24 June 2025
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Story Precious Shamase
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Photo Supplied
Ntokozo Zanele Mkhonza, a final-year Bachelor of Education student on the University of the Free State (UFS), The author of the book EDGE OF GLORY – escape to wonderland
For many university students, the promise of higher education can quickly turn into a daunting challenge, especially when financial aid falters. This has become a harsh reality for Ntokozo Zanele Mkhonza, a final-year Bachelor of Education student on the University of the Free State (UFS) Qwaqwa Campus. Instead of succumbing to despair, Mkhonza has taken an extraordinary step, one that showcases remarkable resilience and initiative: she has written and published a book, EDGE OF GLORY – escape to wonderland, to fund her continued studies.
A mother's determination and roots of resilience
Hailing from Bergville eMoyeni, KwaZulu-Natal, Mkhonza comes from a family of hardworking, self-employed individuals who instilled in her the core values of diligence and respect. The youngest of five siblings, she describes her upbringing as warm, despite not always having an abundance of material possessions. Adding to her responsibilities, Ntokozo is also a devoted mother to a seven-year-old son, a role that undoubtedly fuels her unwavering resolve.
Mkhonza is currently specialising in English FAL, Life Orientation, and isiZulu Home Language. This year marks her final stretch at the UFS, a period typically filled with excitement. However, for Ntokozo, it has been overshadowed by persistent financial uncertainty. Her
National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) status remains ‘provisionally funded’, a frustrating reality that has left her in limbo.
"Being N+ affected and my NSFAS status on 'provisionally funded' has been incredibly difficult," Mkhonza shares. "At the beginning of the year, I was a mess. I didn't know if I should do my assignments and attend classes or wait for funding allocation. I had to push through, telling myself to focus on one problem at a time because I couldn't afford to drop my studies."
The financial strain has transformed her university experience. "It's no longer a fun educational experience but rather a burden and pressure to keep up and fight through, not allowing the situation to distract me," she admits.
From personal passion to practical solution
Amid this struggle, Mkhonza turned to a lifelong passion: writing. What began as a hobby and a relaxing activity quickly evolved into a powerful solution. "It was mid-January when I decided to put my hobby to good use," she explains. "I doubted my work, but the goal was bigger. I decided to use the short stories I had and publish an anthology to sell and help pay for my registration."
The turning point came during the registration period when the idea solidified into a mission. With no financial backup from her parents, she knew she had to make it happen. "This is a win-win strategy," she states with determination. "This working out means I can pay my fees, and it is also a dream coming true – being a well-known author."
Her journey into writing began in her primary school years, where she devoured books for pleasure. Later, during counselling sessions at the UFS in 2022, her therapist suggested journaling to express emotion. Instead, she began writing short stories, using her imagination to explore different outcomes of her experiences to deal with trauma and depression. "It was my escape from reality, and that is what made this project personal; it is who I am, what I am," she reflects.
Initially, Mkhonza kept her literary endeavours a secret, wanting to present a tangible product. The support she received after publishing her book was overwhelming. Her family and friends rallied around her, helping with marketing. The UFS also embraced her initiative, with lecturers and management offering encouragement and practical advice.
Addressing societal issues and finding a voice
EDGE OF GLORY – escape to wonderland is a fiction anthology that includes a poignant short story about her past, presented with relatable events. The book fearlessly delves into critical social issues, including gender-based violence (GBV), LGBTQIA+ matters, and themes of self-growth, acceptance, and self-love.
Mkhonza's personal experiences, including surviving domestic violence while trying to conceal her sexuality, deeply inform her writing. "I send a strong message that at the end of the day, we know ourselves; we do not need to hide because society crucifies, hurts, and kills LGBTQIA+ community members," she states passionately.
The title holds profound personal meaning for Mkhonza. "It means I found myself on top of a hill, like I have been climbing metaphorically – fighting to reach the top, and when I was finally at the top, I won," she explains. "'Escape to wonderland' is a little sub-topic that I added, because writing was and still is my escape to this imaginary land where anything and everything is possible. In every story, there is a piece of me ... my life, what I went through, how I wished a certain event had happened, what I wanted, what I got. These stories are my way of telling my story; I kept quiet, stood still while my voice was being taken away. With this book, I have found my voice, and I say I will not be silenced anymore."
A message of authenticity and resilience
Ntokozo hopes her readers will take away a powerful message: "One must be true to oneself, do not make decisions that will benefit others more than yourself. Be different and do not try to fit in; in a world of black and white, do not be afraid to be grey, because that is what's unique and special about you."
The writing process was challenging, as she revisited past traumatic events. However, the support from Zimkhitha Zidlo, owner of Uhlanga Books, was invaluable. "She helped with editing, offered to cut some of the costs because I told her the reason I'm doing this was because I had lost my funding, and she took it as a giving back to the community project," Mkhonza recounts gratefully.
The university's positive response has been a significant boost. "I've been getting words of encouragement from those in management, some saying I should keep going, they are proud, great advice in marketing and academics," Ntokozo shares. Some even suggested she pursue honours studies, seeing her as an asset to the institution.
For other students facing similar financial struggles, Ntokozo offers a heartfelt message of resilience and faith: "Keep praying while fighting this battle. We are all tired, guys, but giving up is not an option. With any idea, no matter how small it is, please see it through. Start that small business, do odd jobs, sell snacks, because we don't know which idea might work; we must have faith."
Mkhonza’s book is more than a collection of stories; it is a lifeline, a dream realised, and an inspiring example for students everywhere. To purchase her book, you can contact Ntokozo Mkhonza via email at 2018440970@ufs4life.ac.za.