Admiring the life his uncle had after graduating made DUT’s Thobani Msomi be a big dreamer and had him working hard academically.

Msomi who grew up with 12 siblings in a household managed by his unemployed parents, chose his uncle (the only graduate in the family) as his role model. “My uncle’s life impressed me and from what he conquered after being the first to graduate in our family I was motivated to follow in his footsteps,” he said.

Raised in rural uMzumbe (Southern KwaZulu-Natal), growing up, Msomi was a consistent top achiever. By grade 10, Msomi was already representing his school in academic competitions and his excellence in academics secured him a place to study towards a National Diploma in Taxation and Auditing at the University.
“When I was offered a place to study at DUT in 2014 I was excited although I had to leave my family and relocate to Durban but that thought of getting closer to my dreams had me thrilled,” said Msomi.

Msomi reiterates that leaving his family was not easy and he faced challenges while relocating but his concern was more on completing his studies. “I just told myself difficulties are part of any journey to success and I used every challenge I encountered as a motivation tool. I am truly grateful to everyone that supported me and I am happy that while other children were stressed about financial assistance from NSFAS, I did not have that problem because my applications were always successful,” echoes Msomi.

He graduated this morning (Friday, 12 May 2017)at the Fred Crookes Sports Centre, Steve Biko Campus during the faculty of Accounting and Informatics graduation ceremony at 9H00.

Pictured: Thobani Msomi on his graduation this morning.

Bongani Gema