- Tears freely flowed down the cheeks of Thembisani Mntungwa as he graduated with a bachelor’s degree from a prestigious university
- He cried not tears of joy, but of sorrow, as he achieved the academic milestone without the presence of his mother, who had passed away months before the ceremony
- However, he paid an emotional tribute to her as he reflected on her sacrifices, encouragement, and unwavering support throughout his studies
It is a painful experience when parents are not alive to witness the success of their children after years of sacrifice and hard work.
Source: Instagram
A young man has had to celebrate a major milestone without the presence of his mother, who had been his pillar of strength and biggest cheerleader.
Thembisani Mntungwa graduated from university in the absence of his mum, who sadly passed away months before the ceremony.
What’s Thembisani Mntungwa’s mum’s name?
As he celebrated his academic achievement, he remembered her and honoured her in an emotional way that moved many people.
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“With tears streaming down his face, Thembisani Mntungwa honoured his late mother on the graduation stage, holding up a T-shirt paying tribute to the woman he described as his ‘biggest cheerleader’ and the reason he was able to reach the milestone despite her passing less than two months ago,” the post read.
Sorrow clouded Thembisani’s face even on a day of joy because his mother was not alive to witness and celebrate the fruits of his labour.
Reflecting on the passing of his mother, Nondumiso Mntungwa, in March, he spoke of the deep void she left behind.
Thembisani turns grief into gratitude
“I wish she could embrace this moment with me. We had imagined it and spoken about how we would celebrate. This was as much my moment as it was hers. She wasn’t just my mum; she was my friend and my biggest supporter,” he shared.
By choosing to honour her on stage, he turned grief into gratitude. He wanted the world to know that his achievement belonged to her too.
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When he walked onto the stage, he wanted to share the moment with her. He felt she was there with him in spirit and deserved to celebrate the achievement alongside him.
Thembisani added that his mother made immense sacrifices to ensure that he and his three younger siblings were well cared for.
What work did Thembisani’s mum used to do?
“She worked as a domestic worker and, at times, as a street vendor to make sure there was always food on the table and that we had lunch money for school. This was the deepest and most encouraging way she showed her support,” he narrated.
The graduate recounted how his mother unwaveringly supported him throughout his studies, which motivated him to always do his best in school.
“During the course of my degree, she would always call to check on me and ask about my marks. Those were the little things that mattered. During difficult moments when I wanted to give up, I would remember that I had someone at home who believed in me and took great pride in seeing me achieve this milestone of becoming a graduate,” he shared.
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Among those proudly cheering for Thembisani were his father and maternal grandmother, who attended the ceremony.
Source: Instagram
Graduate in wheelchair gifted bouquet by mum
In another story, Irja N. Lipinge’s academic achievement of graduating with a nursing degree was remarkable, especially as she is a wheelchair user.
She reflected on her educational journey, highlighting the people who supported and helped her succeed.
She was celebrated by fellow graduates after earning her degree, while her mother gifted her a lovely bouquet to mark the milestone.
Source: GossipsNG
