Graduate Turns Pain into Purpose After Teenage Pregnancy
Ms Thembile Biyela crossed the graduation stage at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) with a heavy heart, reflecting on her life’s journey, marred by the rejection she faced as a teenager who fell pregnant ahead of her matric year in 2016.
However, for Biyela, graduating with a Bachelor of Education degree from UKZN was proof that her circumstances did not define her future.
From a young age, Biyela’s determination to build a better life for herself was severely tested when she fell pregnant during her Grade 11 year. Instead of support, she faced judgment and ridicule from fellow learners and members of her community.
“People made me feel like my life was over,” she said. “I was laughed at, talked about and treated differently. Going to school became emotionally painful because I no longer felt welcome there.”
Biyela’s experience was compounded by her financial struggles – growing up in a poor household in Ndwedwe, she recalls days when there was little or no food on the table.
The pressure and emotional strain followed her into her matric year, where she failed her final examinations.
“At the time, I felt defeated,” she said. “I believed the things people were saying about me; that I had ruined my future.”
Over the next few years, she focused on motherhood while trying to rebuild her confidence and sense of purpose. Although life remained difficult, the dream she had of completing her education never left her.
Determined to change the direction of her life, she returned to school and completed her matric in 2020. It was a turning point that reignited her belief in herself and opened the door to Higher Education.
Balancing her home life, academics, and financial struggles was not easy. There were moments when she doubted herself and considered giving up, but she kept pushing forward.
“I want my children to grow up knowing that no matter how difficult life becomes, you must never stop believing in yourself,” she said. “I also want to prove to other young women that becoming a mother does not mean your dreams are finished.”
The emotional weight of her journey overwhelmed her at the graduation ceremony, where she stood tearful and deeply moved as her name was called.
“All I could think about was how far I’ve come,” she said. “I remembered the embarrassment, the rejection, the poverty and the hopelessness I once felt. Standing on that stage meant that I survived it all.”
Today, she hopes her story will inspire others facing similar challenges to persevere, “Keep showing up, even on the days you don’t feel ready, the hard parts you live now will build the strength you’ll need later,” she added.
Words: Sejal Desai
Photograph: Tisetso Nhlapho
