Tee Xaba celebrates UKZN graduation: 'Don’t quit'

Updated May 6, 2026, 2:27 p.m. | By Tamlyn Canham

Recent UKZN graduate Tee Xaba is encouraging other students not to give up on their dreams.

Tee Xaba at her UKZN graduation — Tee Xaba obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Drama, Performance and English Studies from UKZN/Supplied (Tisetso Nhlapho)

East Coast Radio presenter Nomthandazo 'Tee' Xaba is officially a University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) graduate.

The 28-year-old walked across the stage this week to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Drama, Performance and English Studies.

"I gave up a few times… but God never gave up on me," she wrote on Instagram. She dropped out of her studies four times before completing.

It wasn't easy, but she is glad she persevered.

"I had to stay disciplined, manage my time properly and remind myself why I started, especially on the hard days," she said in a statement.

The Durban-born actress says her mother, Bonisiwe Khanyile, encouraged her to complete her studies. She also acknowledged her husband, family, and close friends for their continued support.

“I knew I owed it to myself to finish what I started. My faith, my mom, and my purpose kept pushing me to come back every time."

Tee has already made a name for herself in the South African entertainment industry, but a Bachelor of Arts will help her flourish even more in the creative space.

She has appeared on 'Uzalo', season 13 of 'Idols SA', and most recently on her family's Mzansi Magic reality show, 'Being A Xaba'.

Tee appeared alongside her father, Bishop VJ Xaba, and some of her 20-plus siblings.

"I grew up watching reality TV, starting with Rev Run’s family, then Kimora Lee Simmons, the 'Housewives' franchises, and later TLC shows like 'Here Comes Honey Boo Boo', 'Sister Wives' and 'Kate Plus 8', to name a few," she said in a previous interview.

"Reality TV shaped me. It taught me about honesty, family dynamics, humour and showing life as it truly is."

With a successful career and degree under her belt, she is looking forward to what the future holds.

“What I love most about being a UKZN graduate is the atmosphere at graduation. I don’t think there’s any other institution that shows as much excitement and appreciation for its graduates," she said.

If you're struggling with your studies, Tee's inspiring story is a reminder to take it one day at a time until you reach your goal.

"Rest if you need to, but don’t quit. You’ll thank yourself later. Your journey won’t look like everyone else’s, and that’s okay. Just don’t stop.”

Wind down in style with Tee Xaba weekdays from 21:00 - 00:00 on KZN's No.1 hit music station, East Coast Radio. Her mix of fun games, pop culture, and nostalgic hits is the ultimate evening escape.