WORK SWAGGER: Thabani Msiza works the counter as a customer pays for order. Photo: Percy Matshoba
Thabani Msiza is a 20 year old first year medical student at Wits University who spends his time reading medical books and serving food at artisan cafe Daleahs. In light of Workers Day, Wits Vuvuzela sat down with the working student to ask him how he balances student and work life.
- What sets you apart from the rest?
I’ve been told i have a weird accent which doesn’t really match my look. Not really sure if that sets me apart, but i think its just mostly the way I am in general. Not many people can figure me out, which I guess is a good and bad, and i think my sense of humour.
- What are the challenges you come across between being a student and a worker?
Mainly it’s just time management and prioritisation. Maintaining the energy to work, study and socialise 7 days a week.
- Why did you decide to work?
Well I realised I would have a lot of free time this year. I also wanted the freedom and independence that comes from earning your own money.
- Do you find it difficult to manage your time as a medical student and as a worker?
I do to a certain extent. It’s not a huge difficulty in my life, I’m just really lazy.
- What will you be doing on Workers Day?
I will be working on Worker’s Day. The irony, I know. The plus side is that I get to meet really weird and interesting people on a daily basis, so even working on the day designated for us workers is not that much of an awful thing.
6. Which do you find more interesting, working or being a student?
Definitely working. Being a student is a lot more fun, but being a waiter you are forced to interact with so many people a day. That just makes the days really interesting especially since I love meeting different characters.
