The internet was left in an emotional state after the University of Free State (UFS) shared they had two posthumous graduates. Walking across the stage wearing a graduation regalia is every student’s dream, while family and friends ululates with joy.
Unfortunately, Thulisile Maboae and Ntandoyenkosi Zwane did not experience that feeling because they passed away before accepting their certificates, leading to posthumous graduations where their family members had to accept their certificates on their behalf. This became emotional because a student has hopes for a better future when they start a course. These ladies had sleepless nights stressing about exams and tests, while motivating themselves with a light at the end of the tunnel.
Also see: Abongwe Mseleku celebrates AFDA graduation
UFS took to their TikTok page to share video clips of the emotional graduations. Captioning the first one they said: “A deeply emotional moment at the University of the Free State as Thulisile Maboea is awarded a Bachelor of Administration from the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences posthumously. This moment carries both sorrow and honour for the university community as we reflect on a life and academic journey that ended too soon. Her mother received the degree on her behalf today, holding her memory with pride and dignity as her achievement is recognised by the institution she was part of.”
@ufsweb A deeply emotional moment at the University of the Free State as Thulisile Maboea is awarded a Bachelor of Administration from the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences posthumously. This moment carries both sorrow and honour for the university community as we reflect on a life and academic journey that ended too soon. Her mother received the degree on her behalf today, holding her memory with pride and dignity as her achievement is recognised by the institution she was part of. #UFSGraduation #ProudlyKovsies ♬ original sound – University of the Free State
“A solemn moment during today’s ceremony as the University of the Free State posthumously awards a Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching degree to Ntandoyenkosi Zwane, recognising a life and academic journey that came to an untimely end.
The qualification was received by her sister on her behalf, in a moment that held both grief and pride, as the university honours her effort, her presence, and the place she holds within our community,” penned the university.
Also see:Beauty with brains: Buhle B celebrates Wits graduation
@ufsweb A solemn moment during today’s ceremony as the University of the Free State posthumously awards a Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching degree to Ntandoyenkosi Zwane, recognising a life and academic journey that came to an untimely end. The qualification was received by her sister on her behalf, in a moment that held both grief and pride, as the university honours her effort, her presence, and the place she holds within our community. #UFSGraduation #ProudlyKovsies ♬ original sound – University of the Free State
Internet users weighed in:
One user said: “I wouldn’t attend sorry.”
Another user said: “This was my friend mom 2024, and she was the first graduate in her family.”
While another one said: “Eish Nkosi. Consider being alive a blessing, irrespective of the challenges you’re going through. She worked so hard to not even get to enjoy the benefits of her hard work. Congratulations angel.”
Also see: Manaka Ranaka emotional at late daughter‘s graduation ceremony
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp channel for content worth tapping into. Click here to join!
