The definition of ‘I’ll always show up for you.”
A father accepted his late daughter’s degree on her behalf at a graduation ceremony recently and hardly a dry eye in the room could be found.
Gqeberha, South Africa (25 April, 2023) — It was a brave, beautiful and bitter-sweet moment for one family and father, Thanduxolo Sontiki, who walked the graduation stage in honour of his late daughter who passed away a few months before she would’ve been awarded her degree.
The Nelson Mandela University’s Humanities graduation ceremony saw the proud parent engulfed in admiration from fellow attendees as he collected the late Sochuma Sande Sontiki’s achievement.
Despite the sombre realisation that all the other parents were able to share the moment with their children, Thanduxolo’s bravery showcased how strong love, pride and a parent’s desire to always show up for their children can be.
As the university shared, there was hardly a dry eye in the room.
According to TimesLive, Thanduxolo’s daughter had passed on at just 22.
Thanduxolo shared that the moment was one of ‘necessary pain’, but also unexpected support as many people from all cultures came to the family, hugged them and consoled where they could.
Across social media, South Africans commended the father’s strength and courage.
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