Double the Pride: Identical Twins Graduate

BY: .

In a heart-warming celebration of dedication, resilience and sisterhood, identical twins Kashmika and Kashmira Govindsamy proudly walked the Graduation stage together, each receiving their Bachelor of Speech-Language Therapy degree.

The sisters are continuing their journey of service in the healthcare sector by doing their community service year - Kashmika at Ndwedwe Community Health Centre and Kashmira at Appelsbosch Hospital.

For the Govindsamy twins, this academic achievement is not just the culmination of four years of hard work - it’s a shared milestone shaped by mutual support, personal growth and unwavering family values.

‘I’m incredibly proud of this achievement,’ said Kashmika. ‘While I’ve always strived for excellence, reaching this milestone still feels surreal. I’m grateful to my lecturers, tutors, my family and my boyfriend - they’ve all played a major role in this journey.’

Kashmira echoed the sentiment. ‘This degree is the result of perseverance, late nights, and pushing beyond my limits. I’m deeply grateful to my family, mentors, and everyone who believed in me along the way.’

The twins faced many hurdles along their academic path, including balancing intense academic and clinical demands and navigating personal obstacles.

Kashmira reflected: ‘There were moments of emotional burnout and personal grief that made continuing incredibly difficult. I learned the value of leaning on my support system and being kind to myself.’

Kashmika added: ‘A unique challenge was transportation - while we both had driver’s licences, we rarely drove. Thankfully, our support system, including our brother Samitan and my boyfriend Ryan, were always there for us.’

Both twins credit their strength to a strong faith, family support and the values instilled in them from a young age by their parents, Elvis and Priscilla Govindsamy.

The decision to pursue speech-language therapy came from a shared fascination with communication and its role in human connection.

‘For me, it was about helping others find their voice,’ said Kashmika. ‘Coming from a family of educators, I was drawn to a field where I could empower others.’

Said Kashmira: ‘Speech therapy felt like a calling - it’s the perfect blend of science, empathy, and creativity. I wanted a career that’s dynamic and meaningful.’

While they are currently immersed in their community service roles, the Govindsamy sisters already have their sights set on the future.

Kashmira aspires to pursue her masters and PhD in Speech-Language Therapy, with dreams of gaining international experience and eventually opening a private practice.

Kashmika shares a similar vision, also hoping to explore global opportunities and eventually co-establish a practice with her sister - one that is inclusive, client-centred, and culturally responsive.

Both twins leave behind impressive academic legacies at UKZN. In 2024, they both received the AB Clemons Award and merit recognition for their research. Kashmika’s thesis on phonotraumatic behaviours and vocal hygiene practices of South African lecturers is currently being prepared for publication internationally in The Journal of Voice.

Outside of their professional ambitions, the Govindsamy sisters are well-rounded individuals. Kashmika is known for her creativity and artistic flair, enjoying painting, woodwork and spending time with her beloved dogs. Kashmira describes herself as an ‘introverted extrovert’, who enjoys balancing quiet moments of self-care, experimenting with makeup and spending time with her pets and close friends.

And when it comes to food? Paneer, in every possible form, reigns supreme in the Govindsamy household.

As they now step into the professional world as speech-language therapists, the Govindsamy twins carry with them not only their degrees but a deep sense of purpose, compassion, and a desire to uplift others.

Their journey is one of shared ambition, sisterhood and resilience - a twin triumph worth celebrating.

Words: Nombuso Dlamini

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini