Vuyokazi Zulu isn’t just a former uMfolozi College student; she’s an author, a business owner, and a community worker. Vuyokazi embodies the essence of a powerhouse, turning negative situations into positives for herself and those around her.
This vibrant 30-year-old spent her childhood playing traditional Zulu games like ushumpu and umagalobha in the dusty streets of Cinci in KwaMbonambi, northern KwaZulu-Natal. She never imagined she would one day become an author, a food truck owner, or the founder of a profitable business that prioritizes giving back to the community. However, she did dream of becoming an accountant.
Raised in a loving home by her parents, uMaNtshangase and Mbulwana Zulu, alongside her five brothers and two sisters, Vuyokazi completed her matric in 2010 at Ekupheleni High School. In 2012, she registered at uMfolozi TVET College to pursue a Diploma in Financial Management. Despite struggling to secure an internship after finishing her N6, she enrolled in an Accounting Technician programme funded by the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT). Even after completing this programme, employment eluded her, but she was undeterred.
Vuyokazi seized the opportunity to gain work experience by volunteering at Eshowe Provincial Hospital for six months and later at Ngwelezane Hospital for a year, without receiving a stipend, she relied on her parents for rent and transportation costs. After a year at Ngwelezane Hospital, the Work Placement Office at uMfolozi College placed her in the Finance Department at the Central Office. Before completing her in-service training, she was called for an interview at Netcare, The Bay Hospital for a Creditors Control position. Although she didn’t pass the test, she was offered a six-month contract as a Receptionist, and later, she secured a permanent position in the same role.
Vuyokazi has been working at the hospital for six years and says the best part of her job is meeting people from diverse backgrounds. In 2020, after experiencing personal heartbreak, she wrote “Forgive and Let God,” a book about the power of letting go of grudges and bitterness.
She is also the founder of Ndabenhle Production and Services, named after her late brother to continue his legacy. The company focuses on events production and catering, and supports her community through initiatives like equipping young girls with life skills, donating sanitary pads with the help of her colleagues from The Bay Hospital. Her future plans include expanding her business and opening restaurants across KwaZulu-Natal.
Her advice to uMfolozi College students and South African youth is not to undermine TVET Colleges. “TVET Colleges can equip you with the skills to empower yourself and make a positive contribution to the lives of your family, community, and society,” she emphasized. She encourages young people to gain work experience, even if through volunteering, as it gives an advantage when applying for jobs. “Recruiters look for candidates with work experience, someone who can already do the job,” she said. “Lastly, don’t be picky with jobs. Take any job available while waiting for your dream job. If you can’t find employment, enrol in free courses or SETA-funded programmes—don’t just sit at home doing nothing,” she reiterated. Her book is available for purchase at 078 283 6195.
Caption: a group of young girls from Enhlabosini Primary School after receiving free pads
Caption L to R: Chamagne Steinhobel (Reception Supervisor – The Bay Hospital, Mrs Mthethwa (Enhlabosini Primary School Deputy Principal), Vuyokazi Zulu, Esmaralda Bothma (High-care PA – The Bay Hospital)
