Degrees of determination: Stories of grit, growth, and graduation

Every student has a story, but some stories remind us just what an amazing force the combination of determination, purpose, and passion can be. From learning by candlelight to beating disability, and from paying respects to a deceased parent to pushing the frontiers of technology, these remarkable Unisa graduates demonstrate what it means to hang in there,  survive, and come out even stronger.

Buyisile Makhanya: Holding fast to the ideal of educational renewal

“Discipline is key – stay focused and active with your goals.”

Buyisile Mbali Makhanya graduated on 9 June 2025 with a Bachelor of Education Honours degree – a stepping stone on her way to her vision of transforming and changing the education system from within. Her journey into postgraduate studies was driven by a deep personal mission: “To develop and grow myself within the education system,” in her own words.

Nokukhanya Mthethwa

Makhanya selected Unisa as it was affordable and accessible, pointing to the manner in which lower fees placed good education within her grasp. Smooth was not her path, though. "The communication of the management is not good," she points out, a typical difficulty for distance learners. Despite the struggle, Makhanya stood firm. Her secret?  “Discipline is key.” That discipline carried her through the tough times, hardening her and making her a little bit stronger with each step ahead.

She shares a simple but powerful message to fellow students and aspiring graduates: “Stay focused and active with your goals”.  In an age of distractions, Makhanya's story is a reminder that purpose and discipline go hand-in-hand, and that with the right attitude, even the most annoying moments can be triumphant victories.

Keanu Moodley: Coding for success with focus and flexibility

“Stay focused, manage your time well, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

It was on 9 June 2025 that Keanu Moodley proudly held his Bachelor of Science in Computing. This degree is not only a sign of academic achievement but a stepping stone into a future of software creation and technological innovation. “I chose Computer Science because I enjoy problem-solving and technology,” Moodley says. “I wanted a career in software development and innovation.”

Keanu Moodley

His experience at Unisa was both the best and worst of distance learning. Flexibility was revolutionary to Moodley. Learning at his own pace allowed him to balance his other commitments, but with that flexibility came loneliness and the issue of sustaining motivation without immediate feedback. “Sometimes the lack of real-time support and delayed feedback made it challenging to stay on track,” he admits.

Difficult modules and minimal face-to-face support frequently caused strain. Still, rather than give up, Moodley constructed his own system: “I created a strict study schedule, used online forums and YouTube for additional explanations, and reached out to peers for support”. This stringent regime carried him through the toughest period of the experience and set him up for the technological rigours of the future.

Moodley’s advice to fellow students is simple, powerful and true for any path:  “Stay focused, manage your time well, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Consistency and perseverance will get you through.”

As he confidently steps into the tech world, Moodley leaves behind a digital footprint of hard work, smart choices, and a mindset wired for success.

Roy Naidoo: Mastering numbers, defying limits

Roy Naidoo

“To my fellow students with disabilities — you are not alone. Believe in your ability to succeed.”

On 10 June 2025, Roy Naidoo reached an academic milestone of note, graduating with a Postgraduate Diploma in Taxation from Unisa. But behind the diploma lies a tale of grit, determination, and unassuming bravery. Naidoo was always fascinated by numbers, but it was while studying for his accounting degree that he discovered his vocation. “The Taxation module quickly became my favourite,” he explains. “This inspired my decision to specialise in the field of taxation.”

Studying via Unisa because it was affordable and there were no closed books or classrooms, Naidoo found studying a breeze with the support of committed lecturers and an easy-to-use online system that allowed him to learn effectively, at his own pace.

But Naidoo's journey was not without its barriers.  “As a disabled student, I experienced difficulties sitting for extended periods, and my physical movement posed a constant challenge,” he comments.

Despite that, he coped, remained resolute and drew strength from Unisa's Advocacy and Resource Centre for Students with Disabilities (ARCSWiD), which provided him with the necessary assistance and extra examination time. This assistance, along with his unyielding determination, allowed him to persist in his studies with dignity and confidence. His experience also highlights the dominant issues experienced by most Unisa students: “Before completing my qualification, I often found challenges in contacting Unisa, especially the Student Call Centre. The response time was lengthy, and information wasn’t always easily accessible.”

At the final hurdle, Naidoo was victorious, and his message to others, particularly disabled students, is one of hope: “The most courageous step you took was deciding to register for your qualification — and you succeeded. Stay focused, believe in yourself, and remember you can and will achieve this. A strong network of people and resources is here to support you.”

Naidoo's is not a tale of taxation or education. It is one of breaking barriers, accepting help, and proving that no obstacle is too high to overcome through self-confidence.

Ntombikayise Mthimkhulu: Marketing with meaning — Creativity, strategy, and the hustle in between

Ntombikayise Mthimkhulu

“If you’ve ever studied by candlelight or submitted an assignment before a blackout, you’re not alone. Your hustle will pay off.”

