Busisiwe Innocentia Mndebele spent years serving meals at Wits, now she’s serving inspiration, graduating with a BA in Political Studies at 49 years old… proving it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
Johannesburg, South Africa (27 March 2025) – Wits University is bursting with joy this graduation season, but one story in particular has everyone smiling a little wider, and maybe even wiping away a tear or two.
Meet Busisiwe Innocentia Mndebele, a 49-year-old staff member who just added a Bachelor of Arts in Political Studies to her name… and all while dishing up meals at the university’s dining halls.
Yes, you read that right.
By day, Mndebele has been the heart of the Wits Dining Hall Catering Services, making sure students are fuelled and fed, whether they’re in Catered or Non-Catered Residences. Her warm meals and friendly service have supported countless students over the years. But behind that dedication to others, she’s been quietly chasing her own dream.
“It’s been quite a tough journey. I have been juggling family, school, work, and my personal life, but I have remained consistent and dedicated,” she shared.
Her journey started back in 2012 when she joined Wits as part of a service provider. Five years later, when she was officially insourced as a Wits employee, everything changed. With access to staff study benefits, she finally had the chance to turn her dream into a degree.
“My dream has always been to graduate in the field of politics,” she said.
“When I became a Wits employee, I gained access to study benefits. Since I couldn’t afford the fees before, I took this opportunity to pursue my studies and make my dream a reality.”
And that’s exactly what she did.
Thanks to Wits’ employee bursary programme, which covers 100% of tuition fees for staff members studying at the university, Mndebele was able to fully embrace her studies. But it wasn’t just the financial support, it was the belief that she could. And now, with her cap and gown, she’s showing the world that no dream is ever too late to chase.
“The University played a crucial role in my journey, as I wouldn’t have been able to afford the fees without its support. That assistance gave me the strength and determination to overcome challenges. Being a Wits graduate instills a sense of endless possibilities and fuels my desire to keep learning,” she added.
Moments like these are exactly why we celebrate graduations. Not just for the degree but for the determination, the resilience and the human spirit behind it all.
Busisiwe Mndebele’s story is more than just inspirational! It’s a reminder that dreams don’t expire. You can start again. You can grow. You can thrive.
And yes, you can go from serving meals to serving major grad goals.
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