“Brothers” and Business Partners Celebrate Graduation Milestone Together

Proverbs 18:24 in the New Living Translation version reads: “There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.”

This scripture perfectly sums up Nkanyiso Khuzwayo (33) and Ngcebo Nzuza’s (25) five-year friendship. The two met in 2019 through an organisation called ATEZS (Association of Zion Students) at the University of Zululand (UNIZULU) and became close friends. On Monday, 6 May 2024, they both obtained their undergraduate qualifications during the second session of the Faculty of Commerce, Administration and Law graduation ceremonies.

Looking at their background, it is clear that these friends were destined to meet as they share many similarities. They were both driven to complete their degrees by their dire living conditions at home, both raised by single mothers after having lost their fathers in their childhood and both found employment straight after high school but left their jobs to study full-time in hopes of a prosperous future for their families.

Nzuza was the only one of the pair who had secured funding. Cognisant of his “brother’s” plight, Nzuza shared his allowance with Khuzwayo. In 2020, the friends started their business Indlalifa Designs, selling Zion garments and other clothing. Registered in 2023, the business aims to change people’s lives through job creation. The business owners also have a vision of playing a part in assisting those who have suffered various traumas and are dealing with psychological problems.

Recognising the impact starting his business has had on his life, Khuzwayo extended the following message to other students: “To people with skills or talents, don’t starve while God has blessed you. [We live in an age that requires more job creators than seekers,] so start now to apply your skills or talents.”

Khuzwayo’s mentor is his mom because though he has seen her struggle, she never lost heart. She always encourages him and reminds him to be a light for those who encounter him.

Nzuza’s words of advice to students who may look at entrepreneurship as an insurmountable mountain is to discover one’s unique skills and utilise them. He concluded by saying, “Believe in yourself.”

Nzuza’s mentor is his neighbor Zama Nyathi. He is in awe of how Nyathi, who also studied at UNIZULU, changed her home situation shortly after she had gotten a job. His mother is also his source of inspiration.

Khuzwayo and Nzuza believe in God and believe, more than anything, that He is the reason behind their business and academic success.

On their graduation, the friends said they were excited to have made it this far and believed that it meant they had a bright future ahead of them.

• Pamela Mlaba