“Such a Family Man”: Jacob Zuma Cheers As Granddaughter Mpilo Zondi Graduates From UKZN, SA Wowed

• Former President Jacob Zuma attended the University of KwaZulu-Natal's Spring Graduation ceremony to support his granddaughter Mpilo Zondi
• Mpilo Zondi received a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree, majoring in Development Studies and Management, among 1,665 graduates
• South Africans praised Zuma as a devoted family man after the heartwarming moment went viral on social media

Former President Jacob Zuma sat proudly in the audience at the University of KwaZulu-Natal's Spring Graduation ceremony on 16 September 2026, there for one reason: to watch his granddaughter Mpilo Zondi cross the stage.

When Mpilo's name was called, Zuma cheered her on as she walked up to collect her Bachelor of Social Sciences degree, having majored in Development Studies and Management. She was one of 1,665 graduates celebrated during UKZN's graduation week. UKZN shared the moment on Facebook, and it quickly caught people's attention for all the right reasons.

Msholozi shows up for his family

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For many South Africans, the image of the former president in the crowd was not surprising. Zuma has long been known for showing up at family milestones, and this occasion was no different. The graduation offered a rare, personal glimpse of the former statesman away from the political arena, simply being a grandfather.

See the UKZN Facebook post that captured the moment below:

Mzansi reacts to Jacob Zuma's proud grandfather moment

Mpilo's achievement was celebrated warmly, with viewers moved both by her success and by her grandfather's visible pride in her on her big day. South Africans flooded the comments with praise for both Mpilo and her grandfather:

@Zakes Gumede wrote:

"One of the best things about ubaba, he attends grad ceremonies for his grandchildren."

@Thandeka Charity said:

"He is such a family man, uyawuthanda umndeni wakhe ubaba (he loves his family)."

@Belinda Belie added:

"She is effortlessly gorgeous, congratulations."

@Nhlakanipho Grande KaMafongosi wrote:

"Inspiring greatness."

@Thabani Jay Shelembe noted:

"He always makes sure he is there for his children, grandsons and granddaughters."

@Nombulelo Mandlovu Presh Madlala shared:

"Family man, proud of you, mkhulu (grandpa) Zuma, for attending the graduation yomzukulu (of your grandchild)."

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3 Briefly News articles about graduations

• A heartwarming video captured the moment a thoughtful partner turned his own university graduation into a double celebration by surprising his girlfriend with a romantic proposal right on campus.
• A proud university graduate publicly honoured her domestic worker for her unwavering support and contribution toward her academic journey during her graduation speech.
• Before turning 30, Simon Mateus achieved a major milestone by earning his Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Pretoria, inspiring thousands online.

Source: Briefly News