Some stories spark curiosity, others ignite ambition, but every so often, one comes along that does both and leaves you cheering for more. Meet an NWU graduate whose path is anything but ordinary: from questioning the world in primary school philosophy class to leading student teams and earning a jaw-dropping 19 distinctions, she’s made every chapter count. Her university years were a whirlwind of leadership, academic excellence, and athletic prowess, proof that you really can do it all. In this exclusive interview, Mpilenhle Hadebe shares the highs, the hurdles, and the hilarious moments that shaped her into a force to be reckoned with.
Get ready for a story that will make you want to chase your own dreams with a little more fire!
Can you tell us a bit about how your early environment influenced your interests and ambitions? Were there any specific experiences or people in your life before university that inspired you to pursue your academic and career path?
We had a subject called Thinking Through Philosophy in primary school and that really propelled me to always question everything critically. Whether it was culture, economics, or the simple values that hold us together as a society, I always ask why. Later in my high school years, my interest moved from maths and technology to business and sports to the point of excelling (first team for 5 sports and provincial for action netball). Matric I hit a mental block and sadly, even with my pursuit of a BCom general, COVID-19 cut my journey short due to financial constraints. This, however, redirected me back to my purpose of questioning systems, connecting symbols to behaviour and seeking meaningful knowledge. The BA in Communication at North-West University allowed me to link the corporate world with effective organisational communication, furthering my critical thinking, creative problem solving, cultural competence and ignited a passion for advocacy on socio-economic issues.
Can you share some memorable moments or experiences from your time at North-West University that significantly shaped your personal or academic growth?
One of the most memorable parts of my university life was definitely interacting with different students through my involvement in student leadership. In my first year, I ran for the house committee as the sports officer for Moahi Village. That role showed me just how capable I am. The recognition I received for my efforts in that position, from organising events to getting people involved in sports, pushed me to take on more leadership roles. I did not originally intend to run for SCC MPRO (Student Campus Council), but someone else saw potential in me that I had not yet seen in myself. That made a big impact on how I viewed my capabilities. Academically, I was blessed to have lecturers who believed in me and always pushed me to improve. But I am also naturally hardworking and competitive, always aiming to do my best and come out on top, and being in those spaces helped me grow even more.
You graduated with an incredible 19 distinctions (a remarkable feat!) What do you think were the key factors or habits that helped you achieve such consistent academic excellence?
Honestly, I am a very competitive and persistent person by nature. I needed to prove a point, that while my mental health rocked me in matric, it did not define me. I believe one of the most underrated habits is attending lectures regularly and being present, mentally and physically. I was always the one asking questions, trying to understand why things worked the way they did. I never accepted failure at face value. If something went wrong, I made sure to speak to my lecturers to find out how I could improve. That hunger to constantly get better is what helped me earn those 19 distinctions. Coupled with amazing classmates, it was never just about marks; it was about growth and excellence for myself.
Being actively involved in student leadership, particularly as the sports officer at Moahi Village, must have been both challenging and rewarding. How did you balance academics with your leadership responsibilities?
Balancing leadership and academics was not always easy, but it taught me discipline (forcefully) and time management. I had to learn to plan my days and stay ahead on assignments so that I could give my all to both responsibilities. Albeit that did not always work but I had a great support system, a family, a partner and classmates who encouraged and believed in me. The real secret was knowing my “why.” I knew what I wanted to achieve in both areas, so I stayed focused and organised to make it work.
When you weren’t hitting the books or leading projects, how did you unwind or recharge during your university years? Any hobbies or fun stories you’d like to share?
When I wasn’t studying or involved in leadership, I loved watching cartoons, anime and other Netflix series to relax and escape a little. I have always been active: played soccer, hockey and netball since forever, so being part of the resident netball team was no surprise and was my main way to recharge. It kept me moving and helped clear my mind. Additionally, of course, I loved food! Whether it was buying a nice meal or just going out to experience new things, I truly believe that life is more than just books. Taking care of yourself and enjoying the little things is so important.
Life after graduation can be both exciting and nerve wrecking. How has your transition from university life into the professional world, and what have been some eye-opening moments or lessons so far?
The transition was really tough. After living in the same place (Vanderbijlpark) for three years and building a life there, it felt like I had to start all over again. It was emotionally draining, especially with the pressure of job hunting in a country like South Africa, where opportunities are limited. One of the most eye-opening moments for me was realising that I am not in control of everything. As a woman of faith, I had to remind myself that God is in control. The biggest lesson I have learned is to be still; trust in God’s timing, while still doing my part and staying active in my search for opportunities. It was about letting go of the need to micromanage every outcome and just keeping the faith. Once I finally got a job, I realised how work-ready NWU prepared me to be.
What was your go-to spot on campus for a quick break or relaxation, and why?
I did not have a go-to relaxation spot on campus because when I was there, I was usually in class. But there were a few exceptions, like the netball courts or more especially the calming view on “The Bridge to Success” (as I coined it in my term) sandwiched between the ponds and dressed by the willow tree towards Tsebonokeng. That was my kind of therapy.
Looking ahead, what exciting opportunities or goals are you most looking forward to as you embark on the next chapter of your career?
Right now, I am really looking forward to growing in my career and establishing myself in the professional world. I want to be recognised for what I bring to the table and to take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way. Last Sunday, I was invited to share my input on SABC – It's Topical on the harms of social media. This has given me a great sense of pride as a Marketing Communication Strategist alongside my other projects (G20/VISA/GEN etc). I am also excited to grow academically and expand beyond just communication – I want to get back into business as well, maybe explore business administration/management. My goal is to be versatile, to build a solid professional image, and to be great at more than just one thing.
From the first whistle on the netball court to the final round of job interviews, Mpilenhle has played every game with heart, hustle, and a hunger for more. Her story is about academic trophies, leadership titles, and questioning the status quo, bouncing back from setbacks, and finding joy in every step of the journey (with a side of good food and anime, of course). As she blazes new trails in her career and beyond, she reminds us all that greatness is not just about how high you climb, but how boldly you leap into the unknown.
Here’s to the next chapter because with this unstoppable force, the best is yet to come!
