Bachelor of Arts for Daily Maverick Writer

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Known by many for his way with words as well as his creative clothes and hairstyles, Mr Yanga Sibembe graduated with a Bachelor of Arts. He was headhunted by the Daily Maverick to join their team as an intern and says that this has been an exciting experience. 

He has covered stories from labour disputes to politics and plans to continue to report the truth. Sibembe adds that his degree has equipped him with the skills required to make a name for himself in the media industry. ‘I am now doing something which resulted from my degree. I couldn’t be any happier,’ he said. 

A beneficiary of the Indimezulu Trust Fund, Sibembe thanked his family and friends for their support. ‘They were supportive because they believed in me and my dream of becoming a journalist/writer. They encouraged me to push on days when I felt like giving up.’ 

He described his time at UKZN as some of the best years of his life: ‘Because I lived at a residence on campus, I was able to take in so many things. In my first year, I was a closed book, keeping to myself. However, the vibrancy and openness of my fellow students made me more extroverted and that’s now helping me in my career.’ He evolved as a person and forged life-long friendships. 

His advice to other students is, ‘Enjoy yourselves. Make the most of this chapter of your book. Fill it up with as many memories as possible.’

Words: Melissa Mungroo 

Photograph: Rajesh Jantilal