49- year-old Simphiwe Gazi has been honoured for completing his studies at the end of the 2021 academic year

49- year-old Simphiwe Gazi has been honoured for completing his studies at the end of the 2021 academic year. He is an Assistant Professional Officer responsible for Facilitating Adult Education and Training in the City of Cape Town’s Training Development Department.

Simphiwe recently graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of South Africa. He lives in Kuils River and is a single father to two teenage daughters.

Simphiwe says that he studied law because his life was plagued by many injustices including the slaying of his father and other family members for which his family never received justice. As he is passionate about helping others find justice and being the voice of reason for those who are treated unfairly, this new qualification will come in handy.

Simphiwe’s journey with the City of Cape Town started in 2009, when his Human Resources lecturer, who was also a City employee, encouraged him to apply for a job with the City. At that time, Simphiwe had just completed a National Diploma in Human Resources.

Initially, he was employed on contract, however, in 2011 he was employed permanently.

As a former teacher he spearheaded a number of educational initiatives including the literacy project, the annual reading competition, and ongoing support for students with barriers to learning.

Simphiwe said: ‘I facilitate Adult Education and Training in the General Education and Training Band, and conduct research with the purpose of enhancing Adult learning. I also initiate projects and advertising Requests for Quotations. In addition, I am also responsible for various training and development projects including the recent ETD Recognition Awards (Project Manager), skills audit, and the induction of new employees.’

Simphiwe says working, studying and being a present father was very challenging but faith, perseverance, resilience, hard work and family support kept him going. He had to sacrifice sleep and cut down on social weekends.

His journey has not been easy. In his third year, he went through a family crisis and in his final year, was diagnosed with Covid-19 and spent almost a month in hospital critically ill.

However, his first year was the worst as he was academically excluded, but appealed the decision and the institution overturned it. He was given a second chance.

‘Simphiwe’s name means ‘we have been given him’ and indeed he is a gift and a great asset to the City. He is unstoppable and does not intend to slow down. I am so proud of his achievements. His passion for people and education is commendable. I am happy that the City has made a contribution to his continuous development and amazing achievements. We pride ourselves as a City that creates a culture where all talent can thrive and Simphiwe is the living testimony of that. He is not the signboard that shows people where to go but he goes with them. What a remarkable man,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services, Alderman Theresa Uys.

‘Supporting skills development and creating a compelling value proposition’ that will help position the City as a best employer, is at the core of our service delivery objectives. We encourage our employees to take advantage of the opportunities at their disposal, like our bursary scheme and study leave in order to have the right people for the right jobs. Simphiwe is living proof that this is possible, with a bit of perseverance and commitment. Ntinga ntakandini, the sky is the limit,’ said Alderman Uys.

Source: City of Cape Town