Folklore tells the tale of a mythical bird of Greek origin. A big, feathered creature with talons and wings, its plumage radiant and beautiful, burst into flame, consumed in its own fiery inferno only to soon after rise from its ashes in a transformation from death to life.

To many, this is simply a tale told to while away time, but for North-West University (NWU) residence officer at the Mahikeng Campus Leihandra Naidoo, this is a symbol of living life to the fullest.

Leihandra is the residence officer for the Sedibeng residence, and says it has given her a new lease on life.

“Being able to engage with different students at different levels, to build relationships between colleagues and students, and to gain more self-knowledge about different personalities and characters, is but a few aspects of my work that I truly enjoy,” says Leihandra.

“Over the years I have built strong relationships and even after the students have completed their studies, we still keep in touch.”

Her message to women during women’s month: “There is nothing stronger than a broken woman who has rebuilt herself.”

More about Leihandra

Leihandra is a mother to “a handsome two-year-old boy that is my pride and joy, a dream come true”, and completed her schooling at Connie Minchin primary school and Sol Plaatje secondary school.

Now, a business administration graduate, Leihandra has plans of returning to the lecture halls to pursue a qualification in chartered accountancy.

Leihandra Naidoo.