Salahan
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 10, 2014
- 2,963
- 3,685
University is supposed to be the best time of your life - you have the chance to broaden your horizons and bolster your chance at a better life. The reality is that most poor students are facing difficult financial challenges, as seen by the increase in protests of the past few years.
Nomlanga Dlomo (23) and Mandla Gamedze (22) fall in the latter category but you wouldn't think this by the looks of their new two-bedroom apartment. The young couple from Johannesburg, who for the past year struggled financially, are able to pay their the rest of their university fees and live comfortably without having to sacrifice. All it took was a Forex investment.
Nomlanga Dlomo and Mandla Gamedze met in the first year of university and instantly made a connection. "We came from similar backgrounds. Both raised by hard-working single parents, who taught us the same values.", says Nomlanga. Nomlanga and Mandla were both raised by domestic workers, who instilled the value of furthering their education. "My mother worked long hours but always made sure my homework was done. In my Matric year, she made sure I was indoors all day studying. She wanted to make sure my marks were good enough for university acceptance.", Mandla says while Nomlanga nods in agreement. Her mother was as strict with her study schedule: "Like any mother, she wanted the best. "
With persistence and hard work, Mandla managed to pass his Matric with a 'B', securing him university acceptance and a partial bursary for his business studies while Nomlanga received a full bursary for a first year of media studies.
Enjoying their success together while in love.
Young and in love
The young couple had a mutual acquaintance who introduced them at orientation week. After 30 minutes, they realised they had plenty in common and decided to continue their friendship, eventually pursuing a relationship. They both lived on campus but after their year anniversary, decided to move in together. "Our course schedules were so intense, that were barely saw each other. We also worked part-time to make ends meet. Our financial aid didn't cover books or housing.", Mandla explained.
Rough start
They decided on a house-share solution. The rent would be cheaper and the rest of the housemates would divide the food costs amongst themselves. It sounded simple but they realised their housemates were party animals and personal space would become a major challenge. "It wasn't ideal for a couple and I could barely study over all the non-stop partying.", Nomlanga explained. Within a year, they moved again and found a bachelor flat.
Tough times ahead
Things were still not going smooth for the young couple. While they had part-time jobs to help with their obligations, it still wasn't enough. "There were nights where we barely had any food. It was tough and I was close to quitting university to find a full-time job.", Mandla explained. However, a solution would soon appear.
Mandla worked as a cater waiter and happened to be working the night of a Forex seminar. Everything he heard peaked his interests and as a business student, thought that if he calculated everything correctly, he could make enough to live financially comfortable.
After work, he discussed his findings with Nomlanga and the two set out to save money while educating themselves further about Forex investing, going as far as attending a free seminar.
CHANZO:financialobserver
