BREAKING BARRIERS: THE EMPOWERING JOURNEY OF DR. JOYCE RAMABULANA NDZUTA

By Cuma Pantshwa

• Dr. Joyce Ramabulana Ndzuta, Social Work Manager for Orphans and Vulnerable Children at the Department of Social Development, is dedicated to challenging patriarchal structures and empowering women to redefine their own identities.
• Dr. Ndzuta’s journey in social work, marked by her leadership in the Risiha programme and her passion for training, showcases her commitment to transforming the lives of vulnerable children and enhancing supervision practices in the field.
• With a PhD focused on Social Work Supervision and plans to author a book about her experiences, Dr. Ndzuta continues to inspire future women leaders to challenge societal norms and embrace resilience.

In a world where women are often confined by societal expectations and dictated norms, Dr. Joyce Ramabulana Ndzuta stands as a beacon of empowerment and defiance. As the Social Work Manager for Orphans and Vulnerable Children at the Department of Social Development (DSD), Dr. Ndzuta has dedicated her life to challenging the patriarchal structures that have long suppressed women’s voices and potential.

“Women are often told who they are, what they can do, and how they should behave, and we passively accept it. This allows others to define us, making us vulnerable to mistreatment and abuse because we don’t truly know who we are,” says Dr. Ndzuta. Her words echo a deep-seated commitment to dismantling the oppressive norms that have conditioned women to accept less than they deserve.

Dr. Ndzuta’s journey began at Fort Hare University in the Eastern Cape, where she completed her undergraduate and honours degrees in Social Work. Her career took root at the Tower Psychiatric Hospital, where she worked as a social worker, developing a profound love for psychiatry. “I fell in love with psychiatry. We lived and breathed it with the other staff members,” she recalls of her 12 years there, where she eventually became a Chief Social Worker.

In 2008, Dr. Ndzuta joined DSD, where she has since built an impressive legacy of achievements. A standout moment in her career was the birth of the Risiha programme, a significant initiative aimed at transforming the lives of vulnerable children. “Seeing the Risiha programme come to life, from its early stages of development to its launch in 2021, has been one of the most gratifying experiences of my career,” she says. The programme’s slogan, “from vulnerability to resilience,” reflects her passion for empowering those in need.

Training and capacity building are areas where Dr. Ndzuta truly thrives. Her eyes light up as she reflects on the impact she’s made through her work at DSD. “I’m inspired by the people I train—those who have a deep burden for vulnerable children. They’re not in it for the money but because they understand what vulnerability is all about and want to help these children become resilient.”

Dr. Ndzuta’s passion for social work led her to complete a Master’s in Social Work Supervision at the University of Pretoria in 2009. But she didn’t stop there. She went on to earn a PhD from the University of the Western Cape, focusing her research on Social Work Supervision. Her study was motivated by her own experiences as a social worker, where she observed gaps in supervision practices. Her research aims to equip social work supervisors and managers with better approaches to supervision, ensuring more effective support for social workers in the field.

Looking ahead, Dr. Ndzuta has her sights set on writing a book that chronicles her experiences as a woman navigating life’s challenges. “I want to share how I’ve navigated life through the myths and unrealistic expectations imposed on me and how I’ve fought against those pressures,” she says.

As she reflects on her journey, Dr. Ndzuta offers a powerful message to future women leaders: “The world is constantly evolving, and women must understand that nothing is static. Some cultural norms are unfair to women, and when you dare to challenge them, there will be backlash. But you must be prepared.”

Dr. Joyce Ramabulana Ndzuta is a woman who has not only defined her own path but also empowered countless others to do the same. By standing up for themselves and challenging the status quo, she believes that women can shatter the glass ceiling and unlock their full potential. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the unwavering belief that every woman has the right to define her own identity.