DUMISANI Ngobese could not hide his tears of joy as he stepped onto the stage to receive his degree on Friday 13 May.
The 23-year-old’s hard work paid off and the young graduate stood on the threshold of a bright new future.
The story of the University of KZN graduate touched South Africa after photos of him receiving his degree were shared on social media.
The photos caught the eye of Durban businessman Calvin Mathibeli and the young man has landed himself a permanent job with Calvin.
The businessman has also given him a bursary to further his studies as he is doing his Bachelor of Arts honours at UKZN.
Dumisani told Daily Sun his maternal grandmother Sindisiwe Xulu (63), a street vendor, couldn’t attend the ceremony as she wasn’t well.
Dumisani was raised by gogo Sindiswe together with 10 other children in a house in Empangeni, north of Durban.
Gogo Sindisiwe said Dumisani was a brilliant young man.
“He always had the courage to do things for himself and here at home,” she said.
“I have raised many children in this home. I have seven children who are busy with their education right now.”
Dumisani said he was grateful for the love people had shown him.
“I’m super excited that South Africans still have ubuntu. Their support means a lot,” he said.
Dumisani said his honours degree was going well.
Calvin (34), who has business interests around the country, said Dumisani’s resilience spoke to him.
“Dumisani will be starting work on Monday. It will be a good position and a permanent one. We will also be paying for his studies,” said Calvin.
Calvin said he was also raised by his gogo in a big family.
Dumisani’s mother Gugu Xulu (39) said she had five children, who lived with their gogo.
“Dumisani is the first on in our family to graduate,” she said.
