Law Graduate Honours Late Grandmothers With Special Custom Tie Design at Graduation Ceremony

• Lethukuthula Mngomezulu wore a custom-designed tie featuring photos of his two late grandmothers at his UKZN graduation ceremony
• The LLB graduate personally designed the tie through his own graphic design company, including a childhood photo of himself
• The tribute carried extra meaning as September marks the birth month shared by both grandmothers

A University of KwaZulu-Natal law graduate turned his graduation day into a deeply personal tribute. Lethukuthula Mngomezulu walked across the stage on 17 September 2026 wearing a one-of-a-kind tie that carried the faces of the two women who shaped his journey.

The tie, which Lethukuthula designed himself through his graphic design company LNB Creations, featured portraits of his late grandmothers, Sibusisiwe MaMsomi-Dlamini and Siphiwe MaSikhakhane-Mngomezulu. Alongside their images, he included a photo of himself as an 18-month-old baby, weaving three generations into a single wearable tribute.

A first time on the physical stage

Lethukuthula, who previously earned a BSocSci in Criminology, had his first graduation during the COVID-19 pandemic, when physical ceremonies were not possible. Crossing the stage this time, for his Bachelor of Laws degree, made the moment all the more significant. He chose September deliberately. Both of his grandmothers were born in the same month, and graduating in September felt like a way of bringing them into the celebration.

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The women behind the degree

Each grandmother left a specific mark on his life. MaMsomi made sure he always had school uniforms when he needed them most. MaSikhakhane never stopped pushing him to pursue higher education. Their quiet, consistent support over the years was the foundation on which his academic career was built.

By designing the tie himself and wearing it on one of the biggest days of his life, Lethukuthula found a way to say thank you in a form that would be photographed, remembered and shared.

Watch the tribute that moved Mzansi on the Facebook post below:

Mzansi reacts to the heartfelt gesture

People who saw the post were visibly moved and flooded the comments with warmth:

@Zamani Sthembele wrote:

"What a beautiful story to inspire intergeneration 😍✅."

@Nokuthula Khuzwayo Chiliza said:

"Wow, Mfanah (man) 🥰okuhle kodwa (all beautiful things) Dlakadla🥰😍."

@Gwen Mphahlele commented:

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"Love it."

@Psalm Langasiki said:

"Now this is fire."

@Duma Zwane added:

"This is an inspiring journey of life🙌. Congratulations Dlakadla 👊."

User @Zakhe Duma wrote:

"Wow amazing grace. May her soul rest in peace."

3 more graduation-related articles

• Former President Jacob Zuma sparked heartwarming reactions online after attending the University of KwaZulu-Natal graduation ceremony to proudly cheer on his granddaughter, Mpilo Zondi.
• A touching 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.
• Briefly News reported that a university graduate publicly honoured her domestic worker for her unwavering support and contribution toward her academic journey during her graduation speech.

Source: Briefly News