Nokuthula Dlamini (24), an only child raised by a single mother who works as an informal trader, was overcome with emotions as she graduated from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) this week with a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Sociology.
Video and images of an emotional Nokuthula embracing her mother, Lindiwe Dlamini, during the ceremony soon went viral on social media, prompting public offers of support, including clothes and photoshoots.
She had attended graduation without a new dress as she could not afford one.
“I did not want to trouble my mother because I knew the dire situation at home, so I decided to go with the clothes I had.”
“What was important for me was just to be present at graduation because I thought this might be the last one for me,” said Dlamini.
Dlamini, who is from Pietermaritzburg, said she was filled with mixed emotions during the ceremony as she recalled the struggles she faced during her studies and in the lead-up to her graduation.
She said the tears were for how grateful she is to finally make it, the support she received, and the happiness of making her mother proud.
Her financial struggles made the journey to success a lot more challenging.
She thanked her lecturer, Dr Siphamandla Sithelo, who secured accommodation for her for the year, and she said her roommate, Ms Khethukuthula Khoza, assisted with food and anything else she needed.
She also thanked her supervisor for encouraging her to attend counselling.
After trending on social media, people have reached out to Dlamini with various gestures. “I am so grateful to everyone who has reached out.”
“I wish I could shout to the world to thank each and every one of them. I feel God has answered all my prayers and worries. Thank you to everyone,” said Dlamini.
She encouraged other students facing financial struggles or challenges to never let those struggles deter them from following their dreams. “Don’t give up, go out and finish what you started,” said Dlamini.
