Sisters Graduate Together From UKZN as They Follow in the Footsteps of Their Academic Parents, Mzansi Inspired

• Sibusisiwe (24) and Dintle (23) Masondo recently bagged their Honours in Cultural Heritage and Tourism and Bachelor of Laws degrees, respectively
• Both sisters are deeply motivated by a need to help others and said their parents who are both academics at UKZN
• Their parents expressed their pride in their girls’ academic achievements as they look forward to pursuing Master’s in their respective fields

Sisters and best friends, Sibusisiwe (24) and Dintle (23) Masondo were overjoyed to be graduating together from the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Westville campus recently.

A jovial Dintle Masondo who received an Honours degree in Cultural Heritage and Tourism remarked that the pair are as inseparable as twins, so much so that Sibusisiwe considered taking a gap year after completing matric, in the hopes of then starting her university journey with Dintle by her side. However, this idea wasn’t favoured by their parents who encouraged Sibusisiwe to keep her momentum going with no long breaks in-between.

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The university revealed that once Dintle joined UKZN the following year, the sisters supported each other, travelling to campus together and studying side-by-side.

“We work well together, she talks to me about law and I talk to her about my stuff, neither of us fully understanding the other’s field of study but always learning from each other,” said Dintle.

Both sisters are deeply motivated by a need to help others and said their parents who are both academics at UKZN – Dr Maserole Kgari-Masondo and Professor Sibusiso Masondo had been the best role models in this respect.

UKZN confirmed that the proud parents were seated on stage at both ceremonies as they were participants in the academic procession.

Dintle said she felt emotional and almost in tears when her mother stood up, danced and ululated while her dad took photos of her special moment on stage.

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Sibusisiwe who graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree said she was gripped by anxiety ahead of her ceremony and, if not for her mum, almost didn’t make it on stage:

“I was quite nervous about having to walk up in front of a large crowd but my mum coaxed me to be brave. My fear dissipated once I got on stage and saw the faces of my mum and dad. It was a special moment. All my hard work had led up to this point.”

Dr Kgari-Masondo said she was proud and excited to have raised two strong women who are going to go out into the world, implement what they’ve learned at university, and have an impact on the community.

Professor Sibusiso Masondo said watching his daughters graduate was incredibly special.

“I’m happy for them and for us as a family.”

Both sisters are pursuing Master’s degrees in their respective fields of study at UKZN this year.

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Elated for the siblings, netizens poured congratulations for them on their academic success online:

Nom Nozipho Sibisi Dlomo remarked:

“Wow, a story so motivating, a house full of graduates. Well done you girls.”

Celukukhanya Cece Moloi wrote:

“They are their mother's younger version congratulations to the family of academics oNyambose!!”

Winile MaJili KaMbala replied:

“I'm proud of you my children and congratulations to the Masondo family.”

Zamanzamela Madela said:

“Amazing well-done sisters.”

Stunning young lady becomes UKZN's 1st deaf graduate

Meanwhile, Briefly News previously reported that congratulations are in order for UKZN’s first-ever deaf graduate, Voloshni Annamallay who was capped and hooded at the prestigious event held on 16 May 2022 at the UKZN Westville campus.

“My legs were shaking as I got closer to the stage. Wow! I felt overwhelmed and honoured,” said a tearful Annamallay who graduated with an Honours Degree in Criminology and Forensic Studies – making her the first deaf person to acquire both undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications at UKZN using South African Sign Language as a means of communication.

Breaking through tremendous barriers during her academic journey, Annamallay is a role model for all people with disabilities who dream of attaining a Higher Education qualification.

Source: Briefly News