Cape Town – Dumisani Ngobese, who was recently offered permanent employment after his viral emotional graduation pictures moved South Africa, is a true example of the fruits of hard work.
The 23-year-old, who couldn’t afford a suit for his graduation at Westville Campus, did not let his poor background get in the way of his dream for a better future for himself and his family.
He wrote a black golf t-shirt and black jeans, as he accepted his Bachelor of Arts degree.
According to IOL, Ngobese was raised by his maternal grandmother in Bhukhanana, a rural area outside eMpangeni, where he was a street vendor and the sole breadwinner in the house where there were more than 10 children.
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Sadly, Ngobese’s grandmother could not make the trip to see her grandson walk across the stage and get his degree conferred due to ill health, the report said.
“I’m one of those billion black kids who used to go to bed not knowing where the next meal is going to come from,” Times Live quoted him as saying.
Ngobese was offered a permanent job by a Durban businessman Calvin Mathibeli less than 24 hours after his emotional graduation.
According to The Witness, Dumisani had not started applying for jobs, as he planned to graduate first then start applying for jobs.
“I have been praying for this moment for a long time, My family, especially my grandmother, are also happy that I have now been offered a job.
Admin was found chopping onions here.? #UKZNGrad2022
This picture speaks a thousand words. We love our graduates. We celebrate their achievements.❤️#UKZNGrad2022 #MyUKZN #MyPride #UKZN #InspiringGreatness #Graduation #UKZNGrad2022 pic.twitter.com/ur11UI2CQf
— University of KZN (@UKZN) May 13, 2022
“It’s very unusual for one to get a job straight after graduation. I really did not expect to be so lucky and I’m grateful. I was planning on furthering my studies while I look for a job, but now that the opportunity has presented itself, I will continue to work hard in my studies and work,” the report quoted Ngobese as saying.
Mathibeli also pledged to pay for Dumisani’s Honours’ degree studies and will be groomed in the business he chooses, the businessman’s tweet on the UKZN’s Twitter page, Briefly reported.
DONE DEAL: HAPPY ENDING FOR DUMISANI AS HE IS OFFERED PERMANENT EMPLOYMENT AND FUNDING FOR STUDIES
Less than 24 hours after his emotional graduation which moved many South Africans, 23-year-old Dumisani Ngobese has been offered a job.
(1/9) #UKZNGrad2022 pic.twitter.com/dMeFpVv4Yu
— University of KZN (@UKZN) May 14, 2022
Mathibeli said in a tweet on the university’s Twitter account, that he was especially touched by Dumisani’s story as it reminded him of his background.
Mathibeli whose group of companies has interests in agriculture and mineral and has 12 subsidiaries with offices in seven provinces and is recognized in Namibian and Lesotho, created a vacancy for Dumisani.
“I was also raised by my grandmother in a big family but our resilience has made us who we are. I want to ensure Ngobese is able to earn a living so he can contribute to his family. All I need from him is to respect the job.”
Pictures of an emotional Ngubane in tears on stage were shared on UKZN’s social media platforms on Friday. The posts went viral with thousands of South Africans offering words of encouragement and some pledging various donations.
(3/9) #UKZNGrad2022
— University of KZN (@UKZN) May 14, 2022
“I had other vacancies but I thought let me create one for Dumisani. He will start work on Monday. It will be a good position and a permanent one. He said he is studying online and we will pay for his studies.”
According to a statement by the university, Ngobese and Mathibeli met on Saturday afternoon to conclude the offer. r everyone, the UKZN stated.
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Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
