Finally. After months of going back and forth with the University of Fort Hare, Mbali Silimela will be graduating in the September/October season.
Mbali was a student at the University of Fort Hare and he was studying towards a Bachelor of Education.
He fought for his right to graduate all the way to the Supreme Court of Appeals (SCA).
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.
Read more | 'I want to go to that stage and get my certificate' - Mbali Silimela after SCA dismisses UFH appeal bid
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.
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 week, the SCA said there was no reason for their appeal to be heard.
“The application for leave to appeal dismissed with costs on the grounds that there are no reasonable prospects of success in an appeal and there is no other compelling reason why an appeal should be heard,” the order says in part.
Following the SCA judgment, the university has notified him that his name will be added onto the list of graduates for the next season.
“Kindly do all what is necessary to ensure that Mr Mbali Silimela is on the graduation list in the next graduation please. I am sure you can also provide a degree complete letter for him as he seems to be in urgent need thereof,” one of the emails read.
Read more | 'I wish I could throw my phone away' - UFH student who can't graduate today
“Dear Mbali, this is to let you know that I have been informed by our legal office that we should do all what is necessary to facilitate your graduation in September/October 2023. Congratulations,” the other reads.
Mbali says even after the hurdles he has had to jump to get to this point, he doesn’t just want to get his certificate and walk away. He wants to get the full experience of strutting his stuff across the stage on graduation day like many of his peers.
“Firstly, I would like to thank my attorneys Lwazi Dekeda and Advocate Maduma for being patient with me. I am extremely happy with the new developments. I don't have much in words, but only God is there for me at all times. I am looking forward to applying for permanent teaching positions and working for the Department of higher education and training.
"History has no blank pages, I will continue fighting injustices no matter what circumstances. I will attend that graduation and make my family proud.”
