From rural roots to global platform: The transformative journey of Siyaphumelela’s first DREAM Scholar
Kudayja Parker
Determination and resilience
Simphiwe Kunene’s story shines as a beacon of hope and possibility. A postgraduate Education student from the University of Free State (UFS), he rose from humble beginnings, growing up in the rural village of Nondweni, northern KwaZulu-Natal, overcoming significant challenges in accessing higher education. His determination and resilience ultimately led him to the global stage of Achieving the Dream’s DREAM conference, where he became Siyaphumelela’s first DREAM Scholar.
Leaving South Africa for the first time, Simphiwe experienced a whirlwind of emotions—from sharing the news with his mother that he had been chosen as the DREAM Scholar, to applying for his passport and visa, boarding a plane, and crossing the ocean and time zones to the other side of the world.
Support from his mentor, Professor Francois Strydom, was crucial. “Prof was there throughout the whole thing, just assuring me that it was going to be fine,” he shared, underscoring the importance of mentorship in navigating such life-changing experiences.
Simphiwe Kunene and Prof Francois Strydom at DREAM 2024, Orlando, Florida, USA
Simphiwe’s journey culminated at the 2024 DREAM and Siyaphumelela conferences, where he presented his deeply personal, “I Am” poem. Working with the Achieving the Dream (ATD) poet, whom he affectionally calls “Dr. Joy”, was a profound experience, “She's so kind and welcoming. She helped me realise things I would not have identified myself.” Reflecting on her guidance, from online coaching to supporting him before he travelled to DREAM and on the day of his performance, made lasting impact. Seeing the massive conference venue where he would perform his poem to thousands of delegates, was intimidating, but Simphiwe overcame his nerves, captivating the audience with his story.
“I think the biggest shock for me was when they showed us the stage that we would be speaking from… and the size of the conference hall where everyone else would be sitting. There were so many chairs. There were so many tables. And there was just this glaring light that they told us would be on you when you speak and so everyone will be here listening to you and looking at you. It looked and felt like I was carrying the entire world on my shoulders. But after I stood there to present the poem, the fear, the anxiety, everything just melted away and it is as if I was in my zone.”
His poem blended his personal experiences with a universal message of hope and possibility. Though mindful of the predominantly English-speaking audience, he ended his performance in isiZulu, honouring his cultural roots. Watch Simphiwe present his I AM poem:
His message to future scholars: “Stay true to your heritage while ensuring your story is accessible to others.”
A common humanity
The DREAM Scholar’s programme brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds, sharing stories of struggle and resilience that they had faced in their respective communities. Despite cultural differences, Simphiwe identified striking similarities in the challenges that many of the DREAM Scholars had faced. A conversation with Patricio, a scholar from Wisconsin, resonated deeply. Patricio described his entire family living in a one single, overcrowded room, “it reminded me of how the situation is here at home. We’d find people having to share one room. Ten, nine… all of them just here in this one space.” Another powerful connection emerged in discussion with Laura, a Native American scholar, who spoke passionately about historical dispossession of her people and their yearning for a world in which they could thrive on their own terms. “She was telling me about the dispossession… and how it feels to be Native American and how she wishes the world could be for her and her people. It resonated a lot with many other struggles, particularly in South Africa.”
Dinner with fellow Dream Scholars
One of the conference Dream Studio presentations that Simphiwe joined was titled, “Expanding access to opportunities for historically disconnected adult populations,” which mirrored his own struggles with accessing education. Simphiwe reflected, that since he became a student, access had been a struggle, however, he acknowledged that he had been fortunate and voiced his desire to create opportunities for others. The studio focused on innovative ways to expand educational opportunities, particularly for marginalised groups. “The discussions made me understand that this is not uniquely a South African problem,” he concluded. Apart from workshopping their poems, meeting with ATD President, Dr Karen Stout, and attending conference presentations, the DREAM Scholar’s programme even included a visit to NASA.
A highlight was the visit by the eight Dream Scholars to NASA
Simphiwe’s reflections: Gratitude, growth and future aspirations
Simphiwe reflects on his DREAM experience with gratitude, emphasising that, "the journey of a thousand miles starts with one step." Being chosen as a DREAM Scholar was a life-changing experience. “I feel very lucky to have had this opportunity,” he shares. Since returning from DREAM, Simphiwe has actively engaged with the Student Representative Council (SRC) at UFS’s Bloemfontein campus, sharing his DREAM insights and discussing ethical leadership, access, and student success. At the QwaQwa campus, he delivered a presentation entitled “Resilience, Hope, and Ethics: Keys to Leadership and Success” as part of the, “What Students Should Know” series. Through these platforms, he inspires students to believe in their potential and to strive for success. His advice to future DREAM Scholars is simple yet powerful: use the experience not only for personal growth but also to empower others.
“I remember in the words of one student during the last conversation we had, and he said to me, ‘Thank you for making it possible. Thank you for making me believe that even the likes of myself are able to do it.’ And I don't think that would have been even possible for myself had Siyaphumelela not been there, had ATD not been there. So, from that, from my selection as a DREAM scholar, a chain reaction, a ripple effect has since taken place within my life and in the lives of others, and has enabled me to really touch more people than I ever thought was possible.”
His role as a Learning Developer at UFS’s Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) has also gained new meaning. “After DREAM, I realised how much what I do impacts student success,” This realisation fuels his commitment to transforming lives through education, seeing his work as more than just a job.
Simphiwe’s passion for education has inspired him to pursue a Master’s in Education at UFS, specialising in higher education, with aspirations to eventually pursue a PhD. His vision is clear: to address disparities in access to higher education and to create meaningful change.
Inspired by his DREAM journey, Simphiwe remains committed to spreading the message that success is possible for everyone through determination and action. He sees higher education leadership as a platform for driving change, championing issues of access and success, particularly for marginalised students. He remains committed to the values he discovered during his time at DREAM and is determined to “evangelise” the message that success is possible for everyone.
Expressing gratitude to Saide, ATD, and the UFS for believing in him, he concludes, “this opportunity has been very humbling and humanising. It showed me that action is the only way to create meaningful change in our society.”
