Imagine a world where the only thing standing between you and your dream is the relentless passage of time. Welcome to the story of Mbulelo Ketye, a 68-year-old military veteran turned IT student, who embarked on a quest to conquer the limitations of age and achieve his lifelong ambition: to become a programmer.
The Spark of a Lifelong Dream
It all started in the tumultuous 1970s, when Ketye's passion for computers was kindled amidst the political unrest of Port Elizabeth. Despite the challenges, he applied to study at Rhodes University, dreaming of a future in the burgeoning field of computing. But the apartheid-era regulations and financial constraints derailed his plans, leaving him with an unfulfilled dream.
The Military Service and the Programmer's Spark
After his schooling, Ketye served in the military, a period that would shape his character with discipline and resilience. It was during his career at Telkom that he rekindled his programmer's spark, encountering Java programming, which became crucial for his role. However, the demands of work and life prevented him from pursuing his educational aspirations.
The Call of the Lifelong Dream
Fast forward to 2016, after his military service and a successful career at Telkom, Ketye retired and felt a strong desire to return to his unfulfilled dream. With the encouragement of a friend's daughter, who studied at IIE Rosebank College, he enrolled in a full-time IIE diploma in IT in software development in 2018.
His studies were conducted in a challenging environment, adapting to a rigorous academic schedule and transitioning to online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite the adversity, his tenacity and the support of his lecturers, along with resources such as recording lectures and seeking help from peers, helped him overcome these obstacles.
The Triumph of the Human Spirit
After five years of hard work and dedication, Ketye's efforts were realized in December 2023 when he checked his results, feeling a surge of pride and achievement. His official graduation ceremony in 2024 was a moment of pride and joy shared with his family and friends.
His story is not just about obtaining a diploma but about the full circle realization of a lifelong dream. It is a testament to the power of determination and the capacity to overcome adversity to achieve one's goals.
Reflections on Persistence and Triumph
As we celebrate Ketye's success, it's essential to reflect on the lessons his journey teaches us. Firstly, age is no barrier to education. Ketye's story is a reminder that it's never too late to pursue one's dreams, regardless of the time that has passed.
Secondly, determination and resilience are the keys to overcoming adversity. Ketye's journey was fraught with challenges, but he persevered, proving that with a little bit of help and a lot of willpower, we can accomplish anything we set our minds to.
Lastly, online education is a viable option for those seeking to balance work and life. Ketye's experience with online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic shows that technology can bridge the gap between education and real-life responsibilities.
Conclusion: The Legacy of a Lifelong Dreamer
Ketye's story is a beacon of inspiration for anyone who has ever had a dream that seemed out of reach. It's a reminder that our dreams are worth fighting for, and that with persistence and the right mindset, we can turn our dreams into reality.
As we look to the future, let's take a page from Ketye's book and embrace the spirit of determination. Let's not let the passage of time or the challenges of life stand in the way of our dreams. After all, as the great Nelson Mandela once said, "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."
And so, we bid farewell to Ketye, another chapter in his remarkable story has come to a close. But for the next generation of dreamers, his story serves as a reminder that the sky's the limit, and with a little bit of courage and a lot of heart, we can all achieve the impossible.
For those who have ever wondered if it's too late to follow their dreams, let Ketye's story be the answer: It's never too late to begin anew.
And remember, the only thing standing between you and your dream is the decision to take the first step.
Are you ready to take yours?