UKZN's youngest graduate still in her teens

Issued by University of KwaZulu-Natal
Johannesburg, Jun 1, 2020

Just 19 and already a university graduate - that's the proud achievement of Clermentine Ngidi.

UKZN's youngest graduate for 2020, Ngidi will graduate with a Bachelor of Social Science degree.

"I feel honoured and am grateful to UKZN, my family, my high school physical sciences teacher Ms Nesi Cele and friends," said Ngidi.

"Although I won't be able to experience graduation in its exciting entirety due to COVID-19, I am proud of myself and all that I have accomplished during my undergraduate years."

She said finances were sometimes a struggle during her studies. "My sisters played a big role - they found the money to make sure I always had groceries at residence and money to buy the required books. A big thank you also to the Umzumbe Municipality who assisted with my registration fee and to NSFAS who also helped."

Ngidi is currently completing an honour's degree at UKZN in community development.