On 10 June 2025, Ntombikayise Ngiphile Mthimkhulu celebrated her graduation with a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing Management, a degree that bridges the bold world of creativity and the precision of business strategy.  A creative, natural thinker, Mthimkhulu was naturally drawn to storytelling, design, and innovation. But not only to be creative for the sake of it — she wanted to make a difference. “I’ve always been drawn to creativity, but I also wanted a qualification that connected those strengths to real business impact. BCom Marketing gave me that balance,” she comments.

She was instructed to draw creative inspiration and formulate results-based strategies, pairing imaginative vision with analytical minds to create brands that count. Unisa's flexibility allowed her to learn at her own pace — something she found empowering as a freelance creative. “The independence helped me build strong time management and self-motivation skills,” she says. But despite all its flaws, the distance learning system worked.  “At times, the isolation and slow admin response made things difficult,” she admits. But rather than being deterred by it, Mthimkhulu learnt to adapt, using her resourcefulness, perseverance, and solution-oriented problem-solving skills.

Her greatest challenge? Coping with the roadblocks of load shedding and technology problems, particularly regarding assignments and tests.  “I had to plan my studies around power cuts, which was stressful and required extra planning.”  But she overcame them with calm and grit:  “I completed tasks early, used offline tools and printed notes to stay on track. I stayed calm, solved problems and adapted quickly.”

And now, degree in hand and creative fire still glowing, Ntombikayise has a powerful message for her peers: “If you’ve ever submitted an assignment minutes before a blackout, studied by candlelight, or fought Wi-Fi like a boss — you’re not alone! Every challenge is shaping you. Take breaks, dance it out and keep going. Your hustle will pay off. You’ve got this!” And what's her bonus tip? “Be friends with your myLife emails — check them regularly so you never miss important updates.”

Mthimkhulu is more than just a graduate. She's a strategist, late-night power cut survivor and creative powerhouse who can bring brands to life.

These inspiring graduates show that with vision, courage and direction, no obstacle is too great. Every degree that Unisa confers is not just a piece of paper. It is a statement of inner fortitude, unbending discipline, and a willingness to make a difference. When Unisa graduates step down from the graduation stage and out into the world, they are not so much collecting degrees as they are bringing with them inspiring tales that will motivate others to reach further.

Nokukhanya Mthethwa: Shaping a Passionate Public Relations Career with Direction

“Have a study timetable and stick to it — don’t give up until you walk on that stage.”

Nokukhanya Mthethwa took her well-deserved bow on 11 June 2025 when she graduated from Unisa with a Diploma in Public Relations — her hard work, dedication, and a deep passion to establish a fulfilling career coming to fruition. Having worked at a business school, Nokukhanya was particularly conscious of the importance of effective communication from the early days. “It was important to me to learn how to communicate with stakeholders. But most importantly, I wanted to build a career for myself.”

Nokukhanya Mthethwa

Being a working wife and mother, full-time traditional studying was out of the question. Unisa was where she felt most comfortable because the distance learning environment enabled her to study late after work without compromising her work or home responsibilities. “Studying after hours worked for me,” she says.

While her academic path was mostly smooth, she had a clear preference when it came to assessments: “I disliked the IRIS online exam system. I prefer sitting in for exams,” she notes.  Despite this, Nokukhanya did not experience any major setbacks in her planning, time management, or resolve. Planning in advance and tenacity were her success formulas. Her message of inspiration to students is brief, organised and genuine: “Prepare your assignments on time. Have a study timetable and stick to it. Don’t give up until you walk on the stage.”

Now with her diploma in hand and her future in the making, Nokukhanya Mthethwa is an inspiring testament to what tenacity and focus of intent can do even for the most elusive dream.

From Dream to Degree: Natasha Maharaj Fulfils Her Father’s Dream

“God didn’t promise us a bed full of roses — but He did promise to be our strength.”

Natasha Maharaj took to the graduation stage on 12 June 2025 to receive her master’s degree in education — an achievement which she regards not only as a personal milestone, but also the realisation of a passionate family aspiration.  For Natasha, making the decision to do a master's was a result of a promise and a passion.  “I wanted to further my education and complete a dream carved by my late father and a dream of me always getting the highest qualification,” she shares. Her experience with postgraduate studies was not without stress, but due to the never-fading inspiration of her supervisor, Mr Chauke, Natasha's experience was smooth and successful.

 “Whatever I faced, my supervisor always helped me overcome it,” she says. She gratefully credits Unisa and her mentor in creating a worthwhile and fulfilling student experience and adds that she disliked " nothing " about her experience at the institution.

Natasha's advice to others entails faith, perseverance and integrity: “Have faith in God. The man who never fails is God. Aim for the stars, no matter what obstacles come your way. Remember, you are stronger than them. We all have to face a speed hump before going over it. It doesn't make us weaker but instead makes us stronger and braver. And lastly, honour your parents.”

She leaves her story anchored in a powerful scripture that continues to guide her journey: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

Natasha Maharaj is a shining reminder that education is more than a qualification — it’s a tribute, a testimony, and a tool for transformation.

*By Jo Cossavella, Communications Officer, KwaZulu-Natal Region