Orphaned Abongile's inspiring graduation!

A 26-YEAR-OLD graduate from Eastern Cape no longer feels alone after graduating from Fort Hare University.

Abongile Ngqoleka, born in Joburg but grew up in Mount Frere, KwaBacha, is an example that perseverance has its own reward.

On 25 April, he graduated with his Bachelor of Social Sciences in Psychology and Criminology.

Abongile, the author of Nakhane, endured several hardships in his life.

He became an orphan at eight, resulting in him and his younger brother being raised in an orphanage.

Abongile also lost his sister, who was murdered by her partner.

His sister was strangled in 2016 when she was 33 years old.

Abongile says his sister's death had nothing to do with his choice of degree, as he only wrote a book about her.

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The young author expressed gratitude towards his matric teacher, who encouraged him to strive for excellence and rented him a house.

"When I left the orphanage, I had to live by and care for myself. As I faced challenges, I responded with fortitude. When the opportunity arose to further my academics, I took it.

"Three years after matriculating, I was able to further my education. In the three years, I worked for a variety of foreign shops. Trying to survive was my daily struggle. These circumstances were deeply frustrating. There were times I thought of quitting my dreams, but I knew all dreams are valid and possible," Abongile said.

He attributed his success to the support of his teachers, who always spoke highly of success and achieving dreams if one believes.

"Moments of reaching dreams are typically celebrated with family, but they have shown me that family is not defined solely by blood relations. Their willingness to be there for me, to support and uplift me, has been invaluable.

"I know the pain of other orphans across Mzansi because I have first-hand experience with it.

"Where a person comes from shouldn't determine their future or define them," said Abongile.