"From Scrubbing Floors to Standing Tall": Parliament Honours Domestic Worker Who Bagged PhD
- A former domestic worker, who started her career at just 13 years old, has now reached one of the highest positions in South Africa
- Years of determination, scholarships, and research have taken her from private homes to Parliament
- Her work aims to create a better understanding and treatment between employers and domestic workers
South Africans were moved by the journey of a woman who went from working in households to being recognised for her research in Parliament.
Source: TikTok
Dr Thobeka Ntini-Makununika began doing paid domestic work at the age of 13. She continued until her second year at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, when a bursary allowed her to focus on her studies. In a TikTok video posted by TikTok user @thobekantinimakununika, she shares a clip of her being honoured in Parliament.
Over the years, she earned multiple scholarships that supported her education and enabled her to complete a research study on domestic work. Drawing from her own life experience, her work seeks to improve understanding and treatment between employers and domestic workers.
For Ntini, the road to a PhD meant a relentless pursuit of discipline. Today, Ntini’s legacy is one of possibility. She hopes her journey inspires women in invisible labour to recognise their worth and potential. She wrote:
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"From scrubbing floors to standing tall, my name, 'Dr. Thobeka Ntini-Makununika,' and my research echoed in Parliament. Ngiqondanisile babhemu! Abasabonanga abazali bami. I will soon be sharing findings on this platform. Please follow and stay tuned. Ngifisa ukuba nezingxoxo ezifaka abaqashi nabasenzi basezindlini. Siyadinga ukwenza kangcono, futhi kungenzeka. Siyadinga ukubonisana. Disclaimer: I started paid domestic work at 13 years old and stopped when I was in my second year (20 years old) at UKZN after receiving a bursary. Ngalokhu ke ngiqhubeke njalo ngama scholarships ahlukahlukene kwaze kwafika la."
From scrubbing floors to standing tall
Her research was honoured in Parliament, where she now uses her platform to encourage open discussions between employers and employees in the domestic sector. She hopes to inspire change, promote fairness, and show that perseverance can transform even the most challenging beginnings into extraordinary achievements.
Mzansi has responded with pride and admiration for her remarkable journey. Many view her success as a testament to resilience and determination, showing that humble beginnings do not dictate one’s future. Her story inspires hope and encourages others to pursue their goals, while her work sparks important conversations about fairness and respect in the domestic work sector.
Source: TikTok
Mzansi reacted to Dr Thobeka's latest achievement
User5737021745329 wrote:
“I love your thesis; no one else could have done it as excellently as you did. Congratulations, Doctor. Your hard work really shows in this achievement.”
Anytah Malunga wrote:
“The marvel you are, sis! My heart swells with pride. You have done so well and continue to inspire me. You will always be my mentor.”
Sammy wrote:
“Ma'am, you had me crying. Wow, this is truly beautiful; your story is deeply moving and inspiring. Thank you for sharing it with us.”
Ayanda Khumalo wrote:
“This is beautiful and so inspirational. It really touches the heart and reminds us all to keep pushing forward.”
Yandi_Ngwenya wrote:
“Dr, ngiyakubongela Ntombazane muhle thixo. Your success is a blessing, and I congratulate you wholeheartedly.”
Sphiwe wrote:
“You look beautiful, Jehova. Congratulations, my inspiration, you truly deserve this recognition.”
Keovio wrote:
“I’m truly inspired! NQF level 7, here I come. 🥰 Congratulations, Dr Ntini! Your journey motivates us all.”
Sithokozisisibande wrote:
“I would love to read the entire research. Well done, Dokotela! This is a huge accomplishment, and you should be very proud.”
Check out the TikTok video below:
3 Briefly News stories about domestic workers and cleaners
- A shocking video revealed a domestic worker's massive haul of stolen household items, with her theft attempt thwarted before her trip to Lesotho.
- A KwaZulu-Natal woman captured the emotional moment her grown son, Luke, reunited with Maureen, their domestic worker.
- A mother shared a harrowing account of how her domestic worker endangered her children and caused extensive property damage.
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Proofreading by Roxanne Dos Ramos, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
