You know that deep-seated dream that you really want to achieve, but aren’t sure how to reach? Well, let the story of security guard, Bulelani Thompson, who dropped out of varsity, by no fault of his own, and later returned to the same institution to finish what he started, be your reminder that anything is possible!
Eastern Cape, South Africa (22 May 2025) – Bulelani Thompson is living proof that your dreams are valid, even if your circumstances are challenging, and that you can still pursue them years after they were first planted in your heart.
A dedicated security officer at the University of Fort Hare (UFH), Thompson had always dreamed of furthering his education and venturing into politics and international relations. Although he enrolled as a student at that very university over 20 years ago, financial constraints proved a significant stumbling block, resulting in Thompson dropping out and pursuing work in the Western Cape instead.
According to UFH, when he returned home, his partner encouraged him to give his academic dream another shot. He was soon he was accepted at the Bisho campus in 2021, a moment that marked the reopening of a door that had remained closed for years.
In that same year, Thompson was also hired as a security officer at UFH’s Alice campus. While it was not easy, he juggled both studies and work to the best of his ability.
“Balancing work and studies was difficult, especially when his shifts clashed with online classes. Sometimes students or staff would see me with a laptop while on duty and wonder what I was doing. I had to explain that it wasn’t for entertainment, it was for my studies,” he tells UFH.
But Thompson kept his head down and did the work, while also drawing strength from his partner, who had been his biggest supporter throughout the journey.
He completed his undergraduate degree in record time and went on to pursue his Honours in Political Science in 2024, which he successfully obtained at his graduation this month at the age of 44. And he has no plans to stop as he now looks forward to pursuing his Master’s degree.
The ultimate goal: to work in international relations.
“I’d like to thank everyone who contributed to my success, the groups I worked with since 2021, my colleagues, my lecturers, and of course, my partner. This journey has taught me that it’s never too late to go back and pursue your dreams,” a grateful Thompson shares.
Sources: University of Fort Hare
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:
Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 