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The Herald
6 days ago
- Health
- The Herald
University of Pretoria awards former first lady Zanele Mbeki an honorary doctorate
The University of Pretoria (UP) has awarded former first lady and social worker Zanele Mbeki an honorary doctorate for her advocacy for an inclusive society and championing women's rights, particularly in rural areas. Mbeki holds a degree in social work from the University of the Witwatersrand and a diploma in social policy and administration from the London School of Economics and Political Science. She cofounded a microfinance institution called the Women's Development Bank in 1990, which catered to the needs of women in rural areas whose male relatives worked in mines. In 2003, she started an organisation called Women in Dialogue, giving a voice to women in Africa. Mbeki also started the Zanele Mbeki Development Trust to improve the status of African women. Former head of UP's department of social work and criminology Prof Antoinette Lombard said Mbeki's advocacy predates her tenure as first lady. 'Her deep concern for the plight of those left behind spans many years of work. This includes her contributions as a social worker in London, Zambia, Pakistan, India and Kenya; in the fields of health and mental health as a social worker for refugees in Botswana and Nigeria as part of the UN High Commission for Refugees; and for Anglo American in Zambia as a case worker.' In her speech, Mbeki thanked the university. 'I remain committed to realising the call to South Africa and Africa where every person has a chance to thrive. Let this moment inspire us to act with purpose, conviction and unity. Together we can make remarkable strides in rewriting the story of Africa and her people, not one defined by struggle but by innovation and the humanity of her people.' TimesLIVE
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Some degrees really are a waste of time and money: These are the 10 worst-paying college majors
College is often touted as a time for young people to explore their passions and interests. But passion isn't going to pay the bills. Graduates who majored in education, social work, or the arts end up earning the lowest median income within five years, according to recent data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Foreign language majors earn the lowest salary of all early-career college graduates, with a median annual income of $40,000. General social sciences majors hover close by with a $41,000 median salary. Performing arts majors fare a bit better with a median annual income of $41,1900. Anthropology and early childhood education majors round out the bottom five with a median salary of $42,000. While foreign language skills are lucrative for many job seekers, they don't always translate to a higher paying role. Now more than ever, people are able to obtain language proficiency without a formal degree (thanks to apps like Duolingo). Those who major in foreign language usually go into lower-paying fields, such as public service or translation. Even as these majors elevate to mid-career roles, their paychecks are still paltry in comparison to their tech-minded counterparts. Early childhood education majors earn the lowest salary of mid-career college graduates, with a $49,000 median income. Elementary education hovers slightly above, with a $53,000 median annual salary for mid-career workers. Students who major in STEM fields, such as engineering and computer science, end up earning more due to a greater need for these specialized skills in higher paying industries, including finance and technology. To summarize, the worst paying degrees for early-career earnings are: Foreign language ($40,000) General social sciences ($41,000) Performing arts ($41,900) Anthropology ($42,000) Early childhood education ($42,000) Family and consumer sciences ($42,000) General education ($42,000) Miscellaneous biological science ($42,000) Social services ($42,000) Theology and religion ($42,000) The least lucrative degrees for mid-career earnings are: Early childhood education ($49,000) Elementary education ($53,000) Social services ($54,000) General education ($55,000) Special education ($55,000) Secondary education (58,000) Theology and religion ($60,000) Miscellaneous education ($60,000) Family and consumer sciences ($62,000) Health services ($65,000) This story was originally featured on
CBC
19-05-2025
- Health
- CBC
Veterinary college grad overcomes adversity on the road to new career
Switching careers after more than a decade was a daunting undertaking for Melissa Walsh. Her career change from social work to veterinary medicine involved four years of classes, labs, clinical rotations — and more. "As an older student, I was … basically everyone's mom, age-wise," Walsh told CBC Mainstreet host Steve Bruce. "There was a little hesitation, but at the same time it sounded like a great adventure and I wanted to try it." Jumping back into a rigorous educational environment after not being in school for many years was challenging, Walsh said. But academics weren't the only thing she had to overcome. Walsh faced a series of serious health issues that affected her life in significant ways. "There were definitely moments I wasn't sure I was going to be able to finish the program, but there [were] also moments I wasn't sure I was going to make it… to live," she said. Walsh graduated from the Atlantic Veterinary College earlier this month. Show of resilience During her second year in the program, Walsh broke her ankle and foot. She said she spent about nine months on a scooter trying to participate in anatomy labs and other classes. In her fourth year, Walsh developed an intestinal infection which led to other complications. "Because I got sick, I couldn't take my normal medications, and I ended up getting blood clots in my lungs," she said, adding that one of her lungs collapsed. Walsh said that resulted in her having to drop a rotation because she physically could not get out of bed. After meeting with the dean, Walsh said she was able to rebuild her schedule and take on rotations that were not as physically challenging. "I think I was more worried a lot of the time about school," she said. "But the school was like, 'No, your health is more important.'" 'I try and find the good' The experience of completing a challenging degree amid physical health issues took a mental toll, Walsh said. "It was hard. It was really hard," she said. "But I guess I would just say… it's kind of just my personality. I'm just a fighter, I guess." Even in moments where it wasn't easy, Walsh said she looked on the bright side. "I try and always have a positive outlook, so I try and find the good," she said. "It was kind of hard to find it at that point, but the school was amazing and my classmates were amazing and we persevered." With her background in social work, Walsh said she's learned how to take care of herself. "Having a healthy mindset is what can help you get through these things," she said, noting that she also has a good support system to lean on. Having now earned her degree, Walsh said she feels mostly joy. "I think over the last four years, I've definitely grown in confidence," she said. "I used to be a complete wallflower. Like, you wouldn't even know I was there. And now I'm … talking on the radio."
