Paul Mdletshe is a father of ten children and hails from the uMkhanyakude District Municipality in KwaZulu Natal. Paul, a South African business owner, says that his life has improved since he started studying because he now knows exactly how to tend to certain business disciplines in the right way. He was interviewed by Club magazine who wanted to find out how he balances a very busy life with enough time to study.

Why did you decide to study?

I am a businessman. I have a liquor store, a spares shop, and a general dealer store. I started those businesses by myself, I don’t have a business partner and I needed the backing of the courses to run them effectively.

Why did you choose IQ Academy?

I knew I wanted to improve my knowledge so that I can expand my business, but I don’t have time for full-time study. I chose IQ Academy because they offer a convenient and supportive distance-learning opportunity.

Which town do you live in and how do you receive your study material?

I live in Mbazwana, close to Sodwana Bay. I received my study material via the post within about 21 working days of registering. I don’t have a computer, so what I do is post my assignments to the academy. When South Africa was hit with the long postal strike I submitted my work via fax, without any problems.

Tell us more about the courses you’ve completed and the one you’re busy with at the moment.

I have completed the Business Management and the Financial Management courses. I have now also started the Public Relations Management course because I’m the mduna, the boss, so I need to know what people need and how to advise them. [Note from the Editor: This interview took place at the end of 2015. Paul completed the Public Relations Management course and went on to register for his fourth IQ Academy course, Leading Others.

What do you do if you need academic assistance as you work through the material? Is there someone you can call?

When I have questions I phone the academic tutors at IQ Academy. I can also leave a message for them and they call me back so that we can discuss anything I am struggling with.

Are you studying full- or part-time?

I’m doing this part-time because I have to balance it with work. I’ve also got three wives and 10 children, so I’m quite busy. I study from 7 pm until midnight, and I make the time to do it. I arrange the time!

What are your dreams for the future?

I’m still alive and I’m over 60! I just want to learn continually throughout my life and improve my knowledge and my businesses. I realise that I need to know more about how to complete VAT returns, do balance sheets, and more about accounting in general. So I know I will continue to study further. Paul has recognised how Business Short Courses can help him to gain skills and knowledge in a specific area and how this can give him a competitive edge. We celebrate the success of Paul Mdetshe.