By: Mo Senne (Senior Communications Officer)
Lalelisile Mncwabe’s journey to her graduation at Rhodes University did not begin the day she took a bus all the way from KZN. It started years before that, with a decision that changed the course of her life.
After her first attempt at matric, she made a difficult choice to go back and redo Grade 11, having recently lost her father in 2019. She reflects that "At the time, it felt like one of the boldest and most uncertain decisions I had ever made". However, she knew that if she wanted a different future, she had to give herself another chance. In 2021, she finally completed her matric, carrying with her the hope that one day she would walk across a graduation stage. That dream eventually led her to Rhodes University. Now, that dream becomes a reality as she prepares to graduate on 27 March 2026 during the 14:30 session, having completed her studies in Journalism and Media Studies with a specialisation in audio and radio.
When Lalelisile arrived at Rhodes University, the challenge for her was not financial; it was emotional. She notes that "University is often described as an exciting new chapter, but for me it was also a time of learning how to navigate life without the constant emotional support I once had". Both of her parents have passed away, as she lost her mother when she was only four years of age, and there were moments during this journey where their absence felt especially heavy. She often found herself thinking about her late father because they were close. One of the greatest gifts he gave her, she says, was the freedom to make her own choices and pursue the things she believed in. He trusted her to follow her path, and that trust has stayed with her through every step of this journey.
There were times when the University felt emotionally overwhelming. Lalelisile explains that "Being far from my immediate family, sometimes going months without speaking to those back home, and trying to stay focused on my studies was not always easy". However, she is currently extremely happy that she will be the first to graduate from her parents' home. As she finalises her graduation preparations, she often thinks back to those moments when she would sit and study, imagining what it would feel like to reach this day. She realises that "Walking across that stage was once just a dream, soon to be a reality".
Her sister, Samukelisiwe Mncwabe, shared a moving tribute reflecting on this journey. She observed that "Umuntu uyakhula, yazi mangbuka Lale ngvele ngicabange kushonamah owamshiya ena 4 years but buka namhlanje ungakanan". Samke reflected on her sister's strength as a young woman returning from university, who stayed alone for 4 years without an elder and handled herself well through God. She recalled difficult times, noting that "Uke wangkhalela ebuya eskoleni kwabuhlungu kumina”. Samke emphasised that even in the absence of parents, life continues, and nothing is impossible. She wanted to share this testimony to show where a person comes from and to prove that it is possible to move forward even when it is not easy.
Samke further expressed her deep faith, stating, "Impela uNkulunkulu uyama nomuntu amuthwale mina ngimbonile ekwenza loko.” Her message concluded with a profound sense of sisterly love: "I'm so proud ngo dadewethu, I love you my sister, uyazike nawe".
Lalelisile wishes her father could witness this moment, but she carries his belief in her with every step she takes. This milestone is not only a celebration of her academic journey but also a reminder that the path to your dreams is not always straight. She believes that "It may take courage to start again, resilience to keep going, and faith to believe that the destination will be worth it". She is happy that she will walk through that stage feeling grateful for the second chances she gave herself, for the people who supported her, and for the opportunity to be part of the Rhodes University community.
This journey has taught her that "even when the road feels long and uncertain, it is still possible to arrive exactly where you once hoped to be". She is incredibly happy to reach this finish line. Her sister’s reflections highlighted the quiet resilience it took to keep going, acknowledging that the strength she carries comes from the values her parents instilled in her. Ultimately, her story is one of love, pride, and encouragement, reminding everyone that perseverance and faith can carry us through even the hardest journeys.