For Spirit Foundation alumnus, Simfumene Xhantilomzi Saliwa, graduating with a BCom from the University of the Witwatersrand marked the culmination of a journey filled with challenges, self-discovery, and persistence.
A graduate of Claremont High School in Cape Town, Saliwa had lived his entire life in Philippi before moving to Johannesburg to begin his university studies. Adapting to the cultural diversity and academic pressure at Wits was daunting. Academic struggles followed, especially in his first year.
“It was the biggest challenge I had faced,” he recalls. “First time on a plane, first time in Joburg, first time leaving my family. Life was coming at me fast, but I had to toughen up and trust the process.
“I was used to the predominant cultures of Cape Town, but now I was witnessing every single culture Mzansi had on offer.” “I almost repeated first year because of Accounting and Computational and Applied Mathematics, but I persevered thanks to my close friends and inner resilience.”
Determined to broaden his horizons, Saliwa took on a leadership role in his third year. I decided to become the football coach of my residence, Yale Village. It was a unique challenge leading my peers — some even older than me — but one of the experiences I enjoyed the most.”
The final year brought even more academic pressure, with demanding modules in Information Systems and Corporate Finance.
“The final year was not a joke. But I pushed through the struggles and passed all my modules with grit and determination.”
Now a graduate with a double major in Information Systems and Corporate Finance and Investment, Saliwa sees this milestone as just the beginning. “It is a first step towards greener pastures and honouring the privilege given to me by the Spirit Education Foundation.”
