We caught up with Bonolo Manoto, 24, from Rustenburg in North West Province. She is a SACAP graduate with a Bachelor of Applied Social Science (BAppSocSci) under her belt. Additionally, she has completed her Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior and Further Education and Training (PGCE).
We’re curious, what motivated her to study psychology at SACAP? Why did she choose to continue her studies with the PGCE? And what doors does she hope these qualifications will open for her?
So, we asked her. This is what she has to say…
Starting out
Bonolo’s academic journey began at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) as a Bachelor of Commerce student, she explains. “I felt disconnected from the finance degree, however, and realised I was more about people and theory than numbers.”
When her attempt to shift into a psychology degree at UJ proved unsuccessful, Bonolo decided to apply at SACAP. “I was looking for a specialised institution that operated on a basis of person-centred values and culture,” she recalls.
Taking note
Bonolo enrolled to complete SACAP’s BAppSocSci (Majoring in Psychology and Counselling). During her studies she realised how her altruistic nature could benefit others should she choose the right occupation. “Consequently, I attempted to switch my major to Human Resources (HR) in my final year,” she says.
Unable to modify her elective so far along in her course, Bonolo graduated with her BAppSocSci in Psychology and Counselling and then chose to enrol for the PGCE programme. “My love for training, presentation, leadership, learning and development enticed me to complete the PGCE at SACAP,” she explains.
“I was in a season of seeking clarity,” Bonolo continues. “I knew there would be a practical aspect to the curriculum, which I hoped would help define my role in the psychology field.”
Developing direction
We asked Bonolo to share her favourite components of the PGCE course. “Meeting the group of classmates,” she offers. “The programme underscored the value of community and true friendship.”
Her Work Integrated Learning (WIL) experience during the course was enjoyable and rewarding, she adds. “I realised personal and professional growth and established extraordinary relationships.”
Ultimately, Bonolo believes SACAP’s PGCE programme team helped create a good impression of her employability. “I have received feedback that I was a great asset and made a significant and lasting impact at one of the schools where I interned,” she says. “SACAP engaged with the school and remained present throughout the process. I think this created a positive perception that the quality of educators produced by SACAP is credible.”
Valuable experience
The PGCE programme facilitates WIL practicums in the first and second terms of the course. “At first, I was placed at Wendywood High School in Johannesburg,” Bonolo says. “My experience really highlighted the enormity of the socio-economic gap between government and private education sectors.”
Her second placement – The King’s School High School in Linbro Park in Sandton, a member of the Curro group of schools – underscored Bonolo’s initial observations. “Here I learned that with the right resources a child’s potential can be magnified, giving them immense self-confidence as a result,” she says. “What could lead to destructive behaviour is immediately mitigated when good quality education is provided.”
Career objectives
Bonolo says she is driven by the prospect of finding an occupation that gives her financial security and stability. “Something centred primarily around the service of people where my daily tasks positively impact the livelihood and development of others.”
Considering this, she is keen to focus on her HR aspirations again and further her studies in the field of industrial psychology, she says.
She is optimistic her PGCE qualification will open doors for her here, too. “I am confident I can apply its methods and teachings as I embark on a path to becoming an industrial psychologist,” she says. “It is a profession that I hope will further fuel my passion project, too. I would love to run developmental programmes for underprivileged school children who simply need a reason to dream and strive towards a greater purpose.”
Looking ahead
We asked Bonolo where she aims to be five years from now. “I plan to have completed my master’s in industrial psychology,” she says. “And ideally my passion project will be in its growth stage. Currently, it is still just a concept, a dream, a seed planted in me during SACAP’s PGCE programme.”
What is your career game plan?
Bonolo’s psychology undergraduate has helped her carve a professional path that really matters. She’s learned that her passion to help others can be channelled into different sectors, and that her input can make a massive difference.
Your turn
In the face of South Africa’s prolific social adversity, we need more people like Bonolo. “Our nation could produce a generation of young leaders that embody humility, excellence and the courage to achieve individual and community success,” she asserts.
Want to invest in a profession that produces positive consequences, too? SACAP offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes that will help shape your fledgling career dream into a thriving reality.
Make a powerful impact like Bonolo. Get in touch now.
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