In the Registrar’s Division, Siyavuya Ngemntu plays a pivotal role, guiding students with international qualifications through a complex admissions journey with precision and care. From navigating global education systems to offering reassurance at a daunting life stage, her work blends technical expertise with empathy – while an unexpected passion for farming reveals the values that shape her approach to growth, both in the soil and in students’ futures.

What does your role at SU entail? 

I work as an application officer for international schools in the Registrar’s Division, where I support both undergraduate and postgraduate applicants across multiple faculties. My focus is on undergraduate South African students who have completed international curricula, which means I spend a significant amount of time evaluating qualifications and ensuring they meet admission requirements. 

My role is quite specialised as it extends beyond the application stage. After registration, I also assist students with their matriculation exemption, ensuring that each admitted student meets the necessary requirements. This involves liaising with external bodies such as Universities South Africa, Cambridge Assessment International Education, and Pearson to ensure accurate alignment and compliance. 

I collaborate closely with internal departments and external partners to ensure applications are assessed fairly and consistently. A big part of my role involves guiding prospective students and their families through what can be a complex and sometimes overwhelming process, helping to bring clarity and reassurance along the way. It’s a role that combines technical precision with a strong focus on people. 

What does a typical day at work look like? 

No two days are ever the same, which is something I really enjoy. Most days involve reviewing applications, verifying documents and responding to queries from students, parents and colleagues. Some queries are straightforward, while others require more in-depth investigation, especially when working with international qualifications. 

I also collaborate with different teams across the University to ensure that the admissions process runs smoothly. During peak periods the pace can be fast, but it’s rewarding knowing that each application processed is a step closer to a student starting a journey at SU. Being part of that journey, even behind the scenes, makes the work meaningful. 

How did your education or past experiences prepare you for this job? 

I hold a bachelor’s degree in industrial and organisational psychology and sociology, which gave me a strong foundation in understanding people, systems, and how organisations function. During my university years, I developed a strong interest in training and development, particularly in supporting and guiding others in their growth. 

Before joining SU, I worked in a range of student-focused roles at 2U, an American educational technology company. As an admissions counsellor, I supported prospective students from around the world through the application process for degree programmes offered in partnership with institutions such as the University of London and the London School of Economics and Political Science. This role involved conducting admissions interviews, assessing international qualifications, and guiding applicants through complex requirements. 

I also worked as a student success advisor and coach, supporting master’s students enrolled through the University of Surrey. In these roles, I focused on student engagement, academic support and progression monitoring, and I facilitated counselling sessions to help students navigate both academic and personal challenges. 

These experiences exposed me to diverse education systems and student needs, strengthening my ability to provide structured guidance while remaining empathetic and student-centred. 

What do you enjoy most about your role and working at SU? 

Being part of such an important stage in a student’s journey. Applying to university can feel overwhelming, especially when there are additional complexities like international qualifications, so being able to provide clarity and support during that process is incredibly rewarding. 

I also value the collaborative environment at SU. There is a shared commitment across teams to support students and deliver a high standard of service. Being part of an institution that prioritises both academic excellence and student experience provides a sense of purpose to the work. 

Tell us something about yourself that few people would expect.

I own and run a small pig farm and am an avid gardener. This passion is deeply rooted in my upbringing. I grew up spending weekends at my parents’ rural home, where we kept livestock, including pigs. Those experiences taught me discipline, patience and the value of producing your own food. They also instilled a sense of consistency – an understanding that growth requires sustained care and responsibility over time. 

My late mother had a deep respect for nature. She would always celebrate the rain, seeing it not merely as weather but as life, growth and hope. That perspective continues to shape how I approach both life and work.

Travelling across the Eastern Cape exposed me to rural communities where subsistence farming, hard work and mutual support defined daily life. These encounters left a lasting impression and strengthened my appreciation for sustainability and community.

I have carried this into my own life, and I grow vegetables such as spinach, cabbage and potatoes. Farming, in many ways, mirrors my professional role. It requires structure, attention to detail and careful monitoring – much like managing applications and supporting student progression.

In my work at SU, whether verifying qualifications or guiding students through matriculation exemption requirements, I focus on accuracy, nurturing development and supporting growth. Balancing rural values with a structured professional environment has shaped my approach and continues to ground me in both purpose and practice.