QUMBU- What was meant to be a three-year degree became a seven-year journey for Sonelise Sibali after financial difficulties forced him to interrupt his studies. iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu confirmed that Sibali graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences at its Spring Graduation on 25 September 2026.
The 26-year-old Sibali was born and raised in Nyanisweni Location, Qumbu. The university said he became the first graduate in his family.
According to the university, his academic journey was disrupted multiple times due to a lack of funding.
Without accommodation and a meal allowance and relying on his mother a domestic worker for financial support, continuing his studies became increasingly difficult.
Sibali had initially applied to study Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) but after falling short of the required Admission Point Score, accepted an offer to study Biological Sciences.
“There were times when I thought of just giving up because I was struggling a lot,” Sibali said.
He said it was hurtful watching his peers complete the degree and move ahead while he was deregistering.
Support from friends, lecturers and university structures helped him remain on his academic path. The university said he also accessed its counselling services during a period in which his mental health deteriorated.
Sibali credited his lecturers, friends and family for encouraging him to persevere while reserving special thanks for his mother, Nosonwabiso Sibali.
“She was struggling but she never gave up on me. She would ask when I was finally going to finish studying and I kept telling her that I would finish,” he said.
Reflecting on his journey he encouraged students facing similar challenges not to measure their progress against that of others.
“You might not complete your degree within the expected period but do not give up. Believe in yourself and use the university resources available to you,” he said.
The university said having completed his BSc, Sibali plans to pursue an Honours degree to build further on his interest in research.
Courtesy of IMAGE: iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu
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