Student Wears Mom’s Academic Gown, Graduates with same Degree

BY: .

Mr Nhlosenhle Mpontshane recently graduated with his Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from UKZN whilst wearing his mother’s academic gown. The gown was worn by his mother Professor Nompumelelo Zondi, a former UKZN staff member and now a professor at the University of Zululand. 

Explaining the significance of the academic gown Zondi said ‘He is graduating with the same degree I obtained in 1991 at the same University, two years before he was born, and we even share one of the majors, English. The other reason I am thrilled about him wearing my gown, which is now his, is that after giving birth to him on the 21 April 1993, I told the hospital staff that I was supposed to be graduating for my BA Honours in the next two days but I guess would not since I was there with my one hour old precious son.  

‘The doctors said, “Day after tomorrow you will go to your graduation and we will take good care of your baby boy.” And it came to pass. It was the evening session. My family took me back to the hospital around 10pm and I was still garbed in my academic attire.’ 

‘On arrival the hospital staff and new mothers congratulated me and my son was brought to me; I held him in my arms and covered him with the same gown he is now wearing, praying that he would in the future see value in education. Tears of joy came rolling down my face. Not only had I achieved another degree but I had also been blessed with this bundle of joy.’  

Zondi’s dream was that her son would one day walk the same podium as a young graduate. ‘I thought keeping it in the house where he would see it all the time would instil love for education and he would also one day want to be a graduate like his dad and I. And today, seven days before he turns 22 he is graduating and wearing it. It gave me so much joy a few weeks ago when I took it and the cap out from the closet for dry cleaning after all these years. Had the hood not changed, obviously he would also be inheriting it.’ 

Speaking about this Mpontshane said, ‘I am extremely excited and honored that I will be wearing my mom’s academic gown. In all honesty I just recently learned the beautiful story behind the gown I will be wearing and it makes me even prouder that my mother and I walked the same path.’ 

He described his undergraduate years at UKZN as a non-stop learning experience. ‘I think that is the best way I can explain it. Whether it was learning in a lecture venue or learning life lessons on campus, I feel like I gained a great deal of knowledge through my campus life interactions. University is a perfect social setting to learn how to interact and relate with other people which is what I tried to do every day.’ 

Some of his highlights included meeting different people. ‘I love the fact that I’ve befriended individuals who will probably be in my life for a long time. Third year was also an interesting moment for me as this was the year where I was truly enlightened about what the whole concept of academia is about. I really learned how to be a free thinker and how to cultivate my own ideas.’ 

Mpontshane is thankful for his support system during his studies, ‘Having supportive parents made this period of my life so much easier. Even when I decided to change my degree from BCom to BA, knowing that my mom and dad were supportive of my decision put my mind at ease. The fact that my mother worked at UKZN also made the transition to tertiary easy for me. My learning curve was definitely cut in half because of that.’  

‘I also had a loving support system in the form of close family friends like Stan Khoza, the Drokheur family and the people of Emmaus House, who were a pillar of strength for both my mother and I. Being around like-minded friends who were also dedicated to their studies definitely helped me keep focus over the years.’ 

Zondi’s message to her son is, ‘My one and only child and son, I firmly believe you are the greatest gift God ever gave me.  I named you Mpontshane, which means Good Intent because I had a vision for you.  You have lived up to my aspirations and made me a proud mom.’ 

‘You have been blessed with so many people who have wanted nothing but a good life for you from the time you were born; your father, your maternal and paternal grandmothers, your aunts and cousins, your Uncle Stan, your two special and loving families; the Drockuers from Germany and the Boehrer-Conroy’s from the US and my friends who have always been there in our lives.  But then remember, education comes with more responsibility and accountability. Be the light of the world and shine on!’   

Mpontshane is enrolled in a Music Business Course at the Campus of Performing Arts in Johannesburg. ‘I took this new direction and decision because of my incredible passion for all things music related. During the year of 2015 I intend to gain as much experience as I possibly can and learn the ins and outs of the local music industry.’ 

 Melissa Mungroo