Graduate Honours her Late Granddaughter on Stage

Holding back tears, Dr Pinky Ntombizonke Zwane felt emotional as she walked onto the graduation stage and held up a photograph of her late six-year-old granddaughter, along with a message that read ‘Gogo walked your last mile Chuma’.

Receiving her PhD in Curriculum Studies from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Zwane’s moment of pride and jubilation was clouded by sombre feelings of loss for her granddaughter, Chuma Lubanzi Maqoma who passed away following a short illness, five years ago. Zwane dedicated her graduation moment to Chuma who was passionate about education, “She was an old soul, wise beyond her years, caring and loved school so much. At the time of her illness she never complained about pain, only about having to attend virtual classes. Chuma hated to miss even a day of school. She wanted to be learning until her last breath.”

Zwane says she had a very close connection with her granddaughter who closely resembled her, “I hope she’s proud of me, wherever she is. I imagined her alongside me on stage. I did this for her. Her courage pushed me to complete this degree.”

The graduation day was made even more meaningful by the presence of Zwane’s separated parents who came together to attend the graduation ceremony and share in her special moment, “My parents are seeing each other today for the first time since I was a little girl. My first graduation was a solitary event, without parents, family or friends. It means so much to me that they are here for me, today.”

Zwane’s journey began with a humble upbringing, raised by her maternal grandmother who supported the family with a social grant. These early circumstances led to significant financial hardship, and Zwane was often sent home from school due to unpaid fees, “I remember my youth leader, Themba Shabane, once ran to an ATM to withdraw R70 so I could pay my fees and take an exam,” said Zwane.

Reflecting on her life, she expressed a deep sense of humility, blessing, and triumph. “My grandmother would be very proud to know that I am graduating with my PhD. I credit my success to God, who has been the primary source of strength and guidance throughout my life.”

Financial barriers continued to challenge Zwane after high school, “While I was accepted into Indumiso College of Education, I couldn’t afford to attend. In 1990, I secured a spot at Ntuzuma College of Education. I even spoke to the manager at the Umlazi bus depot to arrange bus transport but still couldn’t afford the ticket. My fellow students supported me, paying my second-year tuition. In my final year, I was miraculously able to secure a loan for my studies and then pay it back on the same day.”

Zwane’s doctoral research, titled: ‘Digital Experiences of Life Orientation Lecturers in a Technical Vocational Education and Training College in Partnership with Cisco Network Systems, South Africa’ explored how Life Orientation (LO) lecturers navigated the abrupt introduction of digital training via the Cisco platform.

Her findings revealed that the abrupt implementation of the Cisco system created a knowledge gap among some campus managers, resulting in insufficient lecturer training. Furthermore, the training was ineffective because it failed to assess the lecturers’ existing digital competencies, leaving them unprepared to adopt the new system.

Zwane credits her perseverance to the unwavering support of her supervisor, Dr Lokesh Maharajh as well as her lecturers and online facilitators. She also expressed gratitude to her prayer supporters, family, friends, and mentors for sustaining her during her darkest moments.

With her PhD, Zwane hopes to create opportunities to share her experiences and advocate for stronger integration of digital skills in education.

“I feel a deep sense of humility and triumph,” she said. “From being chased out of school for outstanding fees to standing here with a PhD, I know God has carried me all the way. My hope is that my story inspires others to never give up, no matter how impossible it may seem.”

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Words: Sejal Desai and Jennene Naidu

Photographer: Sethu Dlamini