DSD CELEBRATES WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT THROUGH EDUCATION

By Precious Mupenzi.

• Morongwa Ramela’s journey from pain to purpose highlights the transformative power of education.
• Supported by the Department of Social Development, she completed two degrees while overcoming personal and physical hardship.
• Her story is a tribute to women’s leadership, lifelong learning, and the importance of investing in potential.

“Education has been my anchor through life’s toughest storms,” says Morongwa Ramela, a determined and quietly tenacious woman who wears her journey like a badge of honour.

As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month under the theme of empowerment and progress, the Department of Social Development (DSD) shines a spotlight on women within the sector who embody resilience, leadership and transformation. One of those women is Ramela.

A Journey Rooted in Service and Growth

Currently serving as an Administrative Assistant within the Directorate: Child Protection, Ramela joined the Department of Social Development in 2014 after transferring from the Gauteng Department of Health. A quiet force within her unit, she has steadily built not just a career but a foundation of knowledge and empowerment.
Since joining DSD, Ramela has earned two academic qualifications: a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and, most recently, an Honours Degree in International Politics from the University of South Africa (UNISA). Behind these achievements lies a deeply moving story of endurance, faith and purpose.

Overcoming Pain and Personal Loss

In 2023, her academic journey was disrupted by a severe car accident that left her with injuries to her neck, shoulder, spine and leg. Recovery has been slow and painful, and she continues to attend physiotherapy sessions. Despite the challenges, she remained committed to her studies.
“There was a time I wanted to take a break from my studies so I could focus on my health issues,” she says. “I was in so much pain. Some days I couldn’t even get out of bed.”
“But I had a team of understanding lecturers, and I was surrounded by incredible support. My family, my friends, my manager Ms Neliswa Cekiso, Director: Child Protection, and colleagues from the Sector Education and Training, Ms Esther Matjila and Ms Carmen van der Westhuizen, all played a role in helping me push through.”
Because of the loss of her father in November 2024, Ramela had to request a postponement of her final exams to January 2025. While others graduated at the beginning of 2025, she waited patiently and graduated proudly just a few months later.

A Mother’s Motivation

“What kept me strong was my son,” she shares with a warm smile. “He’s only 16, but the way he speaks about his dreams, wanting to become an architectural engineer and planning his future with such confidence, is inspiring. He’s my rock. I wanted to show him that even when life gets hard, you don’t give up. I had to be a role model for him. I wanted him to see that education is the most important gift you can give yourself.”

Born and raised in Krugersdorp in the Westrand, Ramela says her parents never had the opportunity to further their education. For her, education is a way of rewriting her family’s narrative and creating a new legacy.

Gratitude for Support and a Message to Women

“I just want to thank the Department of Social Development,” she adds. “The bursary support changed my life. It wasn’t just financial help. It was belief in my potential. And to every woman in this department, the opportunity is there. Take it. You can study up to your PhD. Don’t be afraid to grow.”

As someone who truly went against all odds, enduring physical pain, personal loss and delayed exams, Ramela has a powerful message for women who feel overwhelmed or discouraged:
“To the women who say they are busy, too tired or feel it’s too late, I’ve been there,” she says. “We all make excuses sometimes, but my message is this; Continue striving for success and inspiring the younger generation of women, because that’s how we build communities shaped by women’s leadership.”

She continues, “Many people asked why I was studying within the field of Political Science, because I’m a woman. But here at DSD, I’ve met women who inspire me daily. Women who are not confined by societal expectations. And that is the kind of woman I want to be, one who leads, who breaks barriers and who uplifts others.”
Her story is a profound reminder of what is possible when women are supported, uplifted and invested in, even during the most difficult seasons of life. “The Department has not only been a workplace for me. It’s been a space where I was empowered to dream, to grow and to overcome,” she said.

Diplomatic Dreams and Departmental Support

Further demonstrating its belief in her potential, the Department of Social Development is also supporting Ramela to attend the prestigious Advanced Course in Diplomacy Studies offered by the Thabo Mbeki School of Public and International Affairs. She describes this as a pivotal moment for her professional journey.

“This course will give me both practical and theoretical grounding in diplomacy, which is directly aligned with my Master’s aspirations. It will broaden my perspective on foreign policy, negotiation and multilateral relations. It’s exactly the kind of exposure I need as I shape my research focus and long-term goal.”

The Advanced Course will run from August until December 2025, marking a critical learning period in her development.

Why International Relations? A Father’s Influence

As she continues to speak, her calm voice grows more animated when she reflects on why she chose a field as complex and globally layered as International Relations and International Politics. It is a choice that may seem unconventional for many women in the public service but one that is deeply meaningful to her.

“Growing up,” she begins, “I was what people call a daddy’s girl. I used to sit next to my dad and I’d listen to him talk about politics, especially the events of the apartheid regime, global events and societal issues. He once told me that he had always wanted to be a teacher, but circumstances prevented that dream from coming true. He grew up in a rural town in KwaZulu-Natal with limited access to funding. But I got to experience his brilliance first-hand.”

Ramela says it was her father’s influence, his curiosity, critical thinking and ability to engage on political matters.

Connecting the Global and the Local

“Through my studies in International Relations, and particularly International Politics, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of global affairs. The world is so interconnected. You can be in South Africa and still be impacted by what’s happening in America or Asia, whether in economics, diplomacy or human rights. I’ve always wanted to understand those global linkages and the societal forces that shape them.”

Her academic choices were also shaped by a desire to question systems, understand governance and connect societies across borders. She believes this is critical for a department like Social Development, which is increasingly engaging on global and regional platforms.

“I chose this path not just for myself, but for the knowledge I can bring and share, especially with young people,” she explains.

Looking Ahead: From Student to Mentor

When asked where she sees herself in five years, Ramela doesn’t hesitate. Her vision is bold, purposeful and rooted in giving back. “My plan is to pursue my Master’s degree and eventually my postgraduate doctorate,” she says confidently. “I want to move into the academic space, to lecture, to conduct research and to contribute to knowledge creation. I don’t just want to acquire knowledge and keep it to myself. I want to come back and teach, mentor the younger generation and help shape critical thinkers who will go on to impact policy and society.”
Her decision was further affirmed during her recent graduation ceremony when the Vice-Chancellor of UNISA delivered a message that struck a chord: “Don’t just attain knowledge, be creative with it, share it and uplift others.”
“That message spoke directly to my heart,” Ramela recalls. “It reminded me that knowledge isn’t just power. It’s a responsibility.”
Though she currently serves in an administrative role, she believes her future lies where her qualifications and passion intersect. She hopes to contribute in spaces such as global development, public policy or even international diplomacy.

A Final Word to Women of South Africa

As we conclude our conversation, Ramela offers a powerful message to women who may be holding themselves back with fear, self-doubt or the daily demands of life.
“To every woman who says, ‘I’m too busy, I have kids, I’m too old, I don’t have time.’ I’ve been there. I’ve faced pain, loss and doubt. But I kept going,” she says.“Continue striving for success and inspiring the younger generation of women. That’s how we build communities shaped by women’s leadership. We need more women leaders in our country, women who are not confined by societal expectations.”
Her journey is a living testimony that strength is not the absence of struggle. It is the courage to rise in spite of it.

This Women’s Month, the Department of Social Development celebrates Morongwa Ramela and all women who rise through adversity and inspire through action. Through continued investment in education and development, DSD remains committed to building a capable and empowered public service – Re Ka O Fela Basadi.