An achiever against all odds

3 years ago, Professor Sandra Perks was involved in a freak accident that almost cost her life. She survived by chance but she lost hearing in both ears. With only a 20% hearing capacity, Professor Perks has not allowed her disability to deter from continuing to achieve her goals.

Professor Sandra Perks is currently a senior lecturer in the Business Management department at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. She has managed to obtain a Bcom from UPE, an HED from UNISA, and MBA from London and a PhD from Vista. With 23 years lecturing experience in various subject fields, Professor Perks has accomplished more than she had imagined. Her interest in researching small and micro business issues in South Africa has earned Professor Perks the royalties she deserves in the Business forefront. Upsound: “I specialise in qualitative research studies. I have published various articles and attended many conferences locally as well as abroad for my expertise.”

Professor Perks has always wanted to share her expertise with others and she has done so by publishing a book titled Training Programmes for Growing Micro and Small Businesses in Developing Countries in 2008. Her work has also been featured in various first year textbooks focusing on globalisation, franchising and ethics. There is clearly no halt for Professor Perks who has been appointed as a mentor and a member a Virtual Board member for the Business Association in the Eastern Cape.

Professor Perks does not only succeed as an academic but she is also an outstanding mother to a 17-year old Maritsa and the wife of a loving husband. Although she was born in a small town where people had to conform to certain norms, she diverged from what was expected of her and followed her dreams. Upsound: “I believe that doing what you are passionate about is what sustains an individual.” Professor Perks is still rising but she believes that obstacles along the way have groomed her further. After facing a near death experience, Professor Perks has learnt to appreciate the gift of life.

Professor Perks was proceeding with the day’s events when she encountered the accident. Upsound: “Everything was moving so quickly, one moment I was in driving my car and the next my body was suppressed like a pilchard in a tin.” The accident created many setbacks in her life but her family’s support allowed her to accept the accident. Upsound: “I won’t lie to you but after the accident my family seemed closer.”

Professor Perk’s story shows that obstacles are there to be overcome and she has done this effortlessly.

 Professor Sandra Perks

Professor Perks with SIFE members

By Andisiwe Mtengwane