University grad plans party to thank village elders for helping over the years

Njabulo Ntombela shot into South Africa’s view when he took his Gogo up with him to collect his degree, now he is planning a big party to celebrate her.

Njabulo Ntombela attended his graduation at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and took his Gogo on stage to honour her, for her lifetime of support and encouragement. The images went viral and his story spread across the country and inspired many people.

Now as a way to give back to her and the fellow elders of his village, Njabulo wants to throw a graduation party and birthday celebration for his Gogo. She is turning 90 in February next year. As part of the celebration, Njanulo plans to feed his community by providing food parcels and goodies bags to the elderly.

“On the 20th of April, I graduated from the University of KwaZulu Natal and during the ceremony, I invited my 89-year-old great-grandmother to come on stage and wear the graduation attire as a sign of appreciation for all her efforts. Unbeknown to me, the gesture and pictures went viral. It is with this tale in mind that I wish to host a graduation ceremony with a twist. The twist is an appreciation to our grandparents.

My great-grandmother will be turning 90 next year on the 2nd of February and I wish to celebrate her life and the lives of her peers. I wish for this event to be a communal celebration.”

Within his community, many of the households are run by grandparents. They support the children using only their pensions, feeding them and encouraging them to dream big and aim high.

“The aim of this event is to celebrate the women and men behind us. In Nkandla, many households are held by the elderly. They deserve all the credit behind our qualifications because, since Primary school, they mould our mindsets to succeed.”

He hopes to receive assistance in hosting a community celebration for his elders. He has put forward a request for help through the crowdfunding website, BackaBuddy. He hopes through public participation, that together, South Africa can honour a small group of people.