Photo of Silindokuhle Booi

WATCH: Heartfelt reactions from parents during UKZN graduation

The University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN) graduation season is one I would never want to miss witnessing. From the beauty of the graduates to the touching reactions from parents.   

This year, not only did they stand out, but we also got to see the face behind the IMPI, the UKZN mascot, who kept us laughing during the University’s rugby games.

Nothing beats a proud parent who is happy to see their child break generational curses, oh! Graduating has been made very fashionable, making our parents emotional.

Parents often react emotionally during graduations because it’s a milestone that marks the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication. Watching their child grow and achieve this significant accomplishment can evoke feelings of pride, joy, and nostalgia.

For many parents, graduation day represents the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in their child’s life. The emotional response can also be attributed to the realisation that their child is becoming more independent, and the parent-child relationship is evolving.

Additionally, parents may reflect on the challenges they’ve faced together, the late-night study sessions, and the moments of uncertainty, making the graduation moment even more poignant and emotional.

Here are some emotional reactions from the UKZN parents that captivated our hearts:

@ukzn_official Very emotional and proud moments ✨? #ukzngrad2025 #InspiringGreatness #UKZN #fyp #viral ♬ original sound – Worship8305

@ukzn_official POV: Your grandmother takes over your graduation?? #UKZNGrad2025 #PremierUniversityofAfricanScholarship #UKZN #InspiringGreatness #Inspired2032 ♬ original sound – Gugu Khathi

@ukzn_official An emotional moment from our lovely parents❤️✨ #ukzn #ukznstudents #graduation2025? #inspiringgreatness #inspired2032 #fyp #viralvideos ♬ Love In The Dark – Adele

Also see: UKZN Graduation does it again! Mpilo Mseleku, Impi the mascot and the class of 2025 show out

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