Sthokozo Mpisane from Oshabeni in Port Shepstone has dedicated her second qualification, a Degree of Bachelor of Technology in Engineering: Electrical (Heavy Current) to her grandmother who had raised her since she was 11 years old, after her mother had passed away.
Mpisane (28) was among the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment graduates who were honoured at the DUT Celebratory Autumn Graduation ceremony held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) on Monday, 11 July 2022.
“The reason I decided to let my granny wear my graduation gown and hood is that in 2018, I graduated for my Diploma which I had dedicated to myself. It then pushed me to get the second qualification for my gogo because my mother passed away when I was 11 years old. My granny raised me through many hardships, it was not easy but we are here today,” said Mpisane.
She thanked God for affording her the opportunity of obtaining her BTech degree while her gogo is still alive and in good health. She described it as a true blessing for her. Mpisane is currently looking for a job in her field of study.
Mpisane’s determination helped her to push through, despite facing financial woes that caused her to drop out from her BTech studies in 2020. In 2021, she said she had to return to finish what she had started, after being able to pay her outstanding fees. She said her main wish was to have her gogo present at her second graduation.
Gogo Bathini Danca was ecstatic and very proud of her hard working granddaughter and she could not hold back her tears when she heard her Mpisane’s name being called on stage. She wished that her daughter, Mpisane’s mother, was still alive to witness such an incredible moment. Gogo is confident that Mpisane will soon find a job she desires. She encouraged her not to give up and trust that her turn is coming.
In closing their celebrations, Mpisane said she booked a table for her and gogo at the Blue Waters Hotel where they will be treated to a delicious meal.
Pictured: Sthokozo Mpisane and her gogo, Bathini Danca.
Simangele Zuma