“Made for Greatness”: UKZN Graduate Lands Brand Partnership After Emotional Graduation Story

• Nokuthula Dlamini from Pietermaritzburg has landed a natural hair partnership after her graduation story captured attention online
• The 24-year-old University of KwaZulu-Natal graduate previously shared that financial challenges influenced what she wore to graduation
• Her latest collaboration shines a spotlight on natural hair representation and celebrating authenticity
• Briefly News spoke to representatives from Volumicious, who explained why the graduate's story resonated with the brand and the message they hope to share through the partnership

What began as a deeply personal graduation moment has opened new doors for a young KwaZulu-Natal woman whose story captured national attention. Nokuthula Dlamini, a 24-year-old graduate from Pietermaritzburg, has now partnered with a natural hair brand after South Africans rallied behind her following her graduation from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

TikTok account @volumicious shared a video on 25 May 2026 showing Dlamini embracing a new natural hairstyle as part of her partnership journey. The company introduced the collaboration by saying it was focused on restoring hair dignity, marking a major moment for the graduate whose earlier story resonated with many people across the country.

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Raised by a single mother working as an informal trader, Dlamini previously explained that financial challenges at home meant she attended graduation wearing clothes she already owned rather than purchasing a new outfit or hairstyle for the occasion.

Brand collaboration celebrates natural hair

For Nokuthula, attending the ceremony itself mattered more than appearances.

"I did not want to trouble my mother because I knew the situation at home," she previously shared while reflecting on her graduation day.

Her modest appearance sparked conversations online around financial pressure, beauty standards and expectations surrounding milestone celebrations. The latest partnership now marks a different chapter for the graduate. The collaboration with the natural hair products brand posted by the account @volumicious highlights how Nokuthula's dreams have just started coming true.

Volumicious told Briefly News that the graduate stood out because of her authenticity and willingness to embrace her natural hair despite criticism.

“At Volumicious, we believe that beauty begins with confidence and authenticity. What made her stand out was her genuine embrace of her natural hair and her willingness to share that journey openly with others. She inspired people by celebrating her natural beauty rather than conforming to societal expectations. Her story resonated with many young women because it was real, relatable, and empowering.”

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Volumicious revealed that their initial intention was not to pursue a partnership.

“When we reached out to her it was not for partnership but touched by the bullying because she chose her own hair. It was to fix her crown and let it grow so that she could continue to flaunt it everywhere she goes. We need to make it normal again to embrace our crowns. Authenticity is more important today than ever before. Consumers want to connect with real people and real experiences.”

The brand said partnerships are most impactful when both parties share the same values.

“Partnering with individuals whose stories align with these values helps create meaningful connections with audiences. When a brand and an ambassador share a common purpose, the partnership becomes more than a marketing campaign, it becomes a platform for inspiration and impact.”

Volumicious further told Briefly News that the partnership is ultimately about empowering women to embrace their natural beauty and identity.

“We want to encourage young women to embrace their natural hair, celebrate their uniqueness, and take pride in their identity. Many women’s hair dignity has been stripped off by alopecia (hair loss) and we are changing that narrative and helping women restore their dignity through our products and hair clinic services.”

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Volumicious said the graduate's journey carries an important lesson for young women everywhere.

“This partnership reinforces the message that natural beauty is powerful, authenticity is valuable, and staying true to yourself can open doors to remarkable opportunities. We want young women to know that they do not have to change who they are to be seen, appreciated, or successful. Their natural beauty and personal journey are worth celebrating.”

Watch the TikTok clip below:

Mzansi showed her the support

MillyLiyaH wrote:

“Mina, I just wanna know, did you go to graduation with that because you had no money for it, or you liked it naturally?”

lsgmasooane wrote:

“You were beautiful on your graduation yazi. I don’t know, but maybe I was more invested in the fact that you were graduating.”

Maka-Zelwande Boy Mom wrote:

“Started my journey today. 🥺😊”

RealMabhunganeSA wrote:

“How much is all that?”

Phumzile Zwane wrote:

“I love her sense of humour. 🥰🥰🥰🥰”

Blossom Nolan wrote:

“Ms Dlami, I’m really happy for you. Congratulations on your graduation 🎊 I started my hair journey in April.”

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Nyakallo wrote:

“You are so gorgeous. 😍 Please consider entering Miss SA.”

Sisana Motsa wrote:

“I’ve been using it since 2021. I don’t use anything else. 🥰❤ That is how good the product is. 🙌🏼 Also, you are a very beautiful girl. Saw that when you were crying. 😂❤”

Mantsho wrote:

“I don’t understand. How did such a beauty with brains let the pressure get to her. Anyways… Umhle sana.”

3 Other Briefly News stories about graduates

• A UKZN graduate with the highest average secured a place at Oxford and left South Africans inspired.
• A video on TikTok captured a heartbreaking ceremony laying a young woman to rest after she achieved a big accomplishment in her lifetime.
• A KZN-born doctor turned heads across Mzansi after a Facebook video of her graduation speech at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine went viral.

Source: Briefly News