If someone had told a 16-year-old Julieth Gudo that she would one day hold a PhD and conduct research at a prestigious university, she might have laughed at the absurdity. Julieth’s path to success was fraught with immense challenges, yet her unwavering determination and faith in education led her to defy all odds.
Early Life: A Tragic Beginning
Julieth Gudo’s life took a devastating turn at the tender age of seven when she lost both her parents. With her family torn apart, Julieth’s brother was sent to live with an uncle, while she moved in with her paternal grandparents. Despite the tragedy, Julieth thrived academically and found solace in school, which became a refuge from her struggles.
However, her journey was not without further heartbreak. After her grandmother passed away, Julieth’s life became increasingly challenging. In a community where young girls were expected to marry early, Julieth faced immense pressure. At the age of 12, her family arranged for her to marry a man more than four times her age. But Julieth had dreams that extended far beyond societal expectations.
Running Towards Education
Determined to pursue an education, Julieth made the bold decision to escape. With the help of her aunt, she fled her home in Zimbabwe’s Zaka district at 2 a.m., running more than 4 kilometers to catch a bus to Bulawayo. However, her new environment proved equally challenging. Living with her maternal relatives, Julieth was subjected to grueling household labor and remained out of school.
At 16, Julieth’s resilience pushed her to leave home once again. With nothing but hope, she crossed the crocodile-infested Limpopo River to seek refuge in South Africa. Her journey, marked by hunger, danger, and uncertainty, led her to a church in Musina, Limpopo, where she finally found a safe haven.
A New Chapter: Reclaiming Education
For close to a decade, Julieth lived at the refugee center, working odd jobs to survive. Then, a life-changing opportunity arose. Collaborating with humanitarian organizations, the center facilitated her return to school. Despite an eight-year gap in formal education, Julieth enrolled in Grade 11 at the age of 20. She excelled, earning distinctions in three subjects and completing her matriculation with flying colors.
Her academic success earned her a place at the University of Limpopo, where she pursued a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree. During her second year, Julieth received an international scholarship that not only refunded her first-year expenses but also eased her financial burdens. Her academic journey didn’t stop there.
Academic Excellence: Master’s and PhD
After completing her LLB, Julieth was accepted into the University of Cape Town (UCT) for her Master’s in Commercial Law. Her thirst for knowledge led her to pursue a PhD at UCT, focusing on the role of NGOs in promoting good governance and development in Africa. Supported by several scholarships, Julieth graduated with her doctorate in December 2021.
Today, Dr. Julieth Gudo is a Postdoctoral Fellow at UCT’s Centre for Comparative Law in Africa. Her research explores accountability and corporate governance, contributing to meaningful development on the continent.
Inspiring Generations
Dr. Gudo’s story is a testament to the transformative power of education and resilience. Her achievements have inspired countless individuals, especially young women and refugees, to believe in the possibility of a brighter future.
“Education liberated me from the consequences of my disadvantaged background,” Dr. Gudo shares. “When I got the opportunity, I just couldn’t let go.”
Beyond her academic accomplishments, Dr. Gudo actively shares her journey to motivate others. From speaking at Women’s Day events to mentoring aspiring professionals, she embodies the spirit of giving back.
A Legacy of Hope
From an orphaned child fleeing a forced marriage to a celebrated academic, Dr. Julieth Gudo’s journey is a powerful reminder that courage, determination, and education can change lives. Her story will undoubtedly inspire generations to come, proving that no challenge is insurmountable for those who dare to dream.
Siphenkosi Nqoro’s inspiring journey from working as a petrol attendant to becoming an admitted attorney is a story of resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to his dreams. Born and raised in Qonce, South Africa, Nqoro grew up in challenging circumstances that shaped his resolve to succeed against all odds.
After completing high school at Toise Senior Secondary School in Nonkcampa village in 2010, Nqoro’s outstanding matric results could not immediately propel him into tertiary education due to financial constraints. With both parents unemployed, he knew he had to step up to support his family. In 2015, he began working as a full-time petrol attendant at a Shell garage in Mdantsane, taking on 12-hour night shifts to help his parents and siblings while saving for his future.
“Law is something I have always wanted to do, and I promised myself that despite the odds, I’d always pursue my ambition,” Nqoro recalls. His passion for law, coupled with his sense of duty to his family, drove him to find creative ways to balance work and aspirations. Read more about Siphenkosi Nqoro here.
