By virtue of being the first born child of a woman of colour, it is my onus to redefine the standing norms that have stagnated the progression of my people. To be the representation and a testament that exemplifies, contrary to popular belief, that black excellence exists and it need not be assimilated to the colonial standard to be recognised as so.

This is often quite draining, as the systems of our society are orchestrated in a manner that puts women of colour in a neverending abyss of having to constantly prove ourselves to be ‘good enough’.

However, my determination to succeed is not marred by these realities. My source of strength is drawn from the fact that this road I now walk has been walked before. My ancestry has overcome and continues to rise against many perils, despite fatherless homes, poverty and many other socio-economic catastrophes. Thus, because of this, I am more than ‘good enough’, evidence of this is accounted for in my lineage.

On this journey, my strength is renewed every time I witness, my fellow brothers and sisters of different womb graduate and succeed to deny the stereotypes. I celebrate more with them because I know that their graduation is two-fold. One, the university’s recognise their completion of the necessary requirements to qualify for their degree. However, their families confer upon them the highest honour- The hope family.

I see the latter graduation manifesting in the glistering eyes of the grandmother, in the smile of the mother and the proud stance of the father.

Such observation takes me back to the words of my beloved mother. As we said our goodbyes when left home for the first time as a UWC student she said:

“Ndikuthembile mntanam and ndivuyisana nawe, I am so proud of you“

(I trust you my child and I celebrate with you, I am so proud of you).

These words continuously fuel me, they are a constant reminder that although I am here on my own, I represent many.

I am a pioneer for those who are yet to come. For those who were denied access, I walk this journey as their proxy.

Thus, to be born for such a time as this, to receive this highest honour, I am grateful.