Overcome with emotion, Thembisani Mntungwa covers his tearful face with a T-shirt bearing a tribute to his late mother, during his graduation ceremony.
Image: Sethu Dlamini
With tears streaming down his face, Thembisani Mntungwa took centre stage at his graduation ceremony, holding up a T-shirt emblazoned with a tribute to his late mother, Nondumiso Mntungwa, who he described as his “biggest cheerleader”. This remarkable moment unfolded just weeks after her passing in March, a bittersweet reminder of the sacrifices she made for her family.
Reflecting on his mother’s absence, Mntungwa expressed the profound emptiness left behind, saying, “I wish she could embrace this moment with me. We had imagined it and spoken about how we would celebrate. This was as much my moment as it was hers. She wasn’t just my mum; she was my friend and my biggest supporter.” His words resonated with the audience, capturing the essence of love and loss intertwined in this pivotal milestone of his life.
In his tribute, Mntungwa, who graduated with a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Criminology and Forensic Studies degree, transformed his grief into gratitude, sharing, “I wanted the world to know that this achievement belongs to her too. When I walked up on that stage, I wanted to share the moment with her. I feel she was there in spirit with me. She deserved to be there with me.” This profound act of love not only celebrated his academic achievements but also acknowledged the crucial role his mother played in shaping his journey.
Nondumiso dedicated her life to ensuring that Mntungwa and his three younger siblings were well cared for, working tirelessly as a domestic worker and, at times, a street vendor. “She made immense sacrifices to ensure there was always food on the table and that we had lunch money for school. This was the deepest and most encouraging way she showed her support," he recalled, illustrating the incredible strength and perseverance she demonstrated throughout their lives.
An emotional Thembisani Mntungwa on the graduation stage while holding up a T-shirt in tribute to his late mother.
Image: Sethu Dlamini
As he embarked on his academic journey, Mntungwa credits his mother’s unwavering belief in him as a source of motivation during trying times. “During the course of my degree, she’d always call to check on me and ask about my marks. Those were the little things that mattered. At difficult moments when I wanted to give up, I would remember that I had someone at home who believed in me and took great pride in seeing me achieve this milestone of becoming a graduate,” he reflected, highlighting how her presence still lingers in his pursuits.
In attendance to cheer on Mntungwa were his father and maternal grandmother, who provided emotional support during this monumental occasion. Mntungwa, who hails from Malukazi, is now pursuing an Honours degree at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and is seeking financial assistance to help cover his tuition and accommodation costs, ensuring that he continues honouring his mother’s legacy through his education.
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