1) The document shares the author's testimonial about completing her ODETDP Diploma through distance learning over 3 years while working full time and raising two young children. 2) She overcame many excuses and challenges, including the loss of her mother-in-law, through determination, support from her husband and late mother-in-law, and a belief that anything is possible with hard work. 3) Earning the diploma helped the author discover her strength and resilience, affirm her passion and purpose, and inspire her to continue her education with a new qualification in 2017.

1. "Completing my ODETDP Diploma - A journey of self-discovery, passion and
affirmations (11 November 2016)
"I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took any excuse"–Florence
Nightingale".
“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Phillipians 4:13
In the last 3 years I managed to get 2 qualifications, IISA Programme in Short Term
Insurance and a National Diploma in Occupationally Directed Education, Training &
Development Practices, where in the past years, I had all the excuses in the world
not to further my studies. I don't have time; I am a mother... I work full time.... I don't
have money. It’s amazing what one can achieve when you just ignore all the
excuses, stop procrastinating and just act on your plans. On the 11.11.2016 I
graduated with a National Diploma in ODETDP and was also nominated as one of
the top graduates for 2016 and was asked to deliver a testimonial at the ceremony
about my journey.
Be inspired as I share my testimonial
#beinspired
#thejuggleisreal
#liveyourbestlife
#greatnesswithinyou
#thejourneyhasbegun
"Completing my ODETDP Diploma - A journey of self-discovery, passion and
affirmations (11 November 2016)
Let me start of by saying…I am truly honoured to be nominated as one of the guest
speakers at the IPD Annual Graduation Ceremony especially as I least expected to
complete my studies in record time. Distance learning is a challenge, it requires self-
discipline and excellent time management.
When I enrolled with Institute of People Development to study towards the ODETDP
full qualification, the plan was not to study it through RPL but to attend contact
sessions because I assumed I had minimal experience. I was encouraged by my
managers, to do it through RPL and so I ended studying through RPL.
I must admit after attending the Planning Workshop I was overwhelmed by the
magnitude of the work, time and the sacrifice that I had to put it in to complete my
qualification, in addition to that Ms. Jane Vaughton challenged me to study towards
the National Diploma in ODETDP rather than the National Certificate in ODETDP.
It seemed impossible but then I had to remind myself that in the word “impossible”
there are two powerful words “I AM & POSSIBLE”. I WANTED to get the education,
gain a thorough understanding of the industry I have been employed in for the past 4
years so that I can innovate and be of great service to others (my learners and co-
workers).
The biggest challenge was trying to find a balance between the many roles I had to
play in, as a wife, a mother (a working mom at that) and a student, this meant I had
to sacrifice some family time and some of the things I really enjoyed doing. I also

2. received incredible support and love from my husband, Kabelo Ntsime who also is a
5th time Comrade Marathon Runner but was always willing to look after our sons
(aged 1 and 5) whilst I stayed at work till late on some weekdays and weekends. A
lot of compromise form both of us and proper planning had to take place. In the
midst of the busy schedules we were running, I was one of the recipients for the
2016 MiWay CEO Awards. This award recognises employees who add value in the
company.
A week before the final submission date of my Portfolio of Evidence(POE), my
mother in law sadly passed on the 12 July 2016. I was so panicked as I still had a
few things to do on my POE and thought it would be impossible to complete as my
husband and I were responsible to arrange her funeral. Through the sadness and
pain of losing my mother in law I found the strength and courage to complete my
POE by focusing on the fact that 2 months before my mother in law was called to the
heavens, at the age of 60, we celebrated her hard work, tenacity and the desire to
get an education as she graduated with a Certificate of Theology. I remembered how
inspired I was by her determination to get her Matric qualification in her late 50’s.
where she put herself through school using her grant money. She said to me “Taki,
we will be celebrating your graduation in November, ha ho phomelletse nna, le wena
o tlo phomella (if I made it. You are also going to make it). My late mother in law’s
story is testimony that age or any unfavourable circumstances are never an obstacle
to develop oneself to get an education. As I conclude, learning is a life long journey
of self-discovery, personal and professional development. Completing my RPL made
me realise that I have just begun the journey of learning & continuous personal
development and as a result I will be studying towards a Generic Management
qualification in 2017.
This has been an incredible journey. I discovered my resilience and strength as a
young professional woman as created by God from a man’s rib.
I now truly believe that passion is the driving force behind success and my purpose
in life has been affirmed.
I want to thank Jane Vaughton and the IPD staff for their patience and support
through this journey