A bittersweet journey of achievement and loss
A hush temporarily broke the ululation and celebrations at the Nelson Mandela University’s Madibaz Indoor Centre as the uncle of a deceased student was called up to collect their certificate posthumously.
Trying to balance the pride and sorrow of the moment, a shaky Mninawe Siphelele Jim bravely contained his emotions as he walked the ramp towards the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Professor Pamela Maseko, who read out his late nephew’s name.
“Madame Acting Vice-Chancellor, Mr Mziwenene Tinzi, who tragically passed away last year, was a candidate for the Bachelor of Arts, and I request that you confer the degree on him posthumously,” Prof Maseko.
The crowd erupted in celebratory cheer after the acting Vice-Chancellor duly conferred the degree posthumously, as Jim shook her hand.
“I cannot even put into words how I’m feeling. The [graduation] moment was very touching,” Jim said.
Read the full story here: https://news.mandela.ac.za/.../A-bittersweet-journey-of...
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