Sabatha Ean Dayile, a father, husband, uncle, cousin, and colleague, has graduated at the age of 40 with an undergraduate Bachelor of Laws degree which he obtained with a distinction from the University of Zululand (UNIZULU).
Dayile lives by the mantra “Alifi iphupho umninilo esaphila; ophilayo uyazama”. Loosely translated, this means dreams only die when their originators do; so long as one has the breath of life, they can always chase their goals. Bearing this in mind, the graduate enrolled for his first year at the age of 37 in 2022.
Born in Dondotha and raised in eSikhawini, Dayile matriculated from Candabathule High School in Greytown before returning to Empangeni, where he worked in various roles around City of uMhlathuze Municipality.
A devoted family man, he is raising four children and hopes his journey will inspire them to pursue higher education—perhaps even law.
His path was marked by challenges, including financial difficulties after NSFAS funding fell through, personal loss, and a house fire in 2023. Through the support of others, he was able to continue his studies.
Despite these obstacles, Dayile remained committed to his goal. A turning point came when a friend’s mother stepped in to assist him financially, allowing him to continue his academic journey when completion seemed impossible. He also had to navigate the emotional weight of losing close family members, including a cousin he regarded as a brother and an uncle who had played a fatherly role in his life.
Alongside these personal challenges, Dayile took on significant leadership responsibilities within the Law Students Council (LSC), first serving as Deputy Chairperson and later as Chairperson. His dedication to student leadership often meant sacrificing time in the classroom to address the needs of fellow students. Balancing academics, family life, leadership duties, and tutoring required discipline and resilience, often stretching his time and energy to their limits.
In his final year, he further immersed himself in the practical side of law by representing students in disciplinary hearings. While demanding, this experience strengthened his passion for justice and deepened his understanding of the legal field. He acknowledges that these responsibilities sometimes affected his academic performance, but they also shaped him into a more capable and grounded individual.
Reflecting on his journey, Dayile shares a powerful life lesson: “No one person can be smarter than everyone at everything, all the time. We are all smart at different times and in different ways. Working together towards a common goal allows us to grow and overcome challenges more effectively.”
Throughout his journey, Dayile found strength in the relationships he built. The camaraderie with his peers, the encouragement from lecturers, and the unwavering support from his family kept him motivated. He fondly reflects on the sense of belonging and mutual respect that made even the most difficult moments worthwhile.
Now completing his Practical Vocational Training in Gauteng for 2026, Dayile looks ahead with gratitude and determination. For him, this qualification is more than an academic achievement—it is a symbol of perseverance, growth, and hope.
On graduation day, he was joined by his wife, family, and members of the UNIZULU community who supported him throughout his journey.
– Ntombezinhle Zwane
Isithombe: James Thwala
