News of graduations made trends with many sharing their pictures and traditional dance moves, however it was one pictures of a young man in tears during the University of KwaZulu-Natal graduation ceremony that caught everybody’s attention. 23-year-old Dumisani Ngobese who collected his Bachelor of Arts degree, moved UKZN and South Africa with spirit dressed in casual Ngobese proudly walked up the stage to claim his degree,at a ceremony held at the UKZN’s Westville Campus on Friday.
From a rural area outside Empangeni called Bhukhanana, Ngobese who is currently pursuing an Honours degree with the University, did not let the “Abantu Bazo Thini” stigma, prevent him from getting that degree. Raised by his maternal grandmother who could not not make it to the ceremony, Ngobese wept his way to the stage as he was reflecting back to what he described as “a long and difficult journey.”
The university honoured the graduate, shared his story with the rest of South Africa, and ever since then, messages of goowil and donations have been pouring on social media. Ngobese has touched many with his strength to go on despite his situation back home, that many who are able are now pledging towards his future. Ngobese during the graduation, said he was overcome with emotions as he reflected back on how far he has come and what he accomplished to get onto the stage, he just couldn’t hold back the tears .
“My grandmother was a street vendor and the sole breadwinner in the house where there were over 10 children,” he said. Saddened by the absence of his grandmother who could not make the trip to see him graduate due to ill health, Ngobese was happy to have his mother and aunt present at his gratuation.
Ngobese said it was a graduation he could not miss. “I could not afford to buy a suit but I just had to be there at graduation,” he said. “I am overwhelmed by the number of calls. I have been getting so many that I cannot respond to all of them. People have been phoning to wish me well while some have even pledged donations. I am grateful to all the people showing me love,” Ngobese said.
People had a thing or two to say regarding his outfit. “Unlike many other graduates who’d wear suits, Ngobese was wearing a black golf t-shirt and black pants.” And for him, that was all he needed to not miss his graduation which he worked hard for, giving many and emotional teary moment and a reminder that where you come from will take you were you are going, only if you hold on, the storm has a silver lining and a rainbow at the end of it.
