Hard work pays off for masters cum laude graduate

Hard work pays off. That was especially so for Noloyiso Walingo, who graduated cum laude with a Master's in Development Studies, specialising in Environmental Management.

Her topic provided answers to questions that may have been overlooked by the Ugu District Municipality in South Africa and S"oderhamn Municipality in Sweden.

In her research she looked at assessing the effectiveness of a knowledge partnership between two municipalities that seek to support environmental sustainability in the management of water and wastewater treatment works.

Through ascertaining the socio-economic similarities and differences between the north and the south municipalities, her objective was to understand environmental concerns by identifying issues of relevance.

Exploring the flow of knowledge and its process of exchange between the two municipalities lead to a knowledge-sharing partnership. "Knowledge sharing and knowledge partnerships are crucial to gain a different perspective and act as a catalyst of change in our existing processes," she said.

This journey has not been easy. Walingo admits that striking a balance of being a wife, mother, student and worker all at once were some of the challenges she had to overcome. However, receiving support from her husband and supervisor played a critical role in keeping her strong.

She expressed her thanks to her family and friends who took interest in what she was doing and extended gratitude to the Jule family on the South Coast who opened their home to her over weekends and holidays for her studies.

Walingo plans to focus on her paper and work towards her PhD. To other aspirant MA researchers, she said: "Push it, the world needs it. Be as practical in your research as possible because our space, governments and communities are evolving.

"In that process they need new perspectives and answers to the dynamics that the evolution brings. You are also part of this evolving space therefore you equally need your research. Secondly, given all odds, there is no law against diligence and hard work. If there is, defy it. I'm sure it's not illegal to do so."

Words: Ziphezinhle Silindile Biyela