"From Scrubbing Floors to Standing Tall": Parliament Honours Domestic Worker Who Bagged PhD

• A former domestic worker, who started her career at just 13 years old, has now reached one of the highest positions in South Africa
• Years of determination, scholarships, and research have taken her from private homes to Parliament
• Her work aims to create a better understanding and treatment between employers and domestic workers
• Thobeka has also been named as one of the participants in the Briefly News Women of Wonder: The Real Housekeepers of Mzansi for her resilience and determination to rewrite her story

South Africans were moved by the journey of Thobeka Ntini, who went from working in households to being recognised for her research in Parliament.

Dr Thobeka Ntini-Makununika began doing paid domestic work at the age of 13. She continued until her second year at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, when a bursary allowed her to focus on her studies. In a TikTok video posted by TikTok user @thobekantinimakununika, she shares a clip of her being honoured in Parliament.

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Over the years, she earned multiple scholarships that supported her education and enabled her to complete a research study on domestic work. Drawing from her own life experience, her work seeks to improve understanding and treatment between employers and domestic workers.

For Ntini, the road to a PhD meant a relentless pursuit of discipline. Today, Ntini’s legacy is one of possibility. She hopes her journey inspires women in invisible labour to recognise their worth and potential. She wrote:

"From scrubbing floors to standing tall, my name, 'Dr. Thobeka Ntini-Makununika,' and my research echoed in Parliament. Ngiqondanisile babhemu! Abasabonanga abazali bami. I will soon be sharing findings on this platform. Please follow and stay tuned. Ngifisa ukuba nezingxoxo ezifaka abaqashi nabasenzi basezindlini. Siyadinga ukwenza kangcono, futhi kungenzeka. Siyadinga ukubonisana. Disclaimer: I started paid domestic work at 13 years old and stopped when I was in my second year (20 years old) at UKZN after receiving a bursary. Ngalokhu ke ngiqhubeke njalo ngama scholarships ahlukahlukene kwaze kwafika la."

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From scrubbing floors to standing tall

Her research was honoured in Parliament, where she now uses her platform to encourage open discussions between employers and employees in the domestic sector. She hopes to inspire change, promote fairness, and show that perseverance can transform even the most challenging beginnings into extraordinary achievements.

Mzansi has responded with pride and admiration for her remarkable journey. Many view her success as a testament to resilience and determination, showing that humble beginnings do not dictate one’s future. Her story inspires hope and encourages others to pursue their goals, while her work sparks important conversations about fairness and respect in the domestic work sector.

Ntini has also been recognised as one of the participants in the Briefly News Women of Wonder: The Real Housekeepers of Mzansi, a celebration of resilience and determination shown by women rewriting their own stories. Reflecting on her journey, Dr Thobeka shared the deeper meaning behind her achievement, honouring the generations of women in her family whose sacrifices and strength paved the way for her success.

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Mzansi reacted to Dr Thobeka's latest achievement

User5737021745329 wrote:

“I love your thesis; no one else could have done it as excellently as you did. Congratulations, Doctor. Your hard work really shows in this achievement.”

Anytah Malunga wrote:

“The marvel you are, sis! My heart swells with pride. You have done so well and continue to inspire me. You will always be my mentor.”

Sammy wrote:

“Ma'am, you had me crying. Wow, this is truly beautiful; your story is deeply moving and inspiring. Thank you for sharing it with us.”

Ayanda Khumalo wrote:

“This is beautiful and so inspirational. It really touches the heart and reminds us all to keep pushing forward.”

Yandi_Ngwenya wrote:

“Dr, ngiyakubongela Ntombazane muhle thixo. Your success is a blessing, and I congratulate you wholeheartedly.”

Sphiwe wrote:

“You look beautiful, Jehova. Congratulations, my inspiration, you truly deserve this recognition.”

Keovio wrote:

“I’m truly inspired! NQF level 7, here I come. 🥰 Congratulations, Dr Ntini! Your journey motivates us all.”

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Sithokozisisibande wrote:

“I would love to read the entire research. Well done, Dokotela! This is a huge accomplishment, and you should be very proud.”

Check out the TikTok video below:

3 Briefly News stories about domestic workers and cleaners

• Johannesburg-based Laiza Moyo started cleaning teachers' cottages in Zimbabwe as a high school student and now works as a House Executive.
• A dedicated domestic worker named Seneria Moyo had overcome humble beginnings to build a better life for her family through hard work and determination.
• Nelia Ngulube, a Johannesburg domestic worker with 16 years of experience, has recently found sweet success in her new venture.

Proofreading by Roxanne Dos Ramos, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News