Success seldom follows a straight path, and setbacks are usually part of the journey. When we turn obstacles into opportunities, however, we open the door to reinvention and growth. For SACAP PGCE graduate Sizalobuhle Mhlanga, an unforeseen setback ultimately led her towards a new opportunity and proved to be a blessing in disguise.
A fresh start
After leaving school without passing matric on her first attempt, Siza relinquished her studies, became a mother of two, and spent several years working while raising her family.
Her watershed moment came when her youngest son started crèche. As she walked away after dropping him off, Siza found herself asking: “What now?”
The question became a turning point. It inspired her to rewrite her matric, pursue a university degree, and ultimately build a rewarding career doing what she is passionate about: making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Choosing a path
At 39, Siza recently graduated from SACAP’s Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching (PGCE). Within a month of completing the programme, she had secured a teaching position. Today, she is building on this achievement as an Educational Psychologist intern while completing her Master of Education (Educational Psychology) at the University of the Witwatersrand.
We asked Siza to reflect on her journey from SACAP student to teacher, and how the experience has opened doors to exciting new opportunities.
Building a foundation
Siza says she didn’t always envision a career in psychology. “As a child, I dreamed of becoming a prosecutor.” Over time, however, her aspirations evolved.
“I realised I wanted to empower and advocate for others, helping them discover their strengths, overcome challenges and reach their full potential,” she explains.
Siza completed her undergraduate degree – a BA in Applied Psychology in the Professional Contexts – from the University of South Africa (UNISA).
She chose to further her studies by enrolling in SACAP’s PGCE, launched in 2023. The programme aligned with her career ambitions and offered a practical route into psychology, she says.
“What attracted me most was the opportunity to study education through a psychological lens. The programme would enable me not only to teach, but also to understand and support my students holistically.”
Trusting her compass
“Although the PGCE was a new programme, I felt confident choosing SACAP because of its strong foundation in psychology and distinctive approach to education,” Siza notes.
“I also received encouraging feedback about SACAP’s teaching and the calibre of its graduates. These recommendations gave me confidence that SACAP could provide the strong academic and professional foundation I needed.”
Sizalobuhle’s standouts
We asked Siza which course elements she enjoyed most. “Presentations were my favourite,” she says. “At first, presenting was outside my comfort zone, but I came to enjoy it because I learnt so much from my classmates. Their different perspectives and creative approaches inspired me and broadened the way I think and learn.”
The PGCE’s Work Integrated Learning (WIL) component was another highlight for Siza because it enabled her to take what she had learnt academically and apply it in real classrooms, she says.
“My WIL experience taught me that teaching is about much more than delivering content. It showed me the importance of understanding each learner’s unique strengths, challenges, and potential, and of adapting my teaching approach to meet their needs.”
She also gained first-hand experience in classroom management through placements at both private and public schools, where she navigated diverse educational contexts and worked with varying levels of resources, she says.
“One of my biggest challenges was managing learners who tested boundaries while maintaining clear, consistent expectations. This taught me the significance of balancing empathy with structure and setting fair, clear classroom rules.”
Reaping rewards
Within a month of completing her PGCE qualification, Siza was offered a teaching position. “It was incredibly surreal. After years as a stay-at-home mum, returning to my studies in my mid-thirties was a risk, and I worried about finding work,” she says.
“It was also extremely rewarding. It felt like the hard work, sacrifices, and risks I had taken had paid off. More than anything, it gave me confidence in myself and reassured me that it’s never too late to pursue my goals.”
Stepping stones to success
Sizalobuhle’s journey highlights how choosing the right career pathway can help you turn your unique potential into success. Her passion for uplifting others and adding value has propelled her into her current position as an Educational Psychologist intern. She loves supporting people through assessments, therapy, training and other interventions, she says.
“I enjoy building meaningful connections with people and seeing how the right support can positively impact their lives. My SACAP experience prepared me for this role by emphasising the practical application of psychology, plus my lecturers encouraged and inspired me to continue growing professionally.”
Reaching new horizons
Siza encourages graduates considering SACAP’s PGCE to take the next step. “I strongly recommend the programme. The supportive lecturers are genuinely invested in their students’ success, and the psychology-based approach offers a deeper understanding of learners and how they learn.”
“For me, the PGCE not only prepared me for a career in teaching but also shaped my professional journey and opened doors to further opportunities in psychology and education,” she says.
Ready to turn your degree into a career in education, too? SACAP’s one-year, full-time PGCE combines your existing subject knowledge with practical teaching skills and a strong focus on learner support.
On successful completion, graduates are eligible to register with SACE and begin a rewarding career making a meaningful difference in South African classrooms.
If you want to positively impact people’s lives, connect with SACAP today.
