Shared goals and academic achievements mark the journey of Keitumetse Baloyi and her husband, Tshepo Baloyi, who recently joined other graduates during Unisa’s special celebratory graduation ceremonies held at the Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria.

The ceremonies were held for students who completed their qualifications with the university during the 2020 and 2021 academic years but were unable to attend formal graduations due to Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.

Keitumetse and Tshepo met in 2010 in Ga-Rankuwa. After forging a friendship, they started dating in 2011, married in 2019, and are now blessed with two boys, aged four and eight. Both were raised by single mothers who faced many challenges and limited financial resources. Yet, their mothers remained steadfast pillars of strength and hope, and their prayers and unwavering support inspired the couple to stay united and persevere together.

"Watching a single mother who worked as a domestic worker was not a pleasant experience for me and my siblings," says Keitumetse. The circumstances in her family led her to search for sustainable ways to alleviate poverty within the household, which she found through education.

She began her academic journey by enrolling for a Higher Certificate in Archives and Records Management in 2015. After completing it, she pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Health Sciences and Social Services in 2016, for which she received funding. She was later awarded a bursary to study for a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology in 2020. All her qualifications were obtained through Unisa.

During her studies, Keitumetse encouraged both her mother and husband to study, recognising that Unisa’s open, distance and e-learning model would allow them to balance work and study. At the age of fifty-eight, her mother completed a Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase in 2022 and attended a virtual graduation due to the Covid-19 lockdown. "I ensured that I encouraged and gave my mother the necessary support so that she wouldn’t give up along the way," she says. Tshepo, meanwhile, completed his Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing in 2020.

The couple values open communication. Tshepo explains: "We developed a study programme and explained our daily activities to our kids so they could understand that mom and dad are studying. However, we also ensure that we dedicate time to them, and to ourselves as a couple."

According to the couple, the journey has been amazing as they share family goals, study together and raise children in unity. "As a couple, we continue to support and remind each other about assignment due dates and strategies to prepare for examinations," says Tshepo. Although balancing family responsibilities, work and study was challenging, they managed their time wisely – studying after the children went to bed or taking turns to take care of the children. "We made sacrifices to accomplish our dreams," he adds.

Graduating together was a special milestone, giving them memories that will last forever. "It is rare for a couple to study together, to share academic challenges and triumphs, and to graduate on the same day, at the same time, and in the same place," said Keitumetse.

Tshepo encourages other men and husbands to follow suit: "Study, sacrifice, and work hard to achieve your goals. It is never too late to study. It is not going to be easy, but be courageous and do not give up."

Keitumetse had the opportunity to work as a trainee career guidance practitioner at the Unisa Rustenburg office through an internship programme. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Psychology. "I am a proud Unisan," she laughs.

Tshepo has been accepted to study for a Bachelor of Laws at Unisa and has authored a novel that is set to be published next year.

"Life has many hills," say the couple. "It gets better when you have someone to climb with. Don’t just succeed, build generational wealth."

* By Thotogelo Masenya, Communication and Marketing Officer, Unisa Midlands Region