Sizwe Overcomes Tough Life to Graduate with Flying Colours

Orphaned at one-and-a-half years old to leave a life that was far from easy, Sizwe Mnguni, who will graduate with 25 distinctions from the University of Zululand (UNIZULU) is proof that one’s past does not determine their future. Mnguni, who will be honoured as one of the Top Achievers at the UNIZULU Education Faculty, will graduate on Monday, 8 May 2017, during the University’s 2017 Graduation Ceremonies set to be held at the King Bhekuzulu Hall, KwaDlangezwa Campus, KwaDlangezwa. The Graduation Ceremonies will start on Monday, 8 May 2017, ending on Friday, 12 May 2017.

“I’m very excited about my academic performance. In truth, I did not expect it I found Geography and English to be difficult majors,” said the 23-year-old Mnguni who will graduate with his Batchelor of Education (Further Education and Training: Geography/Language) degree.
Unwavering discipline is counted by Mnguni as his recipe for success, saying that as from high school, he normally studied up until 1h30 and would wake up at 4h00 during exam time to make sure that he was prepared. This strong sense of discipline also ensured that he obtained seven distinctions when he matriculated.

His excellent academic performance however masks a tough life. “I’ve been through a lot. In 1996, my parents both died and I was left with my grandmother who raised me. While I was in matric, my maternal aunt, whom I was extremely close to, passed away the day before a Geography exam. I however managed to pass that paper, which consisted of two papers on the same day, because I had studied hard during the entire year,” said Mnguni, who also attributed his latest academic feat to his late aunt’s plea for him to work hard towards getting an education two days before her passing as well as his former high school’s teachers constant support and encouragement.

“They (his teachers) have always believed in me. They kept in constant contact with me during my studies at university and supported me with finances as I was severely lacking. I will never forget what they did for me and I thank them for their love and support,” said Mnguni.
He also attributed his academic success to his study group which was formed during his first year of study. “All of us in the group were in our first year of study when the group was formed and we are all graduating during the same session. There were about nine of us in the group and we supported each other a lot,” he said.

Mnguni, who is now a teacher at a school in Johannesburg, will celebrate his achievement by throwing a party and spoiling his grandmother with some retail therapy.For interviews with Sizwe Mnguni, please contact him on 072 788 6554.
A picture of Mnguni in his graduation attire will be available shortly after his graduation which is scheduled to take place on Monday, 8 May 2017, at 9h00.

Issued by:
Sinegugu Ndlovu
Public Relations Manager
University of Zululand
035 902 6665
NdlovuSP@unizulu.ac.za
Sinegugu.ndlovu198510@gmail.com