The BANA MBOKA Interview Series is dedicated to shining a spotlight on Congolese students and individuals who are making significant contributions to the Congolese society and shaping their futures.
The First feature of this interview introduces Nissi Mukuna, a bright and passionate young Congolese student whose academic journey and commitment to sports are helping her pave a way for her future professionally and in sports.
Nissi Mukuna, a second-year student at the University of Johannesburg, is currently pursuing her career in a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance. Before anything else, Nissi is a child of God with a love for cooking, singing, and sports. These interests are just a few of many of the things she has a passion for. Describing herself academically, Nissi says, ” I am passionate about learning and love being educated.” This love for learning drives her to excel in her studies, yet Nissi’s commitment does not stop there. Her presence on the university’s sports team is another testament to her dedication and versatility. She has played for the under-19 netball team and later joined the athletics team. Her decision to pursue athletics was not solely based on talent, but rather passion. “I would rather do what I am passionate about instead of what is driven by talent,” she explains. “Passion allows you to dedicate more time and effort into what you do.” This mentality is evident as she talks about her love for sports-her enthusiasm is evident and her dedication is clear in every word.
When it comes to her degree, Nissi chose to study a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance because of her interest in numbers, particularly the accounting aspect rather than mathematics. Initially, she had considered a career in Accountancy, but after much thought and research, she decided that a Bcom in Finance was a better fit for her. “I feel like a Bcom in Accountancy is overrated, so I did research in Finance and applied for a Bcom In Finance, ” she shares. While the demands of a finance degree, combined with a sports commitment and a social life, may seem overwhelming, Nissi has managed to stay on top of it all. Her drive to never settle for mediocrity pushes her to aim for excellence, with plans to continue all the way till her Master’s degree. “I don’t like being mediocre or average,” she says confidently, and this ambition fuels her every act. A question often asked to any student balancing academics and extracurricular activities is time management. Nissi has found a way to manage both, emphasizing the importance of prioritization. “We need to learn that there is a time for everything, and passion drives you to prioritise and excel in what you do,” she states. Nissi understands that excellence is not about working until exhaustion, but about doing one’s best in every task.

The second thing she emphasises on is the importance of having clear goals, which serve as a foundation for excellence. “One cannot chase after excellence if there is no ground or something they want to excel in,” she remarks. Having a goal provides the focus necessary to maintain consistency and strive for a balanced life. But with goals comes sacrifice-though, as Nissi points out, sacrifice does not mean neglecting other areas of life, but rather prioritising what truly matters in the moment. By doing this, one can avoid being overwhelmed by a load of responsibilities. Another aspect of balance is the people one surrounds themselves with. Good company can make a significant difference in managing time effectively and staying motivated. Supportive, like-minded individuals are like water to a growing tree, it allows one to grow and become more efficient in every aspect of life, whether it is school, extracurriculars, or personal development. “It allows for effective and efficient studying, having someone who is doing what you are doing and who knows the importance of life outside academics,” she adds.
Beyond her academic and athletics pursuits, Nissi’s aspirations for the future extend to making a tangible impact in her home country, the Democratic Republic of Congo. She dreams of furthering her career in finance, working in corporate, and potentially becoming a professional Olympian. By doing so, she hopes to showcase Congolese talent and open up opportunities for young athletes back home. Nissi envisions creating sports facilities and recreational clubs that can help nurture and develop Congolese talent on the global stage.

Her long term goals also include joining the UJ CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants), a community that mentors students in Finance. Nissi sees this as an opportunity not only to expand her knowledge but also to learn from others in the field. “I believe in getting knowledge from others because you can not just rely on your own understanding,” she states, highlighting the importance of learning from those around you.
Through her drive, ambitions, and focus on community, Nissi Mukuna is truly a woman who is determined to make a significant impact both in her career field and for the future of Congo. To end the interview, her words resonate with her faith and outlook, she quotes Isaiah 7:9: “If you do not stand firm in your faith, you won’t be able to stand at all.” For Nissi, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of belief and perseverance in all aspects of life.
To close, Nissi offers a piece of wisdom for all students: “School is not just a place to thrive in academics. It’s an opportunity to make connections, a chance to learn from others. Know that there is a time for everything.” For Nissi, university is much more than a classroom; it is a place to grow, to connect, and to become the best version of yourself.