Teenage pregnancy survivor graduates with Education degree

Thembile Biyela walked across the graduation stage, carrying more than just a qualification. She carried years of pain, rejection, and resilience after becoming pregnant as a teenager before her matric year in 2016.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Education degree from UKZN marked a deeply emotional milestone for Biyela, who said her journey proves that teenage pregnancy does not have to define a young woman’s future.

Growing up in Ndwedwe under difficult financial circumstances, Biyela’s dreams were shaken when she fell pregnant during her Grade 11 year. Instead of receiving support and encouragement, she faced harsh judgement from fellow learners and members of her community.

“People made me feel like my life was over, I was laughed at, talked about and treated differently. Going to school became emotionally painful because I no longer felt welcome there,” she recalled.

Like many teenage mothers, Biyela found herself battling emotional stress, social stigma, and financial hardship all at once. The pressure became overwhelming during her matric year, eventually leading to her failing her final examinations.

“At the time, I felt defeated, I believed the things people were saying about me, that I had ruined my future,” she said.

For several years, she focused on raising her child while quietly trying to rebuild her confidence and sense of purpose. Although life remained difficult, she refused to let motherhood end her educational journey.

Determined to rewrite her story, Biyela returned to school and successfully completed her matric in 2020 — a turning point that reignited her belief in herself and opened the door to higher education.

Balancing motherhood, academics, and financial challenges while pursuing her degree was not easy. There were moments of exhaustion, self-doubt, and uncertainty, but she remained committed to creating a better future for herself and her children.

“I want my children to grow up knowing that no matter how difficult life becomes, you must never stop believing in yourself, I also want other young women to understand that becoming a teenage mother does not mean your dreams are over,” she said.

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The emotional weight of her journey became overwhelming during her graduation ceremony as she stood tearfully listening to her name being 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, Biyela hopes her story will inspire other teenage mothers and young women facing similar challenges to continue pursuing their education despite the obstacles they may encounter.