Excellence takes centre stage for Humanities graduates

Nthabiseng Nkwana and Iris Nkuna overcame loss, hardship and rural barriers to graduate with distinction, highlighting resilience, excellence and the impact of support in higher education.

Nthabiseng Nkwana Nthabiseng Nkwana, Diploma in Policing graduate, overcame personal loss, financial hardship and mental health challenges to graduate with four distinctions and continue her studies.

She grew up in Jericho in the Northwest Province and lost her father at 17, while in Grade 12. Raised by a single mother, she entered University without NSFAS funding and supported herself while living in a small backroom. Despite these challenges, she passed all her first-year subjects and later secured funding for her second and third years.

During her academic journey, she had to deal with unresolved grief, which affected her mental health and led to hospitalisation. With support from the academic Department and Student Development and Support, she was able to manage her condition and continue her studies.

Her strong academic performance earned her a Work Integrated Learning placement at the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority, where she gained practical experience. She graduated with four distinctions and is now enrolled for an Advanced Diploma in Policing. She says healing is a daily choice and remains committed to her goals.

Iris Shihluke Nkuna Iris Shihluke Nkuna, Diploma in Legal Support student, graduated cum laude with 13 distinctions and built a record of academic excellence and practical experience.

She comes from Mukhomi village in the Malamulele area in Limpopo. She excelled from her first year in 2023 when she enrolled with NSFAS funding and was selected to represent the University at a Moot Court competition hosted by the University of the Free State at the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein.

Due to her performance at a high level, she became a mentor to fellow students. In 2025 she completed her Work Integrated Learning at the TUT Law Clinic where she gained valuable experience in assisting clients with legal matters.

Graduating cum laude with 13 distinctions, placed her among the top graduates in her field. Her journey reflects discipline focus and the ability to turn opportunity into achievement.

The Department of Law Safety and Security Management highlights both graduates as examples of resilience and excellence. Their stories reflect the Faculty of Humaities’ commitment to knowledge that works and show how determination support and opportunity can transform lives.