“He’s a Graduate”: Varsity Student Who Attended Lectures With Baby Shows How Grown He Is, SA Wowed

• A South African mother has shared an update on her growing toddler, Licebo, who previously went viral on social media
• The 2025 graduate once made headlines for taking her small infant with her to attend lectures at her university
• Local viewers expressed deep shock at how quickly the young campus boy has developed, and praised the mom for not dropping out
• Briefly News spoke with young mother Sisipho Valashiya about the challenges she faced balancing school and parenthood

A proud young mother has warmed hearts across social media after sharing a beautiful update of her growing son, Licebo. The creator shared a post on 28 June 2026 showing a before-and-after look at her academic journey. The initial post captured a viral moment, previously covered by Briefly News, when she attended university lectures with her newborn baby because she lacked alternative childcare.

Varsity mom touches hearts after showing growth of her baby

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Having successfully graduated from her tertiary institution in 2025, TikTok user @sisipho.lilly proudly showcased her handsome toddler sitting and standing independently. The emotional transition deeply touched people who remembered her early struggles on campus.

Watch the TikTok video below:

Balancing academics and motherhood

The Briefly News team had the pleasure of speaking with Sisipho, a recent graduate and mother to a handsome toddler named Licebo Valashiya.

We asked the mom what the biggest challenge she faced while balancing lectures with caring for a baby on campus was. She said:

“I wouldn't as such say I was facing a challenge with lectures because, luckily, we had no lectures that day; we only came to do our practical assessment, then after we went home. Hence, I thought of bringing Licebo along because it was a one-on-one assessment session, and my classmates called to say I should bring him; they'll look after him when it's my time for the one-on-one assessment, and that's when I was like, before I conclude on anything, let me rather call at school and inform them. I told them the reason, and well, they didn't have a problem.

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We asked how it feels to look at her grown baby now, compared to the tough days when she had to bring him to class. The mom responded:

“Well, I only brought him once and only on that day of the video which went viral. The tough days that I would say I had were to multitask looking after him and having due assignments, but what I can say is he was never a problem child when he was a baby. He would wake up mid-night while doing my assignments; I would give him his bottle, and he'd just have those cute baby conversations until he fell asleep again. He was actually my cheerleader😅 looking back, and now, whenever I talk about my achievements, I don't just include myself, but I include him as well: ‘we did it, son’. He gave me pressure to work hard and also to do well not only for myself but for him as well.”

When asked for advice for young mothers who are trying to finish their degrees with young children. Sisipho shared:

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“To every student mom balancing studies and young children, your journey is tough, but it is worthwhile. Some days will feel exhausting and overwhelming, and on those days, remember your reasons for starting. Avoid comparing your journey to others, as everyone's situation is unique. Celebrate each small achievement, whether it’s finishing an assignment or passing a test. Seek help when necessary from family, friends, and classmates; it’s a sign of strength. Be kind to yourself; perfection isn't required, just love and determination. Stay organised and use your study time wisely, knowing that every bit brings you closer to your goal. Keep your dreams alive, as your sacrifices will lead to a brighter future for you and your children.”

Many viewers expressed disbelief at how fast the child had grown over the years, and jokingly said that since he attended lectures with his mother, he was going to work his way down.

User @phumelelemvelase shared:

"Talk about a person who started at varsity before crèche 😂❤️."

User @Rethabile Matang asked:

"When is he graduating? Or has he graduated already?"

User @Kuhle🥹❤️ joked:

"His mates won't believe him when he says "Ndaba semavava ndine nyanga" (I was at university when I was a few months old) 😭."

User @Kamu said:

"Giving up is not an option. God can't put you in a situation you can't handle 🥰."

User @Sthandwa added:

"Model in the making 😁."

User @Vinini Slwash Mditshane shared:

"He is a graduate 🥰."

3 Briefly News articles about babies

• A 21-year-old mom showed her toddler disturbing her while she tried to do her schoolwork, and social media users advised her to give him an activity to keep him busy.
• A young mom showed how she carries both her twins on her back at the same time, and social media users are calling her a superwoman.
• A high school learner shared a video of herself studying while carrying her older sister's baby on her back, explaining that she looked after the baby while her sister was at varsity.

Source: Briefly News