Stroke survivor to graduate with Bachelor of Social Sciences degree

Displaying resilience in the face of adversity - in spite of suffering a stroke that paralysed the left side of her body - Nokubonga Sithole went on to complete her studies and will graduate with a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal today.

Sithole was admitted to hospital following the stroke in October 2018, received treatment and was discharged to begin her recovery at home. Despite very limited movement on her left side, she resumed her studies in March 2019. With the help of friends, she was able to attend lectures and tutorials, and was unwavering in her commitment to complete her degree on time.

Sithole not only completed all nine modules, but achieved outstanding results. "I had to push myself to graduate. It was physically, mentally and emotionally draining, but I knew I would get through. I had to do it for my mother - she is a single parent with not much income, yet she provides for the family," said Sithole.

She advises other students to "never give up. Believe in yourself and your capabilities. Follow your dreams."

Sithole plans to do her honour's degree in psychology and is confident she will recover from her stroke. "I am going for physiotherapy and it is really helping. I know I will be back to my old self soon."

For media interviews, Sithole can be contacted: [email protected] / 082 717 4998.

The UKZN virtual graduation ceremony will be broadcast on SABC 3 (DSTV Channel 193) at 1:30pm. Graduands will join via the link: https://virtualgraduation.ukzn.ac.za/.

UKZN has also partnered with Ukhozi FM on a special graduation programme, which will be broadcast between 12pm and 3pm.