As a security guard at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), Eric Thembalakhe Mjobo’s primary duties are to safeguard the university property and personnel, but he has also become a father figure for many students over the years.
His support and guidance in the ten years he has been on campus have led many students whose personal challenges put them on the brink of dropping out to persevere and cross the finish line of their studies.
On Friday, Uncle Eric, as he is affectionately called by staff in the Administration Building East Wing, watched in joy as his daughter, Linda Zantsi, walked the stage at the Jakes Gerwel Hall to be conferred with her LLB degree – a profession he dreamt of pursuing to fight against the ill-treatment he endured from the apartheid system.
“I have always been happy with the graduation of students, especially those who have done so against the odds. It was the first time I saw my flesh and blood graduating, and I was so excited about it. Seeing my child graduate has motivated me even more towards helping and encouraging other students to keep pushing,” said Mjobo.
Born in the Eastern Cape town of Indwe, Mjobo has always been passionate about people and helping them, making his work more enjoyable. Other than his occupation, he is a Christian pastor and said this ingrains in him the importance of appreciating, loving and assisting people as much as he can. You will often find him in long, deep conversations with students and staff alike.
“Many students on campus take me as their father. Even when in need of money, they often come to me. Sometimes, my colleagues would say my pockets will go dry. But that is me. I always tell my kids to try to be friends with less fortunate children so they can assist.”
Uncle Eric’s connection with students has come in handy at the Administration Building, where the University’s senior management is based.
“When students have grievances to convey to the senior management, I always tell my colleagues not to be harsh on them but to try to communicate well with them. As a result, I have never struggled with students because I always try to show parenthood, listen to them and make them understand not to resort to improper ways.
“I remember when a big group of protesters returned from Cape Town one year demanding to see the Vice-Chancellor. Professor (Tyrone) Pretorius was still new and was addressing a gathering that included children with disabilities at the Library Auditorium. Students intended to disrupt that event. My management planned to bring more security personnel but I suggested that they rather engage students.
I told them that the children with disabilities are their brothers and sisters from disadvantaged communities and that disrupting the event would not be a good idea. They turned and went straight to the Student Centre.”
“Students are not difficult. You need to empathise with them, show them that you understand their issues, and humbly advise them not to do something that will put your job as a security guard at risk, because I’m also here to work for my kids so they can come to university one day.”
Although Mjobo will turn 60 in March next year, he still enjoys standing long hours to be the face of the University, starting with the first years, to encourage as many students as possible to complete their studies.
His support and guidance in the ten years he has been on campus have led many students whose personal challenges put them on the brink of dropping out to persevere and cross the finish line of their studies.
On Friday, Uncle Eric, as he is affectionately called by staff in the Administration Building East Wing, watched in joy as his daughter, Linda Zantsi, walked the stage at the Jakes Gerwel Hall to be conferred with her LLB degree – a profession he dreamt of pursuing to fight against the ill-treatment he endured from the apartheid system.
“I have always been happy with the graduation of students, especially those who have done so against the odds. It was the first time I saw my flesh and blood graduating, and I was so excited about it. Seeing my child graduate has motivated me even more towards helping and encouraging other students to keep pushing,” said Mjobo.
Born in the Eastern Cape town of Indwe, Mjobo has always been passionate about people and helping them, making his work more enjoyable. Other than his occupation, he is a Christian pastor and said this ingrains in him the importance of appreciating, loving and assisting people as much as he can. You will often find him in long, deep conversations with students and staff alike.
“Many students on campus take me as their father. Even when in need of money, they often come to me. Sometimes, my colleagues would say my pockets will go dry. But that is me. I always tell my kids to try to be friends with less fortunate children so they can assist.”
Uncle Eric’s connection with students has come in handy at the Administration Building, where the University’s senior management is based.
“When students have grievances to convey to the senior management, I always tell my colleagues not to be harsh on them but to try to communicate well with them. As a result, I have never struggled with students because I always try to show parenthood, listen to them and make them understand not to resort to improper ways.
“I remember when a big group of protesters returned from Cape Town one year demanding to see the Vice-Chancellor. Professor (Tyrone) Pretorius was still new and was addressing a gathering that included children with disabilities at the Library Auditorium. Students intended to disrupt that event. My management planned to bring more security personnel but I suggested that they rather engage students.
I told them that the children with disabilities are their brothers and sisters from disadvantaged communities and that disrupting the event would not be a good idea. They turned and went straight to the Student Centre.”
“Students are not difficult. You need to empathise with them, show them that you understand their issues, and humbly advise them not to do something that will put your job as a security guard at risk, because I’m also here to work for my kids so they can come to university one day.”
Although Mjobo will turn 60 in March next year, he still enjoys standing long hours to be the face of the University, starting with the first years, to encourage as many students as possible to complete their studies.
