Next week, the Zondi family in Tsomo will have plenty to celebrate. Their eldest child, Siyamanga Zondi, will become the first graduate in their humble home and the youngest student to be capped during the University of Fort Hare (UFH) 2025 Autumn Graduation.
The 19-year-old, turning 20 in June, will graduate with a Bachelor of Commerce on Friday, 9 May. He is currently pursuing his honours degree in the same programme. This academic achievement brings him closer to his dream of becoming a Financial Analyst, a career he has dreamt of since childhood.
Although being the only child to his mother, Siyamanga was raised alongside his three younger cousins, whom he considers his siblings, under the care of his mother and grandmother.
Inspiration
“I grew up watching my mother, who was unemployed for most of my childhood, and my grandmother stretch every rand to ensure we had food and went to school,” Siyamanga shared. “That’s where my dream of becoming a Financial Analyst was ignited, seeing how money, or the lack of it, impacts lives. I want to be part of creating financial solutions that empower families like mine, especially in rural areas.”
Growing up sharing a rondavel with his siblings, Siyamanga says the two powerful women who raised them ensured that they were surrounded by love and discipline. “They instilled in me the belief in the power of education, even though they never went beyond matric,” he reflects.
Joining UFH
He started school at Daza Senior Primary School when he was five and matriculated at Ndyebo Ntsaluba Secondary School at 16. The following year, he enrolled at UFH for a BCom degree, which is a three-year programme.
“When I walked through the gates of the Alice campus as a first-year student, I knew it was not just about me; it was an achievement for my family and everyone who believed in me. It was also about me carving a path to academic success for my younger siblings.”
Fueled by his dream to succeed, Siyamanga quickly found his place and adjusted to life on the Alice campus.
“I made plenty of friends, and some of my classmates became my support structure, where we shared, reflected on our lessons, and empowered each other for upcoming ones.”
He also joined the UFH Handball team, where he represented the University in several tournaments.
“I wouldn’t have had it any other way. My time here at UFH has been great. I have grown in so many ways that I never imagined from when I left my home at 16 to start my studies in higher education.”
One of his younger siblings, Simamkele Zondi, has since joined him at UFH. She is in her first year of Bachelor of Science studies. “I recruited her, and I am glad I did because I believe the road to success starts here at the University of Fort Hare.”