Graduate Still Pinching Herself After Receiving Car as Graduation Gift

University of Zululand (UNIZULU) graduate Abongile “Mabongi” Mhlongo (22) is still astonished and moved by her uncle’s altruistic gesture of gifting her a pre-owned car on her graduation day.

Mhlongo, who was awarded a Diploma in Media Studies during UNIZULU’s recent graduation season, is now a proud owner of a blue Renault Sandero.

A carefully planned surprise, Mhlongo’s uncle waited until just minutes after his niece had descended the graduation stage to present her with the keys to her first car. Additionally, he gave the graduate a bouquet of flowers.

Mhlongo said although she was aware of how proud her graduation had made her family, she could have never imagined receiving a car as a gift.

“⁠I’m currently doing my training in journalism in the News Department at a community television station. This car will make it easy for me to travel to work – or anywhere for that matter,” she enthused.

According to Mhlongo, her uncle bought her this gift in recognition of her deference towards her elders and successful completion of her studies.

Mhlongo hails from eNdulinde in Mandeni, KwaZulu-Natal. She attributed her respectfulness to her 91-year-old maternal grandmother who raised her and instilled in her good values and virtues after the passing of her mother at a very tender age.

While studying towards her qualification, making her “gogo” and the rest of her family was what kept Mhlongo on course. She said she felt blessed to have secured employment soon after completing her diploma – and especially in an area of her field she feels passionate about.

On her future plans, the graduate said: “I want to continue studying until I obtain my master’s in communication science. Professionally, I intend to become a critically acclaimed journalist.”

• Naledi Hlefane