal of obtaining her Master’s in Public Administration degree within two years. Little did she know how much would happen in those two years. She had no idea how she would fund her studies, she was employed on a contract basis, but she knew she had a goal and she had self-determination. She was proud to complete her first year successfully and was enthusiastic about writing her research in year two. 

2022 was a watershed year - a year that would test her to the limits of both joy and sorrow. Her beloved mother-in-law passed away early in the year only to be followed by a close friend  shortly after this. Funani succumbed to a deep depression made worse through high blood pressure spikes. She decided to take time off and focus on her mental wellbeing. 

It was during that period that she learned she and her family would be blessed with a baby and at the same time, she was offered a permanent position. Her seesaw of a year continued when her husband had to relocate for his work and she shouldered all the household responsibilities. Her pregnancy was high-risk because of her blood pressure and she was told she needed bedrest and ended up in hospital. The hospital was a blessing in disguise. Funani says “if it was not for this pregnancy, I would not have completed my studies”.

She was contacted by her supervisor who reminded her that time was running out and she had fallen behind in her studies. She took her bedrest as a sign - she had the dedicated time and place to focus on her research. She completed her research and commented “my baby is more familiar with the statutory framework governing procurement corruption than she is with nursery rhymes”. Funani has realised that challenges are part of life and should not stop you from reaching your goals. Despite life’s ups and downs, Funani triumphantly walked across the graduation stage on 21 April 2023.