BY TASEKHAYA DLAMINI
For Siphilangenkosi Nomthandazo Siyaya, language and literature were more than subjects she excelled in; they were a calling. Her journey, from a young learner whose literature essays inspired her teachers to an educator shaping future generations through academic literacy, reflects passion, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to learning.
Today, Siyaya brings that calling to life through several connected roles: Academic Literacy Lecturer and Programme Director at IDM Eswatini, online English tutor, and advocate for innovative education. Across these platforms, she shows that language is more than a means of communication; it preserves culture, builds confidence, and transforms lives.
In this feature, Siyaya reflects on her journey from retail to teaching, the lessons that shaped her career, the role of Artificial Intelligence in education, and her advice to young EmaSwati pursuing language and literature.
TASEKHAYA: What first drew you to language and literature?
SIPHILANGENKOSI: To be honest, language and literature first drew me in because they came naturally to me. Throughout primary and high school, I struggled with Mathematics, but I excelled in English and Literature. I often say I didn’t choose these subjects; they chose me. I was also blessed with teachers who believed in my potential. Mr Vilakati and Mr Gwebu would reprint my literature essays and use them as model answers for other students. Their confidence in me made me realise I had a gift worth nurturing.
As I grew, I discovered that language and literature are far more than school subjects; they preserve culture, tell stories, and transform lives. That is when I knew this wasn’t just something I was good at; it was my calling.
TASEKHAYA: What lessons from your retail experience still influence the way you show up today as a professional?
SIPHILANGENKOSI: Immediately after finishing Form 5, I was hired as a cashier at PEP, although the role involved much more than working at the till. We cleaned the store, arranged merchandise, and served customers. That experience taught me humility, teamwork, and the importance of valuing people. Every Wednesday, we had staff development sessions where one lesson was constantly emphasised: the customer is always right.
I have carried that principle into my career. Whether I am interacting with my supervisors, colleagues, or students, I always want people to leave having had a positive experience because I believe every interaction matters.
TASEKHAYA: Your journey has taken you from teaching to lecturing in higher education. What has been the biggest transition in your growth as an educator?
SIPHILANGENKOSI: Looking back, every school I have taught at has shaped me into the educator I am today. Salem High School was where I truly learnt how to teach English and Literature. The experienced teachers I worked alongside mentored me, and although I was only there for a short time, they laid the foundation for my teaching career.
Khanyisa High School was a completely different experience. As a new school, we built systems from the ground up. Being the only English teacher challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, become resourceful, and collaborate across departments.
After completing my Master’s degree, I joined Edwaleni High School. What stood out most there was the leadership. It showed me that when leaders value and support their teachers, they create an environment where teachers genuinely love what they do. Moving into higher education has been my biggest transition. I have shifted from being an instructor who delivers knowledge to a facilitator who guides learning. Today, my role is not simply to teach students what to think, but to help them discover how to think.
TASEKHAYA: As an online English tutor, you work with students from different backgrounds. What challenges do learners commonly face with English, and how do you help them build confidence and improve?
SIPHILANGENKOSI: One of the biggest challenges learners’ faces is confidence. Many students know more English than they think, but they fear making mistakes. Others struggle because they see English as separate from their own languages and identities. I encourage students to see their home languages as strengths rather than barriers.
Drawing from my research on translanguaging, I help learners connect what they already know with new concepts. Once students realise that learning is about communication and meaning rather than perfection, they become much more confident and willing to participate.
TASEKHAYA: In your roles as Academic Literacy Lecturer and Programme Director at IDM Eswatini, how do you define academic literacy, and why is it essential for students today?
SIPHILANGENKOSI: Academic literacy is much more than reading and writing. It is the ability to think critically, evaluate information, communicate ideas effectively, and participate confidently in academic and professional conversations.
In today’s world, where information is everywhere and Artificial Intelligence can generate content instantly, students need to know how to analyse, question, verify, and create knowledge responsibly. Academic literacy equips students with those lifelong skills, making them not only better graduates but also better citizens.
TASEKHAYA: As someone certified in AI in Education, how do you see technology reshaping teaching while preserving creativity, critical thinking, and human connection?
SIPHILANGENKOSI: Artificial Intelligence is an incredible tool, but it should never replace the human element of education. AI can personalise learning, provide immediate feedback, and make education more accessible. However, teachers remain essential because we inspire curiosity, nurture empathy, and help students develop values that technology cannot teach. I see AI as a teaching assistant rather than a teacher. The future belongs to educators who know how to combine technological innovation with meaningful human relationships and critical thinking.
TASEKHAYA: Why do you believe lifelong learning is essential for educators?
SIPHILANGENKOSI: Education is constantly evolving, and educators must evolve with it. The moment a teacher believes they know everything is the moment they stop being effective. Lifelong learning allows us to stay relevant, embrace new technologies, improve our teaching strategies, and better understand the changing needs of our students.
More importantly, when students see their teachers continuing to learn, they realise that learning is not something that ends with graduation, it is a lifelong journey.
TASEKHAYA: For a young EmaSwati passionate about English, writing, or literature but unsure of the career opportunities available, what advice would you give them? What legacy do you hope to leave through your work as an educator and author?
SIPHILANGENKOSI: I will be honest with young EmaSwati who are passionate about English and Literature. When many of us enrolled at university years ago, we believed graduation would automatically lead to employment. That was not the reality, and for many graduates, the struggle continues. My message is simple: don’t let unemployment define your worth. Your skills are valuable. Use them to tutor, create content, improve learners’ communication skills, or explore other career paths.
Your degree has prepared you for far more than the traditional classroom. Don’t limit your imagination. English and Literature can open doors to education, publishing, research, journalism, communication, public relations, law, diplomacy, and many other professions.
Keep learning, embrace technology, and continue sharpening your skills.
As for my legacy, I hope to be remembered as an educator who inspired people to believe in themselves and think beyond limitations. If I can help shape confident, ethical, and critical thinkers who go on to transform their communities, then I will consider my work successful.
0 Comments