Approved for public release
Date: 08 June 2021
The legendary South African sports commentator, Zama “ZZ” Masondo, affectionately known as “Mr. Laduma”, is officially a University of South Africa (Unisa) alumnus at 70 years of age. Masondo recently graduated cum laude with a Master of Arts in African Languages
Masondo was admitted through the Recognition of Prior Learning process. His master’s supervisor, Professor Stanley Madonsela, the Acting Chair of the Department of African Languages in the College of Human Sciences, says that Masondo’s application went through a vetting process by the department’s Higher Degrees Committee, which recommended that he be admitted for the qualification.
Madonsela explains: “He was admitted on the basis that he holds an undergraduate degree majoring in African languages. His vast experience in the language and development sector as a sports commentator and his contribution in coining a great deal of soccer terms and phrases in isiZulu were considered valuable traits.”
Masondo began his career at the South African Broadcasting Corporation in the early 1980s as a translator/writer. His love for education and the drive to empower himself made it possible for him to keep improving his qualifications.
The University of South Africa congratulates Mr. Masondo for his achievement and would like to encourage others to follow his footsteps to upgrade their lives through education.
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For interviews with Mr. Masondo, please contact Senior Media Officers: Mr. Tommy Huma on 072 218 6197 / 012 429 3981 / humatm@unisa.ac.za OR Mr. Edgar Rathelele on 063 731 5456 / 012 429 3981 / ratheme@unisa.ac.za.
ISSUED BY UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA - MEDIA AFFAIRS
Last modified: Sun Jul 30 14:11:11 SAST 2023