Cape Flats resident had plans for his life

STARTING to study at the age of 32 might seem laughable, but when the possibility of further study became a reality, Kyle Jackson grabbed it – and excelled at every opportunity.

The 36-year-old from Kenilworth earned his BA degree cum laude at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) this week.

He had tried three times previously to gain entry to university. Then he came across the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme, which recognised and assessed his work and lived experiences, and his life was steered in a different direction. He finally started his academic career in 2021 on a path to realising his dream of becoming a psychologist.

Dr Rekha Rambharose, head of the RPL programme at UWC, said: “In my history of working with RPL candidates, I have never seen such a remarkable person. The portfolio he submitted was out of this world; he truly went above and beyond.”

Jackson underwent the intense six-month readiness programme and it provided him with access to a BA undergraduate degree. He took the opportunity with gratitude, worked hard and was placed on the Dean’s Merit List every year.

He faced many challenges, but looking back on his life, he can see that everything happened in preparation for his training as a psychologist.

He believes growing up under tough conditions in Athlone on the Cape Flats, coupled with the harsh bullying he endured during high school, deeply impacted his sense of belonging and led to feelings of worthlessness and self-doubt, yet he is grateful for the many challenging life experiences.

“Like many in our country, I come from a family with limited means. Without these experiences, I wouldn’t have acquired the life skills and experiences that I can now use actively to help others,” he said.

Shortly after Jackson’s biological parents separated, he was diagnosed with a conduct disorder. He acknowledges how privileged he was to have had access to a psychologist, a service not typically available to disadvantaged youth like himself.

By the time he reached high school, he became the target of severe bullying and started developing rebellion.

“I was exposed to a mindset that was only limited to the boundaries of my surroundings.” Jackson acknowledges that he wasn’t equipped with the proper tools to regulate his emotions in a healthy way. He defaulted to delinquent behaviour and substance abuse, resulting in having to repeat Grade 11.

“It was only later that I recognised

the psychological impact it had on my life. I continue to attend therapy sessions today, working through my childhood trauma, although much of the healing process began outside therapy. My family, friends, community and wider social support networks have been crucial protective factors.

“I want to also acknowledge the protective factors the community plays – the social bonds that really protect many youth from violence, gangsterism and drugs.”

After matric, he started working as a replenisher at a leading retailer. His career path took him into the field of corporate social responsibility at the new company.

“Apart from my work in business, I got involved in community projects. These projects aimed to make mental health support more available and to raise awareness about mental health issues. I still volunteer for these projects today.”

Jackson was also advancing his career, finding himself surrounded by professionals with fields of industrial psychology, leadership and commerce.

“I was at a crossroads. Although the work was rewarding and offered financial stability, I felt it was time to study psychology because this is where passion meets purpose,” Jackson said.

“My upbringing played a key role and piqued my interest in psychology. From an early age, I was fascinated by how and why humans behaved differently. Looking at the world from a lens of growing up on the Cape Flats always had me wondering why people I knew responded differently to similar environments and circumstances.”

“My hope is for the youth to have a more joyful and positive childhood on the Cape Flats and to limit barriers to them reaching their full potential.”

Jackson is working towards an Honours degree in psychology. He hopes to establish his own psychology practice after completing his master’s training and registering with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

KYLE Jackson.