2021 Autumn Graduation Prize Winners

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On 5 July, UKZN presented its two Autumn Graduation prize winners with gifts that aim to boost their prospective careers and development.

The University hosted two competitions during the 2021 Autumn Graduation to create excitement around its Graduation ceremonies despite the fact that they were hosted virtually due to the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

In the first competition graduates were invited through UKZN social media platforms to share their AT-HOME GRAD CEREMONY celebrations. To enter they had to tag the University in their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram posts, and these were reposted. Many people entered, showing off their finest graduation looks, and sharing their inspirational stories and celebrations with families and friends. Winner, Mr Blessing Mazibuko, celebrated with an inspirational song titled Usebenzile, which was well received by social media users. He received an Apple Mac Book courtesy of UKZN to accelerate his growth as a producer and recording artist and to assist with content creation and graphic design in his current job at SaluteCX.

Mazibuko was born in Mpumalanga township, Hammarsdale, and was raised by his grandmother and grandfather after the passing of his mother at a very young age. He matriculated at Uxolophambili High School in Hammarsdale in 2013. In 2014, he enrolled for a Bachelor of Commerce at UKZN. Due to financial difficulties, he was forced to abandon his studies, but returned in 2016 and graduated with a Bachelor of Education. ‘I saw posts online saying we wouldn’t have a graduation ceremony like last year,’ he said. ‘I felt I had to do something and the song just came to me spontaneously. I wrote it, produced it and recorded it.’

Asked how his family feels about his academic achievement, he said, ‘uGogo ujabule kakhulu. My grandma is my everything. When I was financially excluded she encouraged me not to lose hope. The rest of the family are proud of me but my grandma is over the moon.’

Mazibuko is in the process of establishing Highlight Academy that offers tutorials and services for those looking to create digital content. He also has a graphics and videography company, Benedictions Visuals and many plans for his music. On 9 July, he dropped the song, Usebenzile on YouTube. Free downloads can be found on his pages (@blessyess_ for Twitter, Instagram and Facebook and BlessYes for YouTube and TikTok).

The second competition aimed to promote a culture of entrepreneurship and was sponsored by UKZN suppliers, Asante Solutions, a company founded by alumnus Mr Muhle Ndwalane. Graduates were asked to share on social media how they were planning to continue to Inspire Greatness as full-time entrepreneurs following their graduation.

Winner, Ms Nolwandle Duma, received a R15 000 Business Starter Kit that will enable her to build a fully-fledged digital presence to successfully launch her venture.

Duma was born and raised in Sobantu Village, Pietermaritzburg. Her mother passed away when she was five and she was taken care of by her older sister, grandmother and late aunt. ‘From a very young age I always wanted to change the living conditions at home,’ she said. ‘I developed an interest in becoming an independent business woman because my aunt ran a shebeen and always made sure we didn’t go to bed on an empty stomach.’ She was awarded a Bachelor of Social Science (History and Political Science) by UKZN in 2019. She opened a hair and beauty salon, but lacked sufficient resources to continue. Since 2020, Duma has worked with Wukina Network Marketing Business, selling and delivering weaves.

She described her prize as, ‘the breakthrough I have been praying for, as I can kickstart my business again. All thanks to Asante Solutions and UKZN for giving me such an opportunity.’ Duma added that, as the first graduate in her family, they are extremely proud of her.

UKZN’s Corporate Relations team represented by Mrs Thandiwe Zama and Mr Langa Mathe worked with the Asante Solutions team comprising of Mr Muhle Ndwalane, presenter Ms Nomvuselelo Myende, photographer Mr Siyabonga Ngcobo and videographer Mr France Myeza to put together a wonderful gifting experience for the winners, while professional dancer Mr Jabu Nxumalo and his photographer added fun and flavour with his dance moves.

Words: Langa Mathe

Photographs: Supplied