KARIEGA – When Kariega’s Natasha Meyer became a mother as a teenager, many people assumed her future was already decided. Society often tells teenage mothers that their opportunities are limited, but Natasha believed God had a different plan for her life.

Although becoming a mother at such a young age was frightening, she embraced the responsibility wholeheartedly and always regarded her daughter, Naqeesha Koester, as a blessing rather than a burden.

Natasha told UD Express that motherhood motivated her to work harder than ever. “As a single mother, I became determined to give my daughter a good upbringing and a stable future,” she said.

Over the years, mother and daughter faced many challenges together, yet those experiences only strengthened their bond and deepened their commitment to education. Natasha credits God for sustaining them and giving them the courage, determination and mental strength to push through.

She also expressed gratitude to Naqeesha for continually inspiring her and encouraging her to become a better version of herself. Along the way, Natasha met her husband, Sherwin, whom she describes as the love of her life, and thanked him for his unwavering support, encouragement and love during the moments she felt like giving up.

It was with that support behind her that Natasha made a decision that would change the course of her life, she enrolled for a degree through UNISA, choosing to pursue tertiary education whilst raising Naqeesha. For many, juggling motherhood and studying would have seemed an impossible task, but Natasha saw it as the only way forward.

“I knew that if I wanted better for her, I had to do better myself,” she said. “Studying wasn’t easy, but giving up was never an option.”

The family’s sacrifices extended to their four-year-old son, Shiloh, who patiently accepted that his mom and sister often needed time to study, even when he sometimes felt left out. Natasha believes those sacrifices were well worth it, culminating in a shared achievement that fills the whole family with pride.

On Friday, 12 June, Natasha and Naqeesha graduated together at the ICC in KuGompo City with Honours degrees in Educational Leadership and Management through UNISA. Natasha earned three distinctions out of five subjects, whilst Naqeesha achieved four distinctions out of five and graduated cum laude.

Natasha said walking across the graduation stage alongside her daughter felt “absolutely surreal”. She added, “I felt proud, but most of all grateful for God’s blessing and favour that allowed us to reach this milestone together.”

Reflecting on her family, Natasha said her husband was deeply proud of what they had achieved. “He is extremely proud of our determination to pull through, even when I wanted to give up at some point. He motivated me to keep going,” she said.

She also spoke about her son’s pride, noting that whilst he may not yet fully understand the significance of the moment, he shares in the family’s joy.

Natasha added that both her parents had passed away, and she expressed a heartfelt wish that they could have witnessed the milestone. “I wish this could have happened whilst they were still alive, to show them that with the help of God I made a success of my life, and that although they were disappointed when I had her as a teen, we turned out okay,” she said.

She also reflected on her difficult early years as a young mother, recalling that her parents were extremely strict.

I didn’t even have anything for her when I went to the hospital. It was a case of: you are on your own.

She remembered receiving help from nurses who brought her daughter a donated dress, and a friend who provided clothes and blankets, later paying them off bit by bit. At one point, she had to borrow R50 just to buy medication for her baby.

Despite those hardships, Natasha said the experience shifted her outlook on life and giving. “We went from being on the receiving end to being able to bless others,” she said.

She added that she is now grateful for her late parents, saying their strict upbringing taught her resilience and faith. “Because of their tough love, they taught me that I cannot lean on the arm of man, but only on God. That’s where we both draw our strength from, being grounded and trusting God in everything we do,” she said.

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