13 October.
That is the day Mbali Silimela will finally get to graduate and hold his qualification in his hand.
Mbali has been in a back-and-forth battle with the University of Fort Hare for the better part of this year.
Why? Because he did not receive the marks that were due to him. The arm wrestle between him, a 26-year-old from Matatiele and the 107-year-old institution was finally put to an end by the Supreme Court of Appeal in September.
This year, he took the university to court because he was not given the marks he thought were due to him because a lecturer had not marked his assessment on time. He approached the Bhisho High Court, without a lawyer, on an urgent basis, asking it to review a decision made by the university’s senate.
The bone of contention is that, in his founding affidavit, Mbali says the application is for the review and setting aside of a decision taken by the Senate of the University on 2 February 2023 to withdraw or revoke (his) EDW 401 marks of 57%, which had been conferred on him by (the) Faculty of Education and Faculty board of the university on 12 January 2023.
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The university decided to appeal the high court decision and it was dismissed. They then petitioned the SCA and they too dismissed the application.
Last month, the SCA said there was no reason for their appeal to be heard.
Speaking to Drum after receiving official conformation and a graduation date, Mbali says he does not have the words to adequately explain his happiness.
“I am happy, I am very happy,” he says.
“It is not easy to fight with an institution and win. I am happy to finally get my degree. But I am also very happy about making history. Many people are being victimised, but they just do not have the courage to fight.
“My mother named me Mbali, which means history. I have now followed my name and made history just like my late mother predicted that I would.
“This victory means a lot to me because, as young people, sometimes other turn to suicide when faced with adversity. I am grateful to God for the strength he has given me to handle this fight until the very end. It is done now, there is no turning back. I am getting my degree this month.”
Read more | 'I want to go to that stage and get my certificate' - Mbali Silimela after SCA dismisses UFH appeal bid
Mbali was initially due to graduate in the May cycle of graduations, but that was in the peak of his battle. He had everything ready from his graduation and had bought brown shoes, a navy suit, a white shirt and a grey tie.
But now, he has switched things up.
“I will no longer be wearing that outfit. This time, I will be wearing a pink suit, not a strong pink, a light pink. It reminds me of my mother."
His mother died in 2012 and he is dedicating this court win and degree to her. He already has a graduation gown and will hire the hood and belt.
Because of his issue with the university, Mbali has not been able to get employment as a teacher because he could not produce a certificate proving his qualification.
"I am looking forward to getting job."
