South African Masters Graduate who grew up so poor that he could not afford shoes was inspired to study law to fight for all South African’s human rights.
Time Media reported that Nkosinathi Mzolo‚ 31‚ graduated with a Master of Law degree (LLM) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal last week. Mzolo‚ who is now a graduate teaching assistant at UKZN’s Law School‚ said life was difficult‚ being raised by a single mother who planted vegetables to feed her seven children and sell to the locals.
“I had no school shoes and my mother could not afford the R23-a-year school fees in primary school. A teacher helped buy my uniform. Despite all the challenges I was very diligent‚ never missed school and maintained first position in class throughout primary school‚ was headboy and was involved in sport and the school choir.”
“In high school I was laughed at for not having a school uniform. In Grade 10 I stopped attending school because I was too embarrassed. Two teachers visited my home to find out why I was not at school. They said I could wear anything as long as I returned.”
“I studied very hard and did well in tests and assessments. For every test I did well in I was rewarded by my teachers with a different item of uniform‚” he said.
The incredible South African has said that people should not let circumstances dictate their destiny.
“Make it shape your character and personality to make you an even stronger person. You are the only person who can dream your dreams‚”
Mzolo, had no funds when he finished matric to pursue his studies so he started earning money by driving taxis. He received some finance aid and residence but continued to drive taxis throughout his university degree.
“I received financial aid and residence. I continued to drive on weekends and holidays to earn extra money.
“Unfortunately two months before I graduated with my Bachelor of Arts in 2012 my mother passed away and never saw what she cultivated in me pay off‚” said Mzolo.
Mzolo said the injustices done to illiterate and vulnerable people made him want to study law and fight for people’s human rights.
“I want to first be an academic before becoming an advocate and eventually joining the Constitutional Court‚” he said.
by 