Every child is born with their hands closed, symbolizing the untapped potential each of us carries within. The true measure of what we offer the world lies in how we unlock and nurture that potential. For Ncobile Dlamini, her journey has been one of embracing challenges with passion and a relentless desire for discovery. From her transformative experiences to her current role as a proud alumna and Human Resource Coordinator at African Christian College, Ncobile’s story is much more than a career—it’s a testament to the power of exploration and the pursuit of purpose.
Born into a humble family in a rural village, Ncobile’s life has been defined by resilience and hard work from the very start. Raised in a family that relied on subsistence farming for survival, education became the beacon of hope for a better future. Despite the many challenges, Ncobile grasped every opportunity with both hands.
“Reflecting on my past, a powerful surge of emotion envelops me as I recall the bitterly cold weather that harshly bit at my skin as I lacked proper clothing to shield myself from the chill, attending classes with an empty stomach, and feigning study during breaks to conceal my lack of funds for food, which other kids enjoyed. All these were experiences that shaped my character and resilience. While difficult, these memories have made me the strong and determined individual I am today,” she recalled.
Those early hardships laid the foundation for a mindset of perseverance, not just for herself but for her entire family.
The hardest decision was leaving the job that was supporting my family and my own needs to go back to school.
Ncobile Dlamini, 2017 Graduate.
Ncobile powered through primary and secondary school, determined to create a better life. However, after completing high school in Eswatini, a country grappling with high poverty levels, the reality of financial strain hit hard. Unable to afford tertiary education, she chose to pursue vocational training with the hope of securing a job and easing the burden at home.
“All I wanted was to find work and support my family,” she shared. Fortunately, her dedication paid off when she enrolled in a catering institution and completed the program in record time.
Rooted in faith, Ncobile trusted that God would provide. “I knew that if I worked hard with the opportunities I had, God would take care of the things beyond my control, like finding a job.” True to her faith, after graduation, she found a job—a dream come true, or so she thought. But this was just the beginning because God had it all well-crafted for her as she was then hired as a cook at African Christian College.
Ncobile learned about the college’s commitment to providing quality, affordable tertiary education. She realized this was the chance she had been waiting for—an opportunity to elevate her life and help her family.
“The hardest decision was leaving the job that was supporting my family and my own needs to go back to school,” she recalled.
But as with all great achievements, sacrifices were necessary. Ncobile made the bold choice to resign from her job and pursue a Bachelor of Theology degree at African Christian College, committing to three years of intense study.
Her journey as a student was anything but easy, but her determination remained unwavering. Her passion for service shone through as she became known for her beautiful voice, often leading worship. Through her hard work and dedication, Ncobile not only funded her own tuition and accommodation but also took care of herself so her parents wouldn’t worry.
In 2017, Ncobile graduated with merit, equipped to serve with excellence. Early in 2018, she got married and soon worked as a primary school teacher and as a counselor for an NGO. In 2019, she was filled with a sense of gratitude and excitement again when she was hired as the Administrative Assistant at African Christian College. Everything seemed to fall into place as a testament to God’s grace.
But Ncobile’s journey didn’t stop there.
In December 2022, she was successfully admitted to the Master’s program at ACU, marking a significant milestone in her academic journey. Her dedication and hard work were further acknowledged in 2023 when she was promoted to Human Resource Coordinator. The perseverance and commitment instilled in her from a young age enabled her to complete the program in record time, graduating in early 2025.
Her story is a true testament to what happens when opportunity meets passion, hard work, and determination. Ncobile’s life and career not only reflect the transformative power of education but also showcase the incredible impact of African Christian College as both a place of learning and a place of opportunity.
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