Year after year, the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN) stands out for their elaborate graduation ceremonies. This year has been no different as Mpilo Mseleku and the class of 2025 show mzansi why they have been dubbed as the ‘owners’ of SA grad season.
Since the rise of social media platforms such as TikTok, which has allowed users to share moments of their lives, big or small, with millions of people to see. In South Africa, graduation season has become one of the most highly anticipated periods, where students from the plethora of universities mzansi has to offer share some moments of their graduation, and are celebrated by strangers on the internet.
UKZN garnered a reputation for hosting the best and most exciting ceremonies, as unlike some institutions, they allow their graduates to express themselves freely, whether through a traditional dance or a powerful hymn, which makes for some heart-warming, tear-jerking, inspirational moments.
This year has already proven to be no different, as clips of UKZN graduates have already started making their way across various social media platforms, as users celebrate the fruits of their labour with the world. The institution has a few notable characters, including Mpilonhle Msleku, who becomes the first graduate among the infamous Mseleku family, as well as Siyala Gumede, the man behind Impi the mascot, a character who has come to be an essential part of the UKZN sports experience.
One could argue that his infectious aura that took South Africa by storm birthed the current rise in mascot and cheerleader culture that is taking over institutions of higher learning.
@u._enhle2 Without The Lord and my parents ngabe akwenzekanga. #fyp #fypシ゚ #sama28 #trendingvideos ♬ original sound – Kia
@arendiler486 ❤️💃💃#ukznstudents #ukznmascot #ukznstudents #shakailembe #graduation ♬ original sound – Andile Mtshalie
The South African social media community has rallied behind these UKZN graduates to celebrate this momentous achievement, which hits differently, particularly in the black community. For some students, such as Mpilonhle, this moment means being the first graduate in their family, which could allow them to forge a different path for themselves and their loved ones.
In a time where displaying any form of cultural expression can still be deemed uncivilised, UKZN has been hailed as one of the only few institutions that have consistently preserved the pride and dignity of mzansi’s cultures.
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“UKZN graduation??? They understand that it’s for celebration and let you have your moment without rushing you because they know that that time was booked only for celebrations,” one TikTok user says.
Also see: Palestinian students evacuated from Gaza graduate at UCT
