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UKZN graduates and family members add extra spice to May graduation celebrations

Describing the jubilant scenes at their first in-person graduation ceremony since 2019, UKZN said one had to understand the stories of the graduates to relate better to their heartfelt celebrations as well the excitement from their families

Qhawe Ndlovu celebrates with his mother Nomsa after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Honours (Digital Arts) degree during the May graduation held at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Westville campus. Picture: Rajesh Jantilal.

Published May 15, 2022

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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.

Mlandomuhle Ntombela received a Bachelor of Architectural Studies degree from the College of Humanities from during the May graduation held at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Westville campus. Picture: Abhi Indrarajan.

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.

Qhawe Ndlovu celebrates with his mother Nomsa after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Honours (Digital Arts) degree during the May graduation held at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Westville campus. Picture: Rajesh Jantilal.

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.

Nbuhle Myeni did the splits on stage during the May graduation held at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Westville campus. Picture: Abhi Indrarajan.

Mkhwanazi Mqondisi performed a traditional dance on stage before receiving his degree certificate in Further Education and Training.

Mkhwanazi Mqondisi received his degree certificate in Further Education and Training during the May graduation held at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Westville campus. Picture: Abhi Indrarajan.

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.

Sfiso Buthelezi graduated with a Bachelor of Education degree during the May graduation held at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Westville campus. Picture: Abhi Indrarajan.

Sfiso Buthelezi graduated with a Bachelor of Education degree during the May graduation held at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Westville campus. Picture: Abhi Indrarajan.

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.

Nomfundo Ngcobo received her Bachelor of Social Work degree during the May graduation held at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Westville campus. Picture: Rajesh Jantilal.

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.

A proud and emotional parent sings from the heart as her child graduates.

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