DURBAN – University of KwaZulu-Natal graduation ceremonies over the years have been known to have a little bit of flair with traditional dances here and there but this year’s May graduation was packed with jubilant dancing and singing from both students and their family members.
UKZN is hosting in-person graduation ceremonies for the first time since 2019. The ceremonies started on May 4 and will end on May 21.
For many students the road to graduation is not an easy one due to a lack of finances or the struggle of juggling work, family and study.
This year’s graduates had to overcome years of Covid-19 and last year’s looting.
In a tweet, UKZN said graduation is a stepping stone to a better tomorrow.
“One has to understand the stories of our graduates to relate better with such heartfelt celebrations from their families,” said UKZN.
The university said parents ululated for every graduate on stage in the spirit of ubuntu.
“We are raised by a village. Parents ululating for every graduate on stage is a true expression of ‘Your child is my child’,” said UKZN.
Graduate Mlandomuhle Ntombela, who was dressed in traditional Zulu attire, leaped into a warrior dance pose at his graduation ceremony
Ntombela received a Bachelor of Architectural Studies degree from the College of Humanities.
Qhawe Ndlovu from Northdene in Durban, graduated with his Bachelor of Arts Honours (Digital Arts) degree.
Ndlovu celebrated with his mother Nomsa, who is a UKZN staff member.
The university said an excited Ndlovu was guided on stage by his mother to accept his degree.
“I am so proud of my eldest son. He has worked so hard and put in many hours to achieve his goals,” said Nomsa.
UKZN said Ndlovu is an experienced freelance artist with a demonstrated history of working in the animation industry.
“I am constantly improving my craft and skills. Achieving this degree is an amazing feeling,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nbuhle Myeni showed her athletic skills by doing the splits on stage at her graduation ceremony.
Mkhwanazi Mqondisi performed a traditional dance on stage before receiving his degree certificate in Further Education and Training.
Sfiso Buthelezi graduated with a Bachelor of Education degree.
The university said the excited graduate made his way on stage, dancing with joy as he was capped.
Buthelezi says he is confident that he will excel as a teacher and make a difference to the lives of learners.
Singer Nomfundo Ngcobo, known as Nomfundo Moh, sang on stage to her song Soft Life which played as she received her Bachelor of Social Work degree.
The university said Ngcobo knelt in gratitude after stepping off the stage at her graduation ceremony as she was surprised by her management team with a plaque showcasing that her hit song – Phakade Lami – had just gone Double Platinum.
Fellow graduates sang along with Ngcobo.
@Nomfundo_Moh set the #UKZNGrad2022 on fire, declaring soft life to fellow graduates while her song was being played as a surprise in the background.
— University of KZN (@UKZN) May 14, 2022
Sisazophila i-soft life bahlali! 🤞
Halala @Nomfundo_Moh #UKZNGrad2022 #MyUKZN #MyPride #UKZN #InspiringGreatness #Graduation pic.twitter.com/cTA8rHRLX1
A proud and emotional parent sings from the heart as her child graduates.
A proud and emotional parent singing from the heart.
— University of KZN (@UKZN) May 11, 2022
Graduation is a stepping stone to a better tomorrow.#MyUKZN #MyPride #UKZN #InspiringGreatness #Graduation #UKZNGrad2022 pic.twitter.com/I31KZZ21jZ
Jabula Mzali ufundisile. It might not have been easy but was surely worth it. You deserve to celebrate and be happy.#UKZNGrad2022 #MyUKZN #MyPride #UKZN #InspiringGreatness #Graduation #UKZNGrad2022 pic.twitter.com/qQhRuOO1um
— University of KZN (@UKZN) May 13, 2022
Kikiza ugiye Mama, uhambo lwen’ ukuze kufike kulomzuzu we- #UKZNGrad2022 nikwazi kangcono.
Siyanihalalisela!!!!#UKZNGrad2022 #MyUKZN #MyPride #UKZN #InspiringGreatness #Graduation #UKZNGrad2022 pic.twitter.com/5u8F9CopDn
Ashuuuhhh more celebrations! Positive vibes all around. It’s a beautiful day #UKZNGrad2022 #UKZNGrad2022 #MyUKZN #MyPride #UKZN #InspiringGreatness #Graduation #UKZNGrad2022 pic.twitter.com/hpltENuHYK
— University of KZN (@UKZN) May 14, 2022
“Lolu usuku olukhulu kakhulu!”🔥#UmlandoChallenge#UKZNGrad2022 #MyUKZN #MyPride #UKZN #InspiringGreatness #Graduation pic.twitter.com/zSgMSkFl4z
— University of KZN (@UKZN) May 14, 2022
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