TWIN BROTHERS PAY BACK MOTHER’S HARD WORK BY GRADUATING A DAY APART

A pair of Bizana-born twins’ innate ability to read, analyse and calculate numbers and data has seen them bring pride and immeasurable joy, twice over, to their family following their capping by WSU vice-chancellor, Prof Rushiella Songca, at the Komani Campus recently. 

Twin brothers from the rural village of Xolobeni, Zoli Ndovela and Lizo Ndovela, who graduated one day apart on the 6th and 7th of May, found comfort in each other’s presence as they celebrated their days of reckoning, with their mother on hand to witness this most important academic success. 

“Today marks a significant milestone, not just in my life, but in my twin brother’s life as well because we have finally achieved what we set out to do, which was to make my mother proud by repaying the endless sacrifices she made to make sure we go to school and study so we can fulfil our dreams of becoming teachers,” said Zoli. 

Moments after his brother’s capping, Zoli, who obtained his BEd degree in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching specializing in maths, science and technology the previous day, uttered words of reflection regarding the brothers’ trials and tribulations. 

In the midst of a warm brotherly embrace, he recalled the support, encouragement, compassion and love that characterized and shaped the twins’ relationship since boyhood. 

“I’m happy beyond expression at seeing my brother walking the stage to get his degree. We’ve been fighting with each other and for each other to make sure that this day becomes a reality,” said Zoli. 

His brother, Lizo, who majored in maths and technical sciences, spoke passionately about the significant role that lies ahead in his professional exploits as a “deputy parent”. 

He highlighted one of the most critical components of the teaching profession, Classroom Management, as one of the more important aspects that will shape his legacy as a teacher. 

“As a teacher, I think one of the most critical things to note is that learners are not stupid, or without insight – everybody has some sort of knowledge, whether it be scholarly, or experience. In my role, I must then be able to see beyond some of the challenges that might characterize a learner’s significant lack of knowledge, or their inability to adequately and timeously process information,” said Lizo. 

Physically spent following the two days’ festivities, the twins’ mother, Hlupheka Ndovela, chronicled her struggles as an informal street vendor trying to raise and educate the twins on a modest income.  

A most humble and deeply religious individual, Mama Ndovela threw her hands up with glee as she gazed at the sky and gave thanks to God. 

“As sickly as I am, God chose to keep me on this earth so I can witness my sons’ most joyful times  when graduating. I’ve done my part as a parent, and now it’s up to them to return the favour by looking after their mother,” she said. 

By Thando Cezula