"Present Fathers": Father Celebrates Graduating Daughter Walking Across the UKZN Stage

• A father’s excitement went viral after he ran across the UKZN stage as his daughter graduated, leaving viewers emotional
• Many South Africans online admired the pure joy and parental pride captured in the viral TikTok video
• The footage highlighted the importance of family support during major life milestones and resonated with viewers nationwide

South Africans shared in the viral moment as they watched a father’s pride and love for his graduating daughter shine through, making the video widely relatable and heartwarming.

On 18 September 2025, TikTok user @puleng_szn shared a heartwarming video showing her father’s emotional reaction as she graduated from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Within a day, the video amassed over 28,000 likes and more than 290 comments, with South Africans praising the touching father-daughter moment. The clip captured the excitement and pride of a parent witnessing a major milestone in their child’s life, leaving viewers both moved and inspired.

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The video begins as the daughter walks across the stage in her graduation gown, ready to receive her degree. Her father is seen running up and down the aisles, unable to contain his excitement and joy. Viewers noted that this display of emotion was not only relatable but also a reminder of the deep bond between parents and their children during key life achievements.

Father’s pride steals the spotlight

As the ceremony continues, the father’s enthusiasm dominates the footage. He cheers loudly, claps, and waves as his daughter proudly completes her walk across the stage. Social media users commented on how authentic and pure the moment was, highlighting that it represented parental love and support that many graduates experience behind the scenes. The video also sparked a conversation about celebrating milestones and showing open pride for loved ones.

In the final part of the video, the father and daughter share a heartfelt embrace off-stage. The footage captures the emotional culmination of years of effort, sacrifice, and support that led to this milestone. Viewers across South Africa expressed how seeing such joy reminded them of the importance of family, love, and appreciation for the people who helped them get to where they are.

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Mzansi reacted to the video

Sir Andiswa said:

"This happiness means he is done paying tuition fees. Now he can buy his favourite car."

Mamthethwa wrote:

"Can I hire him for my graduation. 😭❤️🥰 This is beautiful. 😍🥰❤"

Being Kamogelo admitted:

"Mind you, I wasn't planning to cry. 😭"

Namzy asked:

"May we please hear him without the music. Heartwarming. ❤"

LindelwaKhanyile joked:

"Does he do graduations? As a dad? I’m graduating in December. 🤣"

Mbalenhle wrote:

"Crying because my dad is a present-absent parent. 😭👍"

Danielle said:

"That’s my dad, y'all. Love him so much. 🥹😭😭❤"

Sharlene wrote:

"This is not AI… this is my husband. 🥰 Best dad ever. ❤"

Nah_uh_ shared:

"I saw him, I was so happy for his daughter, even though I don’t know them. 🥰 It was so heartwarming."

Check out the TikTok video below:

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3 other Briefly News stories about graduating

• A graduate from Sol Plaatje University (SPU) was captured in a joyful video celebrating her achievement of completing her Honours degree in Anthropology.
• A former security guard graduated with a visual arts qualification from Tswane University of Technology (TUT), a story that has inspired many social media users.
• A delivery driver was celebrated with a motorbike parade after his graduation, and the video quickly gained thousands of reactions online.

Source: Briefly News