Inspiring Newcastle resident, Nondumiso Hlatshwayo, chose a career in social work as a means of helping people cope during trying times and has never looked back. She recently sat On the Couch and shared a cuppa coffee with the Newcastle Express to talk more about her career choice and what drives her as an individual.
Newcastle Express (NE): Tell us more about yourself and what drives you?
Nondumiso Hlatshwayo (NH): My name is Nondumiso Hlatshwayo and I’m from Osizweni. I am a Christian and I attend The Seventh Day Adventist Church. I believe in God being the centre of my life. I love mentoring and coaching others, learning new things and making a difference in other people’s lives. That is what I enjoy doing the most and what drives me every day.
NE: You have an honours degree, tell us more about that journey.
NH: Yes, I have a Social Work degree, which I obtained in 2021 through lots of hard work and dedication. I decided to study social work because I understand the multitude of challenges that many people face on a daily basis and I am striving to improve the lives of people in our society.
NE: You are also a life coach, what’s that like?
NH: As a life coach, I enjoy speaking about a variety of topics but my favourite topics are those that focus on growth and development in individuals. I believe that everyone has the potential to reach their goals and live their best life.
NE: What do you enjoy most about your job?
NH: The fact that I am able to make a difference in other people’s lives. I also like to discuss ways to stay motivated and positive during the difficult times in our lives.
NE: Take us through your coaching style.
NH: My coaching style is mainly engaging and interacting. I strive to create an environment that encourages participation and open dialogue. My goal is to make a difference by inspiring, motivating and empowering people by providing them with practical tools that they can use in their everyday lives.
NE: What are some skills that one needs to have to be a social worker?
NH: Social workers need to listen to people’s needs, from young children to people struggling with any situation, and help them to cope and improve their quality of life.
NE: Why is community building important to you?
NH: People do not like to feel like they are alone in experiencing what they experience and therefore, they seek to connect with other humans about things, experiences and topics that matter to them and that they may have in common with others. So community building is important in order to make sure people know that they are not alone.
NE: Why do you think youth development is important?
NH: Youth involvement in community planning, decision-making and action hasn’t received a lot of attention in the past, but youths are becoming increasingly involved in community development. If they enjoy what they are doing, they often find passion in the programmes and become adept with the ins and outs of the organisation. They connect and form relationships with adults who listen to and actually use their input.
NE: Who do you admire the most?
NH: Zanele Mbokazi because regardless of the many obstacles she has faced in life, she always got back up. She’s a woman who fought for her dreams.
NE: What do you do in your spare time?
NH: I like to use my spare time productively. I usually read motivational books.
NE: What is your advice to our readers?
NH: Life is hard but remember that slow progress is better than no progress.
NE: What are your most favourite foods?
NH: Pizza and seafood.
