by Phenyo Mokgothu and Thuso Molefi
Victor Thambe, a security officer employed by the Mi7 Group, has defied all odds and graduated with a bachelor's degree in education, specialising in the foundation phase, from the North-West University (NWU) on 15 May 2023.
The NWU has contracted the services of Mi7 Group, a renowned security company, to ensure the safety of the institution. Victor initially joined the security company Fidelity, which was contracted by the NWU in 2017. Later, he joined Mi7 when they took over the security responsibilities at the university.
Victor successfully completed Grade 12 in 2013. From 2014 to 2015, he worked as a general worker on the grape farm Eternal Flame in the Northern Cape. He saved up his earnings and used them to pay for his fees at the Security College, where he completed courses in grades C, D, and E.
Starting on September 2015, Victor worked as a security officer at Ram Hand-to-Hand Couriers in Zeerust. During this time, he earned a monthly salary of R2 500, which he used to enhance his qualifications. During this time he obtained a grade B security certification, his driver's license, a firearm certificate, and a Cash in Transit certificate.
Victor then moved on and worked as an armed guard for Fidelity Security Company at the Brothers Cash and Carry Supermarket in September 2016. Fidelity later transferred him to work at the NWU as a security officer, where he has been working ever since.
Realising that he could apply to the National Student Financial Scheme and Funza Lushaka bursary programme to finance his studies, he decided to pursue a degree at the NWU. Victor enrolled at the NWU in 2019, and to accommodate his classes during the day, he requested Mi7's management to assign him to the night shift.
Balancing work and studies was undoubtedly a challenge for Victor, considering that his security shifts extended up to 12 hours a day. However, he persevered, motivated by his desire to prove himself to those who had faith in his abilities.
Additionally, he firmly believed that success was only attainable through hard work, and he wanted to ensure that he completed what he had started.
“It was not easy, but it was worth it. As security officers we are not allowed to sleep at night, so I told myself that to stay awake I have to keep up with my studies,” says Victor.
Representatives from Mi7 congratulated Victor on his remarkable achievement and said they are immensely proud of him for obtaining his education degree.
Victor's success serves as a shining example that through passion and hard work, you can realise your dream.
Mi7 security supervisor Joshua Monageng shares a joyous moment with Victor Thambe during Victor’s graduation.
