UKZN graduate's heartwarming story leaves South Africans in tears
Behind Nokuthula Dlamini's tears was an inspiring story of resilience.
When Nokuthula Dlamini walked across the stage to receive a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Sociology, she couldn't hold back her tears.
The University of KwaZulu-Natal graduate was not only proud of her accomplishment but grateful for the people who helped her, especially her single mother, Lindiwe Dlamini.
The informal trader has been by her side every step of the way and was waiting for her when she left the stage.
A video of the mother and daughter's emotional embrace went viral, but many did not understand the weight of the moment.
Financial struggles made Nokuthula's journey more challening that it needed to be, but the kind actions of people around her eased the burden.
A lecturer helped her find accommodation, and her roommate gave her food.
On one of the biggest days of her life, Nokuthula was not only thinking of herself, but also of her mother.
She attended her graduation ceremony in one of her old dresses because she didn't want to burden anyone by getting a new one.
“I did not want to trouble my mother because I knew the dire situation at home, so I decided to go with the clothes I had. What was important for me was just to be present at graduation because I thought this might be the last one for me,” she said.
Nokuthula's modest dress and simple hairstyle grabbed attention. While many people applauded her inspiring story, some made snarky remarks about her natural and makeup-free face.
However, the support of scores of South Africans drowned out the negativity.
"UKZN grad does this to us every year - crying with strangers and celebrating their hard-earned summits. My favourite grad images/moments for real," actress Nomzamo Mbatha commented on Instagram.
Another Instagram user praised Nokuthula for her "hardworking" and "resilient" spirit.
"Another day of crying online for total strangers and I’m not complaining. My prayer for her is to get a job and not just any job, but a well-paying one that will make her financially stable. I pray her mother lives long enough to witness her daughter’s greatness."
Nokuthula received support from across the country, with many offering new clothes and financial assistance.
Pictures and videos on social media show the Pietermaritzburg-born graduate posing for a graduation photoshoot organised by one of her supporters.
"I am so grateful to everyone who has reached out. I wish I could shout to the world to thank each and every one of them. I feel God has answered all my prayers and worries. Thank you to everyone,” Nokuthula said.
Nokuthula has crossed an important finish line in her academic career, but once again, she is not thinking about herself.
She has a special message for other students facing similar financial struggles.
"Don’t give up, go out and finish what you started."
READ: Tee Xaba celebrates UKZN graduation: 'Don’t quit'
Power of social media 👏 ❤️
— MZulu wa Limpopo (@KabeloMohlah02) May 7, 2026
Nokuthula Dlamini was offered:
New dress
Free photoshoot
Free make up
Free hairdo pic.twitter.com/8kpHAhdjGA
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