Lungelo Mbokazi, who hails from Bhanganoma in Nongoma, northern KwaZulu-Natal, is a well-rounded young man: humble, smart, hardworking, God-fearing and relentless. Today, Tuesday, 14 May 2019, Mbokazi added being a graduate of the University of Zululand (UNIZULU) to his profile.
He received a Bachelor of Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education at the King Bhekuzulu Hall in the KwaDlangezwa Campus, a degree conferred with distinction. Mbokazi, who is the first to graduate in his family, shared that his journey was littered with challenges- the death of his uncle and step-grandmother, whom he was fond of, financial constraints, illness in the family and other factors.
“As much as all these dynamics were present, I kept my focus (as) I knew all these were going to pass,” Mbokazi recalled. It dawned on him that he needed to carefully choose the people with whom he surrounded himself. One of the people who played an instrumental role in his life was Arts and Languages Education lecturer Muzi Vitalis Nzama, who motivated, consoled and supported the graduate in his time of despair.
Asked about his plans after graduation, Mbokazi alluded to the fact that the sky is the limit. “Nelson Mandela once said ‘You climb and get to the top of one mountain, immediately after that, you realise that there are still more mountains to climb’. There are still more mountains to climb, hence I am looking to further my studies and find employment,” he said.
He is currently registered for his honours at UNIZULU and his research topic is “The impact of artificial intelligence in education and society”. His study alerts society to the positives and negatives of modern technology as a means of helping it to adapt quickly to this new technological era.
When he is not studying or spending time with his extended family of 11, the graduate said he enjoys building technology gadgets like motors, speakers, electro garments and the likes. He also draws his inspiration from world-renowned icons such as Nelson Mandela, Leonardo Da Vinci and Albert Einstein.
– Siyanda Mntambo
Caption
Being resolute amid family challenges saw Nongoma-born Lungelo Mbokazi graduating with distinction at the King Bhekuzulu Hall, KwaDlangezwa Campus today (Tuesdsay, 14 May 2019).
