Local twins chase their dreams at the University of Mpumalanga
The two never allowed their parents' relationships status to interfere with their dream of achieving their goals academically.
Twins, Noncedo and Ncedile Chiloane (26) of Egame, were among 647 graduates of the University of Mpumalanga who received their qualifications at a virtual graduation ceremony last Thursday.
Twenty-seven students received their qualifications with cum laude distinctions, while 40 of them were beneficiaries of the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship awards.
The day also saw Confidence Ndhlovu marking history as she received the first master’s degree from the institution.
The twins said focus, determination and the belief in a God of impossibilities saw them achieving their goals.
Noncedo received her advanced diploma in agriculture in post harvest technology, while Ncedile walked away with an honours degree in development studies.
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“We were born in eNtokozweni and only moved to Dayizenza when our parents separated while we were doing grade nine at Nelsville Combined School. We moved to live with our mother’s family up until the completion of our matric,” they said.
Ncedile matriculated in 2013 and his sister in 2014.
“We were never in the same grade during our high school years. We didn’t even attend the same school, however, we both had aspirations to one day obtain higher institution degrees,” said Ncedile. Noncedo was admitted at the University of Mpumalanga in 2016 and Ncedile was admitted a year later.
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“Our journey at UMP had its ups and downs, but it was worth it, as we both graduated our undergraduate diploma and degree at the same time in 2019, and in 2020, we both enrolled for our post-graduate qualification.” T
he twins urged the youth of the province to put education first above everything else.
“Our message to the youth is that they should aim for the stars so that when they fall, they may fall on the clouds. Nothing is impossible.
“By God’s grace and patience, all things are achievable. I say this because Noncedo still managed to follow her dreams even though she is a young single parent of two girls, and I waited for four long years before gaining admission to university, because I had been rejected in prior years,” said Ncedile.
