Khulekani Ndlela with his mother, Zandile Dladla.
Image: Supplied
In a heartwarming celebration of perseverance and achievement, Khulekani Ndlela emerged as a beacon of hope as the first university graduate in his family.
He graduated with his Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching during the Durban University of Technology's (DUT) Autumn Graduation Ceremony held at the Indumiso Campus Hall in Pietermaritzburg on Monday.
Ndlela said that by obtaining his qualifications, he fulfilled a promise he made to his mother following his father's passing.
Among his three older siblings, he is the only one who managed to attend university and obtain a qualification.
Reflecting on his journey and the significance of breaking generational barriers, Ndlela said his father passed away a few years ago while he was in Grade 11.
He said his dad constantly encouraged him to focus on education, believing it would become the key to transforming their family’s circumstances and lifting them out of poverty.
“I made a promise to my mother when we lost our father that I was going to man up and study so I could take care of my family. I wanted to break barriers and become the first in my family to go to university and become a professional. I wanted to improve the status of my family because my older siblings were not fortunate enough to receive this opportunity.”
Ndlela added that he remained grateful to DUT for the opportunity to pursue higher education and work towards changing his family’s future.
He dedicated his qualification to his late father, whose memory he said continued to inspire and motivate him throughout his studies.
Ndlela further encouraged young people facing adversity to remain hopeful and committed to their dreams.
“Your background and struggles should never stop you from succeeding. Use your pain as motivation to create a better future for yourself and your family.”
His proud mother, Zandile Dladla, and sister, Jabu Ndlela, could not contain their excitement when his name was called during the graduation ceremony.
His mother said she wished his father had lived to witness his son’s dream becoming a reality.
“My son’s resilience and determination through hardships have brought me to a university graduation ceremony for the first time. I never imagined I would have a graduate in my family. When his father passed away, Khulekani comforted me and promised that he would study hard to change our lives.”
Jabu commended him for his hard work and dedication, saying the family views his achievement as the beginning of a new chapter filled with hope and opportunity.