Kind strangers have offered everything from clothing to photos, and even transport after hearing about a student whose family cannot make his graduation!
Tshwane, South Africa – A Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) student was overwhelmed with support after South African social media responded to his heartfelt tweet.
Given Mashitisha is originally from Limpopo but currently staying in Pretoria, Soshanguve. The dedicated student has a National Diploma in Administrative Management General and a B TECH in Management from TUT.
But Mashitisha’s mother is not working, so the student has had a lonely road without his family by his side during his studies, and has had to rely on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to get his qualifications.
Given wanted to pay off the money he owed so he took to Twitter to ask people to help him find a job. He was so desperate to get his qualification, he even offered to do odd jobs such as cleaning, cooking and gardening. An anonymous donor saw the tweet and offered to settle his debt.
“I enrolled for Btech in Management (Tshwane University of technology) which is the one I am graduating for, next month. I am currently doing my Advanced Diploma in Administrative management.
Nsfas does not fund a Btech, I owed the institution R31890 for 2018 fees. So it was on the 3rd of January 2019 when I posted on Twitter pleading for assistance. That’s when a good Samaritan who wanted to remain anonymous pledged R32000 to cover my outstanding fees.”
Mashitisha is finally graduating on the 25th of April and took to Twitter to ask if anyone would like to attend his ceremony as his family cannot make it.
And the response has been UNREAL!!! The tweet quickly gained traction with over 1500 retweets and 3500 likes.
South African social media users immediately offered to be there to support, to take photos, and even kit out the student to make sure he looked the part. The online conversation grew to a point where kind strangers offered to pay for his family to make the trip from Limpopo to Tshwane to celebrate the big day with him!
One social media user even offered to take Mashitisha’s mom shopping so that she can look the part too!
Check out the incredible thread below:
https://twitter.com/Perzarho/status/1109351291300601856?s=20
I'll be your family member.
— Sibongile Ntuli🇿🇦 (@Sibongile_Dust) March 23, 2019
I would like to come through. Is it okay 🌸🌸🌸?
— TweetTweet™ (@PLMaps) March 27, 2019
We will be there
— 07official (@otedolar) March 23, 2019
Who can accompany your mom, am willing to sponsor their travel
— Tamara Bobani (@tamarabobani) March 24, 2019
I’ll be your well behaved yet cheerful little sister.. I am there fam!! Even got a follow from me ❤️
— Pearly Pops ♈️🔥 (@pearlz_mn) March 25, 2019
I will set a reminder on my phone just so that I remember to send you best wishes on that day coz I won't be able to make it due to work commitments. And hey… I'm proud of you!!! 💕🎉👏
— Kay_Hiwa (@GenEvie22542560) March 23, 2019
If it's due to financial reasons kindly DM me. I'd love to help. You can have all the people in the world by your side but it's never the same without your family but big ups to everyone who's offering to come. ✌️
— BabesWes'hluthu (@Lizzy_Buzo) March 23, 2019
https://twitter.com/ashleygandawa/status/1109781444803678209?s=20
It’s beautiful…it’s these instances that show us what Ubuntu means, it revives hope in humanity. I’m so happy for you. I trust you’ll have a wonderful day with your family by your side. Congratulations! 🎈🍾🥂🎊🎉
— 🎀Winnie♈️ (@Mawinizerr) March 24, 2019
updates: I was talking to his Mom (Now our Mom)this morning while I was going around in town looking for her Sepedi traditional dress.well I wish y'all could have heard her joyfull voice she even blessed all of us taking part and those who wish to but can not.❤❤ https://t.co/8jPteDOi2J
— Jonas but not Blue (@im_sanoj) March 26, 2019