Graduate lays the foundation for his family
He said he was humbled by the fact that his achievement had inspired his siblings to aim for the same goals.
Newcastle born and now University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) graduate, Banele Mgabhi, danced with joy on stage when he was awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Finance, Banking and Investment Management.
The ceremony took place at the university’s Westville Campus on April 5.
Mgabhi, who grew up in Madadeni Section 3, was the first person in his family to obtain a university qualification when he graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting Degree in 2012. Mgabhi said his life journey had not been at all easy.
“After my father passed away in April 2012, it was a hard time for my family. It honestly hasn’t been an easy journey, but what is important is that I had a strong support system. Many people can go through trials but I want to say if you have hope, you can build encouragement from within.”
“My plan was to prioritise my mom’s well-being, and I had to make sure my mother was well looked after. I had to find the drive and energy to keep me and my family going. I dedicated my latest qualification to my mother, who tirelessly encouraged me to further my studies and use my potential to the fullest.”
He and his brother extended their existing three-bedroom house by adding an extra bedroom, and therefore making it more comfortable for his mother and their family.
He said he was humbled by the fact that his achievement had inspired his siblings to aim for the same goals.
“I am happy my siblings share the same passion as I do. My older brother Khayelihle and younger sister Nomkhosi, both studied for Bachelor of Education Degrees. Currently, Khayelihle is Head of Department at Isikhalisezwe High School in Newcastle, while Nomkhosi is in her second year of study at Unisa.”
Mgabhi currently works as a management accountant at RCL Foods in Durban and has enrolled for a Master of Commerce in Finance Degree, focusing on consumer credit behaviour.
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